Social Markers of Differences in Fruit and/or Vegetable Consumption Among Brazilians: An Intersectional Analysis.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the differences in fruit and/or vegetable consumption (FVC) among Brazilian adults by examining various social markers, such as gender, race, income, and education level.

Method: A cross-sectional study of 88,531 Brazilian adults aged 18 years or older who participated in the 2019 National Health Survey was conducted. The dependent variable was irregular FVC (<5 d/wk). Individuals at the highest risk for irregular FVC include those who are men and Black and who have lower education levels and lower income. Individuals at lower risk include those who are women and White and who have higher education levels and higher income. The prevalence of irregular FVC was calculated considering the levels of the social risk index for FVC and the intersections among two, three, and four risk categories. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) analyses were performed to compare groups at higher risk with those at lower risk.

Results: The prevalence of irregular FVC was 57.2% in the general population, 38.1% for individuals in the lowest risk group, 47.5% for individuals in one risk category, 57.9% for individuals in two risk categories, 67.6% for individuals in three risk categories, and 74.4% for individuals in the highest-risk group, and there were significant differences at each level. The highest risk group had a 4.36 (95% CI, 3.86-4.92) times greater chance of irregular FVC.

Conclusions: The complex path to promote FVC among the Brazilian population underscores the need for intersectoral policies aimed at reducing inequalities.