Cross-sectional study of dietary practices from the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population among users of a Basic Health Unit in Pelotas, 2022

Abstract Objective Describe dietary practices recommended in the Dietary Guidelines and the association with sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits in users of the nutrition service at a Basic Health Unit in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul in 2022. Methods Cross-sectional study with individuals aged ≥20 years who received nutritional care. The questionnaire used included a scale validated for the Brazilian population, which considers three domains of food consumption: domestic planning and organization, food choice and eating habits. Practices with a frequency of 60% or more were considered appropriate to the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines. Results Among the 162 interviewees, only the eating practices related to the domain of eating habits were adequate. The mean adequacy score was 39.0 points with a standard deviation of 5.4 points and a median of 39.0 points. The mean adequacy score was statistically higher among respondents who declared themselves to be race/skin color brown/black, who had 40.4 points with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI 39.1; 41.7) and among those active in their free time, who had 40.4 points (95%CI 39.0; 41.8), after adjustments for demographic and socioeconomic variables. Conclusion The adequacy score values were higher in brown/black individuals and those who practiced some kind of physical activity during leisure time. Practices related to the domains of planning and food choices should be prioritized in nutritional counseling.