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Objective: To evaluate the influence of dietary patterns on the incidence and evolution of COVID-19. We hypothesised that a plant-based diet or a vegetarian diet compared with an omnivorous diet might be associated with a lower incidence of COVID-19 infection and severity in those infected. Design: In this observational study, 702 participants provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary information and COVID-19 outcomes between March and July of 2022. Individuals were divided into two groups based on their dietary habits, omnivorous (n=424) and plant-based (n=278). The plant-based group was further divided into vegetarian and flexitarian subgroups. The groups were compared with respect to the incidence of COVID-19 infection, severity and duration. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the influence of dietary patterns. Results: Plant-based and vegetarian groups had a higher intake of vegetables, legumes and nuts, and lower intake of dairy and meat. After adjusting for important confounders, such as body mass index, physical activity and pre-existing medical conditions, the plant-based diet and vegetarian group had 39% (OR=0.61, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.85; p=0.003) and 39% (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.88; p=0.009) lower odds of the incidence of COVID-19 infection, respectively, compared with the omnivorous group. No association was observed between self-reported diets and COVID-19 severity or duration. Conclusion: Plant-based and mainly vegetarian diets were associated with a lower incidence of COVID-19 infection. These dietary patterns may be considered protective against COVID-19 infection. (Study protocol registered in CAAE: 54351421.4.0000.0068.).

RESUMEN

Resumo A insegurança alimentar ocorre quando o direito a uma alimentação em qualidade e quantidade adequada de forma regular é desrespeitado. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a situação de insegurança alimentar (IAN) e suas possíveis associações com variáveis socioeconômicas e dietéticas em assentamentos rurais de Sergipe. Essa situação foi verificada através da escala brasileira de insegurança alimentar e as associações através da análise de regressão multivariada por odds ratio (OR). Foram avaliadas 179 famílias de quatro assentamentos do estado de Sergipe. Identificou-se prevalência de 88,8% de IAN, sendo 48,6% insegurança leve, 25,1% moderada e 15,1% grave. Associação estatística ajustada foi encontrada entre a IAN e as variáveis renda familiar per capita (ORa = 3,11, p = 0,008) e variedade alimentar (Ora = 2,73, p = 0,004). As famílias apresentaram alta prevalência de insegurança alimentar e nutricional, determinada nesta população, pela baixa renda familiar e pela baixa variedade da alimentação. É imprescindível políticas públicas mais efetivas, que, de fato, garantam a segurança alimentar e sejam mais completas, visando também à educação nutricional e maior possibilidade para produção de alimentos.

Abstract Food insecurity occurs when the right to food in adequate quality and quantity on a regular basis is disrespected. This study aimed to identify food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) and its possible association with socioeconomic and dietary variables in rural settlements of Sergipe. We verified food insecurity through the Brazilian of Food Insecurity Scale and associations via odds ratio multivariate regression analysis. We evaluated 179 families from four rural settlements in the state of Sergipe. An FNI prevalence of 88.8% was identified (48.6% light insecurity, 25.1% moderate and 15.1% severe). An adjusted statistical association was found between FNI and variables family income per capita (ORa = 3.11, p = 0.008) and food variety (ORa = 2.73, p = 0.004). Families showed high prevalence of food and nutritional insecurity, determined by low income and low variety of food in this population. It is essential to implement more effective and comprehensive public policies that actually ensure food security, also aiming at nutrition education and greater food production opportunities.