Sociodemographic and health profile of clients of community restaurants of brazilian social programs

This cross-sectional study aimed to learn the profiles of diners of Community Restaurants in the Federal District, with the goal of future implementation of strategies that guarantee Food and Nutrition Security. Socio-economic, lifestyle and anthropometric data were gathered from 267 individuals with an average age of 38 years, most of them being males (79.5%). Most participants (52.1%) had at least secondary education, and the average family income was equal to three times the minimum wage. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 50.2%. Age, history of tobacco smoking and a stable union were positively associated with excess weight. Body mass index (BMI) displayed a strong correlation with the remaining parameters in the assessment of nutritional status. Diagnoses of non-communicable diseases and conditions were reported by 20.6% of the interviewees, of which arterial hypertension was the most prevalent (10.1%). The deterioration of the nutritional status of the population, even among people who frequent social programs such as Community Restaurants is a concern due to the disease impact that this population may have on public health of the country. These results highlight the importance of Community Restaurants fulfilling their role in assuring Food and Nutrition Security.