Ultra-processed food consumption: an exploration of social determinants among Black children of African and Caribbean descent in Ottawa.

Abstract

Consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) is a growing concern due to its negative impact on diet quality and health outcomes. To our knowledge, no data on UPF consumption are available for specific racial/ethnic children, including Black children, in Canada. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the social determinants of UPF consumption among Black children of African and Caribbean descent in Ottawa. It included 174 mothers born in the Caribbean or Sub-Saharan Africa and their children aged 6 to 12. A survey was administered to assess demographic and socio-economic characteristics of mothers, children, and households. Children's dietary intakes were evaluated with a 24 h dietary recall to calculate the proportion of energy from UPF according to the NOVA food classification system. ANOVA and two-step cluster analysis were performed. Identified clusters were compared using chi-square and Student's t tests. Findings indicate that children whose mothers had been living in Canada longer (p < 0.001), whose mothers were family-class immigrants (p = 0.005), and whose households were food secure (p = 0.049), consumed more UPF than their respective counterparts. Cluster analysis revealed two profiles, named settling and established, reinforcing previous associations. Children in the established profile had a mean energy intake from UPF 9% higher than those in the settling profile (p = 0.006). This study provided initial findings on the social determinants of UPF consumption among Black children of African and Caribbean descent. It suggests that immigration-related factors and household food security status shaped UPF consumption of these children.