Socioeconomic inequalities in the consumption of minimally processed and ultra-processed foods in Brazilian adolescents
Bruno Gonçalves Galdino da Costa, Giovâni Firpo Del Duca, Kelly Samara da Silva, Jucemar Benedet, Luís Eduardo Argenta Malheiros, Emanuele Naiara Quadros, Anne Ribeiro Streb, Leandro F. M. Rezende
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated socioeconomic inequalities in the consumption of in natura/minimally processed and ultra-processed foods among adolescents. We used data from the Brazilian National Survey of School Health (PeNSE), 2015. According to the self-reported consumption of beans, vegetables and fruits, a score of in natura/minimally processed foods was generated (0-21 points). Sodas, sweets, instant noodles, and ultra-processed meat were used for the score of ultra-processed foods (0-21 points). Equality indicators were gender, maternal education, and socioeconomic level. Absolute difference, ratios, concentration index and slope index of inequality were calculated. Adolescents (n=101,689, 51% girls, 14.2 years) reported a mean score of 9.97 and 11.46 for ultra-processed foods and in natura/minimally processed foods, respectively. Absolute and relative differences between adolescents with the highest and lowest socioeconomic level, there were differences of 2.64 points and 33% for consumption of in natura/minimally processed foods; and 1.48 points and 15% for ultra-processed foods. Adolescents from higher socioeconomic level ate more in natura/minimally processed foods and ultra-processed foods.