Análise do consumo alimentar de adolescentes da Paraíba e fatores associados

Abstract

Adolescence is a phase of intense physical, emotional, and social transformation, during which the search for identity construction and the development of autonomy occurs. This process is crucial for the consolidation of eating habits that tend to persist throughout life, directly influencing health and the risk of early development of chronic noncommunicable diseases. In Paraíba, sociodemographic and economic changes follow the national trend of a nutritional transition, characterized by a reduction in the consumption of natural foods and a significant increase in ultra-processed foods. This transition may be occurring more slowly in the state compared to other regions of the country. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the food consumption of adolescents in Paraíba between 2008–2009 and 2017–2018, according to social, economic, and demographic variables, as well as food security. This is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study based on data from the 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 editions of the Household Budget Survey (POF/IBGE). Adolescents (10 to 19 years old) from Paraíba were included, totaling a sample of 224 in the first period and 256 in the second. The consumption of the NOVA groups was assessed by calculating the mean percentage of caloric contribution. The analyses were performed in R software (version 4.4.2) using the t-test for independent groups. Between the two surveys, an increase in average calorie consumption of approximately 89 kcal was observed, along with a reduction in the consumption of natural foods (Δ = -5.8%), an increase in the use of culinary ingredients (Δ = +6.4%), a decrease in processed foods (Δ = -3.2%), and an increase in ultra-processed foods (Δ = +2.7%), all with statistically significant differences (p<0.05). Food-secure adolescents had a higher intake of ultra-processed foods and processed ingredients, while food-insecure adolescents had a higher consumption of natural foods. This evidence reinforces the need for public policies and actions targeted at adolescents in Paraíba, aiming to promote healthier choices and reduce inequalities in access to quality food.