Sociodemographic Inequalities in Healthy Food Consumption Markers Among Older Adults Receiving Primary Health Care in...

Background/Objectives: Noncommunicable diseases represent a major public health challenge, particularly among older adults. In this context, a healthy diet plays a key role in the prevention and management of these conditions. However, evidence on the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and previous-day food consumption markers among older adults remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between sociodemographic factors and healthy food consumption markers among older adults in Roraima, Brazil. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1322 older adults previously diagnosed with COVID-19 in the state of Roraima, Brazil. Sociodemographic information was obtained from electronic health records within the statewide Primary Health Care network. Healthy food consumption was assessed using the Food Consumption Markers Form from Brazil's Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional [SISVAN]). Multivariable Poisson regression models were fitted to examine potential associations. Results: Male participants had a lower prevalence of consuming fresh fruit + beans and fresh fruit + vegetables. Older adults who self-identified as Brown (pardo) had a higher prevalence of consuming fresh fruit + vegetables than those who self-identified as Yellow. Participants residing in the state capital showed a higher prevalence of consuming fresh fruit + beans, fresh fruit + vegetables, beans + vegetables, and all three food groups combined. Conclusions: Sociodemographic factors were associated with both individual and combined consumption of fresh fruit, beans, and vegetables among older adults in Roraima, Brazil.