Estudio del perfil sociocultural y alimentario de los usuarios de Servicios Sociales de Melilla

Abstract

Introduction: The 2008 financial crisis caused a severe recession in Spain which led to the implementation of austere measures and labour market reforms, and the consequent job precariousness, rising unemployment, and increasing poverty and social inequalities. In such a situation, many Spanish citizens were forced to resort to Welfare Services, which have experienced an increase in demand and a change in beneficiary profiles. The crisis has also provoked changes in the eating pattern, poor dietary habits and nutritional deficiencies. Objectives: To define beneficiaries profile of Welfare Services from Melilla, to establish the relationship between socio-demographic and cultural characteristics and lifestyle, and to evaluate eating habits and the degree of compliance with nutritional recommendations. Methodology: Observational, crosssectional and descriptive methodological design. The sample was selected accidentally and was configured by 50 participants from two Social Welfare centers, aged between 26 and 76 years from which 33 were women and 17 men. The data were collected through an ad hoc survey that included sociodemographic variables, health history and habits, lifestyle, and eating behavior patterns. Results: There is a female predominance in Welfare Services mostly from 45 to 65 years old, unemployed and with dependent children. The lifestyle showed differences between communities, being the Berber culture more optimal and the Spanish culture more sedentary. The eating pattern of the population is unhealthy and does not comply with dietary recommendations, observing greater deficiencies in the Arab culture, men and adults over 65; and more excessive intake of foods for occasional consumption in the Spanish culture, men and young people from 18 to 30 years old. Conclusions: The users profile of Welfare Services in Melilla is mainly female and of Berber origin. The subjective perception of lifestyle is positive but does not adjust to reality. There is a low contribution of essential foods and a improvable dietary pattern.