Objective: To evaluate the contribution of ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the schoolchildren diet and associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study with children from public schools in Southeast of Brazil, aged eight to 12 years old. A questionnaire was applied to the students to investigate anthropometric data, eating and lifestyle habits and food consumption. The consumption of UPF was evaluated by two 24-hour dietary recalls (24HR) of non-consecutive days, and the NOVA method was adopted for food classification. The sample was estimated considering the percentage of total caloric value from UPF identified by a similar study (n=260). The association between variables was evaluated by Simple and Multiple Logistic Regression. Results: The average energy consumption was 1992 kcal/day, 25.2% from UPF. Schoolchildren had a mean of 9.8±0.5 years of age, 53.4% were female and 32.6% were overweight. The most consumed UPF were industrialized pastas, sweet biscuits, sausages, chocolate powder and soft drinks. In the multivariate model, schoolchildren who have the habit of TV watching during meals and those with obesity presented 1.87 (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.03-3.39) and 2.05 (95%CI 1,01-4.20) times more chance of having higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, respectively. Conclusions: The contribution of UPF was expressive in the feeding of the students and it was positively associated with the excess of weight and with the habit of eating while watching television. These findings indicate the importance of nutritional interventions to promote healthy habits, thus preventing overweight during childhood.

Cross-sectional study investigated the association of fresh or minimally processed foods and ultra-processed food consumption with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in students from a Brazilian public university. Undergraduate students admitted in 2022 answered an online questionnaire during their first semester. Consumption of 12 subgroups of fresh or minimally processed foods and 13 of ultra-processed foods on the previous day were investigated (affirmative answer for ≥ 5 subgroups was classified as high consumption). Depression, anxiety and stress were investigated using the DASS-21 and mild to extremely severe symptoms were grouped to be compared with individuals without symptoms. Adjusted logistic regression models estimated the Odds Ratio (OR) of the association between symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (outcomes) and food consumption (exposures), with a significance level of 5%. A total of 924 students were evaluated, of whom 57.7% presented symptoms of depression, 51.9% of anxiety and 59.4% of stress. A high consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods was observed in 80.3% of the students, with a higher frequency among those without symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, while 38.9% showed a high consumption of ultra-processed foods, without differences according to symptoms. High consumption of fresh or minimally processed foods was associated with a lower likelihood of symptoms of depression (OR: 0.62; p=0.011), anxiety (OR: 0.58; p=0.003) and stress (OR: 0.69; p=0.043). No association was found between ultra-processed and mental health outcomes. Actions that support and encourage the consumption of healthy food in the university environment can contribute to mental health outcomes.

Objectives: to present the main evidence, recommendations and challenges for maternal and child health in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: narrative review of national and international documents and reflections on the theme. Results: the coexistence ofpregnancy/puerperium and COVID-19 infection establishes many challenges. It is extremely important that the conduct should be individually adopted, covering all aspects of health in the mother-child binomial, estimating risks and benefits of each decision. Until now, it is recognized that natural childbirth should be encouraged and breastfeeding maintained, if adequate hygienic-sanitary care is ensured. Cesarean delivery and the isolation and separation of the mother-child contact without breastfeeding, will only be eligible when the clinical status of the mother or child is critical. The child must be included in all stages of health care, as this commonly asymptomatic group plays an important role in the family's transmissibility of the disease. Routine immunization should be provided, as well as clinical assistance when necessary, and families must be assisted in favor of their well-being. Conclusion: at the moment, it is not possible to measure the consequences of this new pandemic on maternal and child health, demanding attention to its evolution and new evidences about the implications in mother and child care.

Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association of dietary fatty acids, cholesterol and omega-6/omega-3 ratio to depressive symptoms in a sample of low-risk pregnant women. Methods: Pregnant women (n = 60) within 20–40 years of age and with 22–24 gestational weeks were evaluated. Food intake was assessed by two 24-h recalls and depressive symptoms according to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 18.3%. The Prevalence Ratio (PR) adjusted by per capita income, history of depression and pregnancy intention, showed a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms among pregnant women with excessive total fatty acid intake (PR: 5.80; CI95% 1.20–27.7) and omega-6/omega-3 ratio above 10:1 (PR: 3.63; CI95% 1.20–10.94). Discussion: Our results indicated a higher risk of depressive symptoms among pregnant women with total fatty acids intake and omega-6/omega-3 ratio above recommendation, but further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of dietary fatty acids in the onset of maternal depression.

Purpose: To analyze the temporal trend of leisure screen time among adults in Brazil between 2016 and 2021. Design: Time-series analysis of six cross-sectional surveys. Setting: Data from the Surveillance System for Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) (2016/21). Subjects: A probabilistic sample of 265 252 adults (≥18 years). Measures: Time watching television (TV), or using cell phone, computer, or tablet (CCT) during leisure time, and indicators of prolonged exposure for the total population and sociodemographic groups. Analysis: Prais-Winsten regression models were used to identify trends in the studied period. Results: Mean time watching TV remained stable (2.3 h to 2.2 h/day) as the frequency of adults watching TV ≥ 3 hours/day (25.7% to 25.1%) for 2016/21. There was an increase in mean time spent on CCT (1.7 h to 2.0 h/day; .08 h/day/year; P < .001) and in the frequency of adults spending ≥ 3 hours/day on CCT (19.9% to 25.5%; 1.33 pp/year; P < .001) for 2016/21. The increase in screen time was relevant in all sociodemographic groups. Conclusion: Leisure screen time has increased in Brazil, with greater intensity over time.

Adequate fruit and vegetable consumption is recognized for its health benefits, including preventing noncommunicable diseases, therefore it should be monitored over the years. This study aimed to investigate the temporal trend of fruit and vegetable consumption among Brazilian adults (≥ 18 years) residing in 26 Brazilian capitals and the Federal District from 2008-2023. A time-series analysis of the Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic Diseases by Telephone Survey (Vigitel) was conducted. Regular (≥ 5 days/week) and recommended (≥ 5 servings/day on ≥ 5 days/week) fruit and vegetable consumption were analyzed for total population and sociodemographic groups. Prais-Winsten regression models were used to identify trends in the entire (2008-2023), initial (2008-2014) and most recent (2015-2023) periods. Regular and recommended consumption remained stable from 2008 to 2023. From 2008 to 2014, regular consumption increased in total population (0.71pp/year) and all sociodemographic groups, except for adults aged 25-34 years. From 2015 to 2023, regular consumption decreased in the total population (-0.56pp/year), mainly among men (-0.70pp/year), adults aged 25-34 years (-0.84pp/year), and with higher schooling (-0.96pp/year). The recommended consumption increased from 2008 to 2014 (0.81pp/year), mainly among women (0.90pp/year), adults aged 55-64 years (0.96pp/year), and those with higher schooling (0.77pp/year). The recommended consumption decreased from 2015 to 2023 in total population (-0.52pp/year) and all sociodemographic groups, except for men and adults aged ≥ 65 years. The Brazilian fruit and vegetable consumption increased from 2008 to 2014 but reduced recently (2015-2023).