Signs and strategies to deal with food insecurity and consumption of ultra-processed foods among Amazonian mothers

Author(s)

Sato, Priscila de Morais ^[1] ; Ulian, Mariana Dimitrov ^[1] ; da Silva Oliveira, Mayara Sanay ^[1] ; Cardoso, Manly Augusto ^[1] ; Wells, Jonathan ^[2] ; Devakumar, Delanjathan ^[3] ; Lourenco, Barbara Hatzlhoffer ^[1] ; Scagliusi, Fernanda Baeza ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, Ave Doutor Arnald 715, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] UCL Great Ormond St Inst Child Hlth, Pop Policy & Practice Program, London - England

^[3] UCL, Inst Global Hlth, London - England

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH; v. 15, n. 8 APR 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Although food insecurity configures a public health issue in developing countries going through nutrition transition, there is still lack of evidence on how it is affected by social determinants and its relationship with ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption. Using qualitative methods, we investigated the experience of food (in)security among mothers living in the Brazilian Amazon area, identifying aspects of food insecurity promoting UPF consumption. In-depth interviews were performed with 40 women and inductive content analysis was used. Signs of food insecurity included difficulties in food affordability and irregular access to food. Strategies to deal with lack of food quantity took place during food production (growing foods and raising animals), acquisition (gaining food, shopping incentives and food substitutions) and preparation (creativity in cooking). Not being able to afford staple foods was the main aspect of food insecurity promoting UPF consumption, as fresh foods were substituted by UFP options. Our study contributes to the current literature by presenting explanatory insights about the inconclusive quantitative results on the relationship between food insecurity and UPF consumption. Additionally, it supports the need of policies and interventions focused on promoting sustainable food systems and the regional food culture, which may approach food insecurity through an intersectional perspective. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/00270-6 - MINA study - Maternal and child health in Acre: birth cohort in the Western Brazilian Amazon
• Grantee: Marly Augusto Cardoso
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/19279-9 - Food insecurity, hunger and consumption of ultra-processed food products
• Grantee: Priscila de Morais Sato
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 17/05651-0 - Ultra processed food consumption and feeding practices of mothers in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre: a mixed-methods approach
• Grantee: Priscila de Morais Sato
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral