Avaliação da pegada hídrica do consumo alimentar e associação com as condições socioeconômicas de pessoas idosas: Estudo Brazuca Natal

Abstract

Climate change has been altering and threatening life on Earth, and this phenomenon is directly related to food production and consumption. In this sense, the Food Water Footprint is an indicator that can be used to measure the impact of humankind on the use of water in food production. In this context, the objective of this study is to evaluate the Water Footprint of food consumption and verify the association with socioeconomic conditions among older adults in Natal/RN. This cross-sectional study encompasses a sample of 187 older adults participating in the Brazuca Natal Study. The assessment of food consumption was conducted through the application of a 24-hour recall method. The Water Footprint was estimated from the amount of ingredient/preparation consumed in grams (g) and the value of the food's Water Footprint, according to values presented in the literature. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests for quantitative variables and Pearson's Chi-square for categorical variables. The Water Footprint was characterized by the median of both liters per capita per day and total liters. Socioeconomic conditions were analyzed considering the following variables: sex at birth (male and female), age group (60 to 75 years and >75 years), area of residence (North, South, East, and West), per capita income (≤ 1⁄4 minimum wage, from 1⁄4 to 1 minimum wage, and > 1 minimum wage) and access to treated water (daily access and non-daily access). The findings indicated that the older adult subjects who participated in the study exhibited a median Water Footprint value of 4725.08 L/per capita/day, with elevated water footprint values observed in males (5679.38 L/per capita/day), those residing in the East Zone (5476.35 L/per capita/day), and individuals with incomes exceeding the minimum wage level (5476.82 L/per capita/day). In addition, the foods that contributed most to the increase in Water Footprint values per group were "prepared beef," with 27.33% (40,570.33 L), and "fruit juice," with 13.24% (19,659 L). The "Others" category, which encompasses 55 distinct foods such as "prepared vegetables and greens, salted foods, eggs, and others," exhibited a 10.26% increase (15,238.70 L), followed by "prepared chicken" with 7.56% (11,234.15 L), "fruits" with 5.30% (7,875.96 L), and "sausages" with 4.90% (7,285.42 L). It is concluded that the Water Footprint of the population in this study was higher than that of the Brazilian diet, which is influenced by socio-demographic factors. Diet also contributed to the high Water Footprint, with emphasis on the high contribution attributed to red meat and fruit juice. Furthermore, although "alcoholic beverages" (3.87%), "soft drinks" (3.20%) and "industrial juices" (1.26%) had a lower relative contribution to Water Footprint. The frequency of their consumption is worrying, as it is associated with the worsening of chronic non-communicable diseases.