Análise da insegurança alimentar associada à prática alimentar de crianças menores de 3 anos acompanhadas pelo Programa Criança Feliz residentes no município de Cuité, Paraíba, Brasil.

Abstract

The practice of feeding in early childhood is crucial for good development throughout life, but not all families have access to good food, as they are inserted in vulnerable situations. Studies have shown that if children are placed in situations of social vulnerability, such as Food Insecurity (FI), their development may be affected as a result of an impaired eating practice. Objective: This study aimed to analyze FI associated with the eating habits of children under 3 years of age assisted by the Criança Feliz Program (PCF) in the municipality of Cuité. Methods: A cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive research was carried out through the application of a questionnaire that collected socioeconomic information on FI and food consumption of 128 families and children monitored by the PCF. The Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) was used to assess FI and a 24-hour qualitative food recall was used to describe eating habits. Descriptive analyzes were performed, being represented in relative frequencies (%) or in absolute frequencies (n), in addition to the chi-square test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Of the children studied, 51.6% were female, with a predominance of children declared by their parents as black and brown. A total of 128 families were present in the survey, with 38.6% of the families classified in Food Security (FS), 52.0% in mild FI, 6.3% in moderate FI and 3.1% in FI severe. Regarding the practice of breastfeeding of children who were still breastfeeding during the research period, demonstrating that 11.9% of children breastfed until the first year of life, 25.4% between 5 and 6 months, and only 7.5% after the second year of life, indicating insufficient breastfeeding. There was evidence of consumption of foods that accompany the family's daily life, but with an early introduction of ultra-processed foods. Statistical differences were verified in the consumption of fruits (79.2%) and vegetables (63.2%) by families in FI, with a lower consumption when compared to families in SA with a percentage of fruit consumption of 93.6% and 82.6% vegetables. Therefore, this research emphasizes the importance of promoting public health policies that promote safe food for families, especially for families in which children in early.