OBJECTIVE:
to estimate the food insecurity (FI) prevalence and associated factors in the population of the area covered by the Family Health Support Unit (FHSU) of itumbiara, Goiás.
METHODS:
a cross-sectional study was conducted using the Brazilian Food insecurity Scale and a standardized questionnaire. Prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals % (95% CI) were calculated using Poisson regression.
RESULTS:
356 households were studied and FI prevalence was 51.4% (36.2% with slight FI, 11.3% moderate and 3.9% severe). FI was associated with: living in unfinished dwellings (PR=1.3; 95% CI 1.0-1.5); more than five residents per household (PR=1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.6); belonging to economic classes C (PR=1.6; 95% CI 1.0-2.5) and D/E (PR=2.1; 95% CI 1.3-3.2); and participation in the Bolsa Familia Programme (PR = 1.3; 95% CI 1.1-1.6).
CONCLUSION:
food insecurity is identified in most of the population served by FHSU, being more prevalent in larger and poorer families.
Food Security; Primary Health Care; Nutrition Programs and Policies; Family Health; Cross-Sectional Studies
