Socioeconomic inequalities in the consumption of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods in Brazilian adolescents

• Main Author: Costa,Bruno Gonçalves Galdino da
• Publication Date: 2022
• Other Authors: Duca,Giovani Firpo Del, Silva,Kelly Samara da, Benedet,Jucemar, Malheiros,Luis Eduardo Argenta, Quadros,Emanuele Naiara, Streb,Anne Ribeiro, Rezende,Leandro F. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Ciência & Saúde Coletiva (Online)
• Download full: http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1413-81232022000401469
• topic: Healthy eating; Adolescent; Food consumption; Fast foods

Abstract In this study, we evaluated socioeconomic inequalities in the consumption of in natura/minimally processed and ultra-processed foods among adolescents. We used data from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE), 2015. According to the self-reported consumption of beans, vegetables and fruits, a score of in natura/minimally processed foods was generated (0-21 points). Sodas, sweets, instant noodles, and ultra-processed meat were used for the score of ultra-processed foods (0-21 points). Equality indicators were gender, maternal education, and socioeconomic level. Absolute difference, ratios, concentration index and slope index of inequality were calculated. Adolescents (n=101,689, 51% girls, 14.2 years) reported a mean score of 9.97 and 11.46 for ultra-processed foods and in natura/minimally processed foods, respectively. Absolute and relative differences between adolescents with the highest and lowest socioeconomic level, there were differences of 2.64 points and 33% for consumption of in natura/minimally processed foods; and 1.48 points and 15% for ultra-processed foods. Adolescents from higher socioeconomic level ate more in natura/minimally processed foods and ultra-processed foods.