Práticas de comensalidade no âmbito familiar de crianças de 2 a 9 anos de idade durante a pandemia do Covid-19

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: to evaluate practices of commensality within the family and possible changes in the eating routine of children between 2 and 9 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: a cross-sectional study was carried out with parents and/or guardians of children aged between 2 and 9 years, through an online questionnaire, between November and December 2020. Practices of commensality were evaluated as recommended in the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. Results: among the 517 participating families, regular meals were observed: breakfast (79.1%), lunch (98.6%), afternoon snack (88, 6%), and dinner (91.5%). Most children had defined times to have meals (82.6%), but more than half consumed snacks between main meals (53%). Lunch (83.0%) and dinner (80.1%) were taken with the family, sitting at the table (83.4%) and sharing the same foods (89.9%). Regarding the dietary changes caused by the pandemic, 50.5% of the families reported that there was no change, however, among the families that reported it, 52.3% considered it was for the better. The frequency of homemade preparations increased in 65.8% of the families, with lunch (82.6%) and dinner (78.1%) being prepared between 5-7 times a week. Conclusion: the practices of commensality were present daily in most of household, with little expression only attention to food. Regarding the eating routine, the social distance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have had a positive impact.

Keywords: food guide, child, COVID-19, family, meals