Fatores associados ao consumo alimentar de gestantes brasileiras : dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2019

Abstract

Pregnancy represents a favorable period for changes in eating habits, making it essential to identify the factors influencing these choices to develop effective public health interventions, considering the sociodemographic and dietary aspects of pregnant women. In this context, the objective of this study is to analyze the factors that influence the food consumption of Brazilian pregnant women. This is a study that used data from the 2019 National Health Survey (PNS), which included information from all participating pregnant women, totaling 773 women. The survey assessed Modules C (general characteristics of residents), D (education level of residents), and P (data on lifestyle, eating habits, and physical activity practices). Pregnant women were classified as adults and adolescents, with adolescents defined as those under 18 years old. In the PNS, the frequency of daily and weekly consumption of specific food groups was evaluated, with regular consumption defined as occurring five or more times per week. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata software version 14.0, presenting the results in absolute and relative frequencies. To compare food consumption and associated factors, the chisquare test was applied with a 5% significance level. It was observed that adult pregnant women had higher regular consumption of beans (p=0.011) and vegetables (p=0.031) compared to adolescents. Pregnant women with a higher education level reported lower regular intake of beans (p=0.005), sweetened beverages (p<0.001), chicken, and fish (p=0.027) while showing higher consumption of vegetables (p<0.001), fruits (p<0.001), and milk (p=0.008). Physical activity was also associated with higher consumption (p<0.001) and fruit (p<0.001). Additionally, living with a partner (p=0.031) and in an urban household (p<0.001) were related to an increase in vegetable consumption (p=0.027). Lastly, it was observed that women who identified as mixed-race, Black, and Indigenous consumed more chicken and fish compared to those who identified as White or Asian. It is concluded that sociodemographic factors and lifestyle are directly associated with the food consumption of Brazilian pregnant women.