Predictors of introduction of industrialized foods in childhood: study in public child day care centers

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.20174104644651

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding by the sixth month, as well as adequate complementary feeding, are important practices for human development and contribute to the formation of healthy eating habits. In this context, and recognizing the importance of appropriate food practices in the first years of life, the objective of the present study was: to evaluate the age at which processed food was introduced in the diet of 575 children aged 4 to 38 months, attending the nurseries of public child daycare centers in São Paulo, and to quantify possible temporal changes and risk factors of premature introduction of these food types. The study was based on two cross-sectional observations, performed in 2007 and 2010, and later Cluster analysis was performed to divide the sample in two groups. A multiple logistic regression analysis was also performed. In the final logistic model, the data collection year (2007), the shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and less maternal education were identified as independent and significant risks to premature introduction of processed food. In view of the results, it is necessary to prepare mothers/ educators to manage infant feeding, reinforcing the benefits of breastfeeding and the disadvantages of the premature introduction of industrialized foods, mainly concerning the mothers’ group with lower education levels.