FOOD AND NUTRITION INSECURITY IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: APPLICATION OF EBIA IN ADULT WOMEN

Abstract

Food and Nutritional Security (FNS), a constitutional right, guarantees full, regular, and permanent access to food. However, there is increasing hunger in Brazil, perpetuated by rising poverty and social inequalities, which primarily affect women. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of Food Insecurity (FI) and its social factors among adult women aged 18 to 59 years registered at a Primary Health Care unit in the city of Itaú de Minas – MG. Through a structured questionnaire, the socioeconomic data, food frequency, and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (BFIS) of the volunteers were assessed. One hundred women were interviewed, of whom 30% were in FNS and 70% experienced some degree of food insecurity, with 45% at a mild level, 19% at a moderate level, and 6% at a severe level. EBIA data were associated with the presence of individuals under 18 years old, socioeconomic conditions, and the worsening of household situations after the pandemic (p<0.05). Food consumption showed a good intake of beans, vegetables, and greens, and inadequate intake of fruits, processed meats, red meats, sweets, and sweetened beverages. It is concluded that, being multifactorial, FI needs to be analyzed from its various dimensions and social determinants for better understanding.