Food insecurity, nutritional status and health conditions of recyclable material catalysts

Abstract

Investigating the prevalence of food insecurity in the families of recyclable waste pickers in a neighborhood in the city of Guarapuava, Parana Brazil, and its association with nutritional status and health conditions. It was developed an observational cross-sectional study with all the families enrolled in the Basic Health Unit, and that has as total or partial income the collection of recyclable materials. It had been used a quantitative questionnaire to assess food insecurity, it was also carried out anthropometric assessment of all family members and a search of the electronic medical record of the last six months of everyone to find the reason for the demand and often the Basic Health Unit. Nine families were identified, totaling 40 people evaluated. Two families had total income to collect recyclables, and the others received the help of the Bolsa Família Program. Food insecurity was present in all families, and it was more severe in the households that did not receive any kind of income distribution benefit. Regarding nutritional status, 80% of children and adolescents were at the high weight for height status and 12,50% had low height for age. Adults (n = 24) were mostly overweight (70.8%). The demand for the Basic Health Unit in the last six months was mainly due to respiratory diseases. Families that work with the collection of recyclable materials presented food insecurity and impairment of nutritional status.