Food Classifications by Brazilian Amazon Mothers: Interactions With Eating Practices

Author(s)

Sato, Priscila de Morais ^[1] ; Lourenco, Barbara Hatzlhoffer ^[1] ; Machado, Rafaela do Manco ^[1] ; Cardoso, Marly Augusto ^[1] ; Scagliusi, Fernanda Baeza ^[1]

Affiliation

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

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR; v. 53, n. 10, p. 880-885, OCT 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Objective: To assess how mothers classify foods and how their eating practices interact with these classifications, with special attention to meanings and uses given to ultra-processed foods. Design: Qualitative research with in-depth interviews and pile sorts. Setting: Urban Brazilian Amazon. Participants: A sample of 34 mothers were selected through theoretical sampling. Analysis: Content analysis for in-depth interviews and multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis for pile sorts. Phenomenon of Interest: Food classification. Results: Classifications were based on context (ie, a time or a situation in which the food is eaten) and foods' healthiness. Five food groupings based on mothers' classifications were defined: (1) main meal foods, (2) fruits and fruit juices, (3) convenient foods, (4) leisure foods, and (5) canned sardines. Ultra-processed foods were classified differently from non-ultra-processed foods and considered unhealthy, consumed on special occasions or when there was no time or desire to cook. Conclusions and Implications: Results highlight the potential of incorporating context-based categories and personal experiences to guide nutrition interventions and the potential of pile sorts to tailor messages to target populations. (AU)

• 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
• 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: 19/23399-2 - Food practices, emotions, feelings and affections: comparison between foods with different levels of processing
• Grantee: Rafaela do Manco Machado
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation