Association between food consumption in the first months of life and socioeconomic status: a longitudinal study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the quality of the feeding practices of infants from the moment liquids and semi-solid foods are introduced into their diets and to determine associations between feeding practices and socioeconomic status. METHODS: The initial population consisted of 86 infants aged 0 to 3 months; they were selected from 3 Public Primary Healthcare Units of the city of Vitória. Seven visits were made to the children's homes to collect descriptive data on the mother, house, eating habits and sucking habits. Chi-square tests were applied and logistic regression analysis was performed to measure the associations. RESULTS: Approximately 50% of the children were given bottles before age 3 months, while semi-solid foods were given to 75% of the infants aged 6 months or less. Logistic regression models showed that the lack of paternal contribution to the family's income is a risk factor for the consumption of beans (OR =3.9; CI - 95% =1.2-12.6). Family income equal to or above two minimum wages was likely to promote fruit consumption (OR =0.4: CI - 95%=0.14-1.15). CONCLUSION: Food variety percentages revealed that most children under two years of age were not being fed properly. The mother's education level and contribution of the father to family income seem to influence the consumption of certain foods, such as fruits and beans. However, they do not fully explain the feeding practices found in the first months of life, showing that other more complex issues may be involved.