SANTOS, J. I. L.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5551767255128555; SANTOS, Jayanne Izabel de Lima.
Resumo:
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.