Prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity in quilombola families from Alagoas, Brazil/ Prevalencia e fatores associados a Inseguranca Alimentar em familias das comunidades quilombolas de Alagoas, Brasil

• Published in: Revista de nutrição Vol. 47
• Main Authors: Duarte, Luisa Elvira Cavazzani, dos Santos, Tamara Rodrigues, dos Santos, Ewerton Amorim, da Silva-Ferreira, Haroldo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Campinas 01-01-2024
• Subjects: Food supply; Human rights; Refuse and refuse disposal
• ISSN: 1415-5273
• DOI: 10.1590/1678-9865202437e230111

This study aimed identify the prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity in families from the remaining quilombola communities in Alagoas, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study involving families residing in a random sample of 34 out of the 68 quilombola communities in Alagoas. The dependent variable was food insecurity, defined by the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, and its association (prevalence ratio--PR and 95% CI) with the independent variables (socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental) was assessed through multivariable analysis (Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment). A total of 2,485 families were evaluated, of which 67.6% were experiencing food insecurity (32.9% mild, 20.1% moderate, and 14.6% severe). Variables associated with moderate + severe forms were: improper waste disposal other than public collection; households with [less than or equal to]4 rooms; using inadequate water for consumption; households with >4 residents; with residents <18 years old; low educational level of the head of the family ([less than or equal to]8 years); belonging to the lower economic class (D-E); and being a beneficiary of the Bolsa Familia Program. Food insecurity affects more than two-thirds of quilombola families in Alagoas, constituting an expressive public health problem. In its more severe forms (moderate+severe), it is associated with worse environmental, socioeconomic, and demographic conditions. Identificar a prevalencia e os fatores associados a inseguranca alimentar em familias das comunidades remanescentes de quilombos de Alagoas, Brasil. Foram avaliadas 2.485 familias, das quais 67,6% estavam em inseguranca alimentar (32,9% leve, 20,1% moderada e 14,6% grave). As variaveis associadas as formas moderada e grave foram: destinacao do lixo diferente de coleta publica; domicilios com [less than or equal to]4 comodos; utilizacao de agua inadequada para consumo; domicilios com >4 moradores; com moradores <18 anos; baixa escolaridade do chefe da familia (<8 anos); pertencer a classe economica inferior (D-E) e; ser usuario do Programa Bolsa Familia.