[Adolescent nutrition and characteristics of the PNAE according to government sphere].

Abstract

This study sought to examine differences between federal and state high schools and their students regarding the provision of meals and food, sociodemographic variables, and student nutrition. Data from the 2023 School Census and the 2019 National School Health Survey (PeNSE) were used. The variables of interest were the physical and functional data of the schools, presence and consumption of food offered by the cafeteria, consumption of school meals and food, and dietary routine. Regarding their structure, state schools had more kitchens, pantries, and food preparation professionals. There was an indication of a lack of school meals in federal schools over 60%, while only 6.16% in state schools. Differences were found in the regular consumption of school meals, the presence and consumption of food in the cafeteria, and their relationship with students' food consumption. The federal sphere had a lower prevalence of school meals and a higher number of cafeterias, which seems to influence students' food consumption. The results indicate that there are differences between spheres that are reflected in the supply and consumption of school meals by students.