Socioeconomic Inequalities in Dietary Intake in Chile: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Objective: Understanding the socioeconomic inequalities in dietary intake is crucial when addressing the socioeconomic gradient in obesity rates and non-communicable diseases. We aimed to systematically assess, for the first time, the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and dietary intake in Chile. Design: We searched for peer-reviewed and grey literature from inception until 31st December 2019 in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Sciences and LILACS databases. Observational studies published in English and Spanish, reporting the comparison of at least one dietary factor between at least two groups of different SEP in the general Chilean population, were selected. Two researchers independently conducted data searches, screening, extraction and assessed study quality using an adaptation of the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results: Twenty-one articles (from 18 study samples) were included. Study quality was considered low, medium and high for 24, 52 and 24% of articles respectively. Moderate-to-large associations indicated lower intake of fruit and vegetables, dairy products and fish/seafood and higher pulses consumption among adults of lower SEP. Variable evidence of association was found for energy intake and macronutrients, in both children and adults. Conclusions: Our findings highlight some socioeconomic inequalities in diets in Chile, evidencing an overall less healthy food consumption among the lower SEP groups. New policies to reduce these inequalities should tackle the unequal distribution of factors affecting healthy eating among the lower SEP groups. These findings also provide important insights for developing strategies to reduce dietary inequalities in Chile and other countries that have undergone similar nutritional transitions.

Ecological study of the association between socioeconomic inequality and food deserts and swamps around schools in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

“…Specifically, neighborhood school food environments in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC) predominantly retail unhealthy foods, which contribute to unhealthy eating habits among the youth [10][11][12][13][14]. Thus, shedding light into how inequalities play a role in shaping the availability of healthful food choices in the community school food environment [15] is crucial to further deepen our understanding of the so-called nutritional inequality [16][17][18], which not only influences food behaviors of children and adolescents, but also helps shaping their eating habits throughout life. Further, while most studies describing socioeconomic disparities at the school or the community around the school food environments are focused on the US and other high-income countries [14,19], we also add to the body of research by extending the findings to the LMIC context.…”

School environments and obesity: a systematic review of interventions and policies among school-age students in Latin America and the Caribbean

“…Considering that several countries in LAC are facing a double burden of obesity and undernutrition [ 70 ], this potential disconnect between the scientific community and policymakers is concerning, particularly considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the already large disparities in obesity rates and in behaviours contributing to obesity (diet, PA and SB) in LAC [ 71 – 74 ], predominantly affecting economically disadvantaged populations, have placed a disproportionate burden on these groups during the pandemic [ 75 ]. Due to disruptions in food supply chains, decreases in income and reductions in PA due to lockdowns [ 76 , 77 ], it is expected that obesity rates across the continent will be impacted.…”

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour among the Chilean Population: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies

“…Furthermore, our findings suggesting a gendered pattern for work, transport and total PA are a novel finding, showing the relevance of studying further the intersections between gender and SEP in PA and health studies. Our review provides a complete picture of the SEP inequalities in two key health behaviours, which, for policy development, should be viewed alongside inequalities in dietary intakes [ 37 ]. This also contributes evidence for future research to encourage the implementation of comprehensive and broader policies aiming at reducing obesity and wider health inequalities by promoting PA and reducing sedentary time.…”

“…Articles were included if they reported differences between two or more groups of different SEP in at least one indicator of PA, SB or dietary intake. Due to the number and heterogeneity of the different indicators extracted from the included studies, we decided to report the results of the dietary intake elsewhere [ 37 ]. Indicators of PA and SB were included if they were presented by domain (e.g., leisure-time, work and transport PA, sitting, TV viewing, computer use) and/or intensity (e.g., low, moderate, or vigorous), and/or duration of the activity (e.g., minutes, hours) or the Metabolic Equivalent (MET) or frequency of PA engagement (e.g., Frequency of leisure-time PA sessions per week) or compliance with recommendations (e.g., ≥150 min/week or ≥600 METs/week) [ 38 , 39 ].…”