Food Insecurity during Pregnancy in a Maternal–Infant Cohort in Brazilian Western Amazon

• Main Authors: Alanderson A. Ramalho, Cibely M. Holanda, Fernanda A. Martins, Bárbara T. C. Rodrigues, Débora M. Aguiar, Andréia M. Andrade, Rosalina J. Koifman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-05-01
• Series: Nutrients
• Subjects: food and nutrition security; pregnant women; pregnancy; maternal nutrition; nutrition surveys
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1578

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and analyze the factors associated with food insecurity during gestation in a maternal–infant cohort in Brazilian Western Amazon. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with parturients from a maternal–infant cohort in Rio Branco, located in the Western Brazilian Amazon. The dependent variable food insecurity (FI) was obtained through the Brazilian Scale of Food Insecurity, and associated factors were identified through multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of FI in pregnancy was of 34.8%. Regarding severity, the prevalence of mild food insecurity was 24.6%, moderate food insecurity was 4.8%, and severe food insecurity was 5.4%. The factors directly associated with FI were the presence of open sewage in the peridomestic environment; belonging to the lower economic classes; being an income transfer program beneficiary, while the factors inversely associated with FI were schooling equal to or greater than 8 years; having a partner; primigestation; and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables during pregnancy. These findings reinforce the need for the ratification of actions aimed at the domestic economy in the income transfer programs and the development of actions of food and nutritional education in the gestational period.