Factors Associated with the Consumption of Food Markers of Unhealthy Diet among School Children in Situations of High Health Vulnerability

Abstract

Cross-sectional study that aimed to investigate the factors associated with the consumption of food markers of unhealthy diet among school children with high health vulnerability in public schools of a Brazilian capital. Unhealthy food consumption was investigated through a simplified Food Frequency Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was performed, considering excessive consumption of unhealthy foods as an outcome. A total of 299 students were evaluated, with a mean age of 11.0 ± 2.4 years, 54.8% female and 20.2% overweight. Excessive consumption of unhealthy foods was observed in 46.2% of the sampled population. The chance of excessive consumption of unhealthy foods was greater among school children who skip breakfast (OR = 2.80; 95% CI 1.38-6.48); and those who habitually eat in front of the screen (OR = 2.99; 95% CI 1.11-7.06). These findings can guide interventions to promote healthy habits among school children with high health vulnerability, preventing lifelong excess weight.