Dietary quality index and associated factors among adolescents of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To assess dietary quality and associated factors in adolescents.


METHODS
We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in a sample of 1584 adolescents living in areas of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Dietary intake was measured with the 24-hour recall method, and dietary quality was assessed by means of the Health Eating Index (HEI), adapted to fit to the local requirements. Linear regression analyses were performed to assess the association between the HEI and demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle variables.


RESULTS
A total of 97.1% of the adolescents studied had an inadequate diet or a diet that needed improvement. The mean overall HEI score was 59.7. Lower mean HEI scores were found for fruits, dairy products, and vegetables. Male adolescents who were physically active and lived in a house or apartment had higher HEI scores. The multiple regression analyses showed that the quality of the diet improved as age decreased. Adolescents who lived in houses or apartments had higher HEI scores than adolescents living in shacks or slums, regardless of age and energy intake.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary quality is associated with income and age. A better understanding of the factors associated can provide input to the formulation of policies and development of nutritional actions.
de Andrade
Samantha Caesar
SC
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
de Azevedo Barros
Marilisa Berti
MB
Carandina
Luana
L
Goldbaum
Moisés
M
Cesar
Chester Luiz Galvão
CL
Fisberg
Regina Mara
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D004032:Diet; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D055815:Young Adult