Urban geographic space and fruit and vegetable consumption: 2013 National Health Survey

Abstract

The aim of the study was to analyze the association between the urban geographic space and the regular consumption of fruit and vegetables in Brazil. It involved a population-based and cross-sectional study using data from the 2013 National Health Survey, considering 60,202 adults ≥18 years old. The dependent variables were regular fruit consumption (RFC) and regular vegetable consumption (RVC). The independent variable was the urban geographic space divided into three categories: Capital, metropolitan region (MR) and interior. The Odds Ratio was calculated, adjusted by sociodemographic variables. Among women, the RFC was lower in MR (OR= 0.83; 95%CI: 0.73-0.94) and in the interior (OR= 0.68; 95%CI: 0.61-0.76), the same in men (RM: OR= 0.84; 95%CI: 0.75-0.93; Interior: OR= 0.78; 95%CI: 0.71-0.85). In most subcategories, the same was observed in the interior and the capital. There was no association with RVC and the urban geographic space in general, and when stratified in the subgroups even contradictory results were observed, because in some subgroups the RVC was higher in the capitals and lower elsewhere. Local aspects of production and distribution of these food products are considered when planning public policies that seek to promote consumption in the population.