OBJECTIVE: This work aims to evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors in families with children enrolled in daycare centers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected data on the family's food security and socioeconomic statuses, nutritional status of the children, and mother and child characteristics. A sample size of 365 individuals was calculated by procedure for describing the proportion. The children's nutritional status was determined by analyzing their height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age. Food (in)security was determined by the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. The association between the independent and dependent variables was estimated by the Chi-square test and multivariate model. RESULTS: Most families (62.0%) experienced food insecurity, especially mild food insecurity (33.4%). The variables 'family per capita income', welfare (Bolsa Família Program) status, and total exclusive and nonexclusive breastfeeding time were inversely associated with food insecurity. CONCLUSION: The indicator that best distinguished food insecurity was family per capita income, suggesting poor access to food and the importance of targeted welfare.
Child day care centers; Child; Nutritional status; Socioeconomic factors; Food insecurity; Prevalence
