(P20-048-24) Ultra Processed Food Intake and Its Correlates Amongst Lebanese School-Aged Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the ultra-processed food (UPF) intakes of school-aged children and adolescents based on the NOVA classification system and to explore its sociodemographic correlates as well as its association with children living with overweight or obesity.

Methods: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional national survey conducted among Lebanese households with children aged 5-18 years of age (n = 1,111, 2014-2015). Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and a multi-component questionnaire was administered to mothers and their children. Dietary intake data was obtained using the multiple pass 24-hr recall approach. NOVA classification was used to categorize food consumed by the degree of processing. NOVA groups and subgroups’ intakes and their contribution to energy intake were estimated. Regression models were used to determine the sociodemographic correlates with percentage (%) of energy intake from UPF as well as the associations between % energy intake from UPF and living with overweight or with obesity amongst school-aged children.

Results: Half of the daily energy intake (49.9%) of children in the study sample were from UPF with pizzas and dough-based dishes, sweets (cakes, cookies, candies, pastries), and fast food contributing to 10%, 9% and 7.8% of total energy intake, respectively. Girls and children whose mothers were not employed consumed significantly less % energy from UPFs compared to boys and employed mothers (β: -0.21, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.17 and β: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.001, respectively). Household income was positively associated with % energy from UPFs. Associations between % energy from UPF and being overweight or obese were not found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions: High intake of UPFs was reported amongst school-aged children in Lebanon. Correlates of UPF intake include child’s sex, mother’s employment status, and household socioeconomic status. Further studies are needed to explore the trends in UPF consumption and its association with different health outcomes amongst this vulnerable group.

Funding Sources: This study received funding from the University Research Board at the American University of Beirut. Funding for the national survey was secured from the National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon.