Social inequality in food consumption between 2008 and 2019 in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the trend of social inequality in food consumption among Brazilians from 2008 to 2019. DESIGN: Time series analyses using cross-sectional annual data from the Telephone Surveillance System (VIGITEL 2008–2019). Food consumption was evaluated through: (1) consumption of five or more portions of fruits and vegetables in ≥5 d/week; (2) consumption of beans in ≥5 d/week and (3) consumption of soft drinks or artificial juices in ≥5 d/week. Absolute inequality was assessed by the slope index of inequality (SII) and relative inequality by the concentration index (CIX). SII and CIX positive values indicate higher prevalence among more educated citizens and negative among less educated ones. Time trend was assessed by linear regression using weighted least squares. SETTING: 26 Brazilian state capitals and the Federal District. PARTICIPANTS: 621 689 individuals ≥18 years. RESULTS: Fruits and vegetable consumption was more prevalent among the more educated citizens, while beans were mostly consumed by the less educated, and soft drinks or artificial juices was more prevalent among individuals with intermediate education. The highest absolute inequality was found for beans (SII(2019) -25·9). In 12 years, the absolute inequality increased for fruit and vegetable consumption (from SII(2008) 12·8 to SII(2019) 16·2), remained for beans (SII(2008) -23·1 to SII(2019) -25·9) and reduced for soft drinks or artificial juices (SII(2008) 8·7 to SII(2019) 0·4). Relative inequality was low and constant. CONCLUSION: Despite the advances reducing inequalities in soft drinks or artificial juice consumption, the increase in the social gap for adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables is troublesome.