Eating habits and practices in three localities within the city of São Paulo (Brazil)

Abstract

The principal objective of this study was an assessment of food consumption in three localities within the city of São Paulo. A food inquiry was undertaken in the months of July and August, 1993, involving thirty-two women who presented distinct socio-economic
characteristics: eleven from São Remo shanty-town (low income), eleven from Vila Madalena (medium income) and ten from Parque Continental (high income). The 24-hour recall and the eating frequency methods were used, as well as open questions about eating habits, practices and strategies. Similarities were observed among the groups studied: for example, the increase in the consumption of industrialized food-stuffs, the supermarket as the principal shopping place, the importance given to meat, fruits and vegetables in the diet, the preference for fresh foods rather than industrialized ones, and changes related to the shifts in the prices of food--stuffs and/or to the preoccupation with health. On the other hand, the differentiation of consumption due to the socioeconomic status of the families prevailed, evidenced by the greater diversification in food-stuffs consumed in accordance with the position on the income scale, with significant differences (p<0,05) between the lowest income group and the others, mainly regarding the
consumption of dairy products and vegetable conserves.