Acute malnutrition and food insecurity in Yemen, 2021: Evidence from a two-stage cluster randomised survey in a protracted crisis.

BackgroundThe analysis of acute malnutrition in 2018 for the Integrated Phase Classification of Food Security in Yemen shows that high malnutrition rates are present in Abyan governorate (23%) and Lahj governorate (21%). This analysis was community based addressed all children and mostly due to problems related to food intake. The role of diseases was not yet addressed in Yemen. The aim of this study is to assess acute and chronic malnutrition among hospitalized children at 12–59 months of age in Lahj and Abyan governorates in Yemen.MethodologyA cross-sectional, multi-center study is designed. The assessment of the nutritional status was measured by standardized anthropometry of 951 sick children at 12–59 months of age.ResultsThe prevalence of Global acute malnutrition (GAM) among the sick children seeking care in health facilities in Lahj and Abyan is 21%. More specifically; the prevalence of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) is 15.1% while the prevalence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is 6.2%. The prevalence of acute malnutrition (wasting) among the studied sick children in lahj is 23.4% while in Abyan is 19.3%. The prevalence of MAM in Lahj is 17.7% and the prevalence of SAM is 5.7%. The prevalence of acute malnutrition (wasting) in Abyan is 12.6% while the prevalence of SAM in Abyan is 6.7%. The prevalence of acute malnutrition among male children (25.2%) is significantly higher than among female children (17.5%). The prevalence of the chronic malnutrition (Stunting) in the studied sick children is 41.3%; the prevalence of stunting in Lahj is 41% while in Abyan is 41.7%.ConclusionsHigh acute and chronic malnutrition rates were identified among sick children seeking care in health facilities in lahj and Abyan, and higher than the SPHERE indicators of malnutrition. Boys are more exposed than girls to acute and chronic malnutrition.

To measure and describe the prevalence and severity of household food insecurity in a remote on-reserve First Nations community using the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) and to evaluate the perceived relevance of the HFSSM for this population. Household food security status was determined from the eighteen-item HFSSM following the classifications developed by Health Canada for the Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2·2 Nutrition. One adult from each household in the community was invited to complete the HFSSM and to comment on its relevance as a tool to measure food security for First Nations communities. Sub-Arctic Ontario, Canada. Households (n 64). Seventy per cent of households were food insecure, 17% severely and 53% moderately. The prevalence of food insecurity in households with children was 76%. Among respondents from homes rated as having severe food insecurity, all (100 %) reported worrying that food would run out, times when food didn't last and there wasn't money to buy more, and times when they couldn't afford to eat balanced meals. The majority of respondents felt the HFSSM did not capture an accurate picture of food security for their situation. Aspects missing from the HFSSM included the high cost of market food and the incorporation of traditional food practices. A high prevalence of household food insecurity was reported in this community. On-reserve remote First Nations communities may be more susceptible to food insecurity than off-reserve Aboriginal populations. Initiatives that promote food security for this vulnerable population are needed.

The prevalence of food insecurity is much higher in East Africa than in other parts of the world. Climate change and associated variability are important contributors to food insecurity in the region. Using primary data collected in 2018/19 from Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, this study examines the links between the prevalence of household food insecurity (the access to food dimension) and vulnerability to climate change in East Africa. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was constructed to measure the prevalence of household food insecurity, and an ordered probit econometrics model was used to investigate the factors affecting the prevalence rates. The aggregate results show that 52% of the total sampled households in the region were food-secure; 15% and 26% were mildly food-secure and moderately food-insecure, respectively; and the remaining 7% were severely food-insecure. The ordered probit results suggest that exposure to climate change extremes and crop losses caused by these extremes significantly contribute to the prevalence of food insecurity across countries in East Africa. The results also indicate that households’ adaptive capacity plays a significant role in reducing the prevalence of food insecurity. The demographic/human, social, financial, physical, and natural assets/capital of the household also play a significant role in reducing household-level food insecurity in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the prevalence and key risk factors of household food insecurity in the climate‐vulnerable coastal regions of Bangladesh. Primary data were collected through a cross‐sectional survey in three coastal districts, providing comprehensive insights into sociodemographic and economic determinants of food insecurity in this underexplored region. The study included mothers of the children aged 6–59 months from 471 households and selected using a three‐stage cluster sampling procedure. Household food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors of food insecurity. The prevalence of household food insecurity was 28.7%, and a lower chance of experiencing food insecurity was found in households with younger heads (≤ 40 years) [AOR: 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20–0.90] compared to the older group. A lower risk of food insecurity prevalence was observed in households having educated mothers (AOR: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08–0.58) compared to the noneducated group, higher monthly income (AOR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.04–0.21) compared to lower income, and households located in the central (AOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.10–0.44) and western parts (AOR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.06–0.34) compared to the eastern coastal region of the country. Household heads engaged in fishing and having mothers with chronic health issues were identified as significant predictors of food insecurity. Our study identified several sociodemographic and economic factors as significant predictors of food insecurity and suggested that effective interventions, including the enhancement of educational opportunities, promotion of income‐generating activities, and support for the fisher community and those with chronic health conditions, are necessary to reduce household food insecurity in this region.

BackgroundFood security is a fundamental human right that must be upheld to preserve excellent general welfare, and mental, physical, and social health. However, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report in 2020, the level of food insecurity in the world is increasing.ObjectiveDetermining the prevalence of food insecurity in Iran will be beneficial for Iran and other low-middle-income countries.MethodsWe searched both English and Persian (Iranian) databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SID, Irandoc, Magiran, Civilica, and Iranian Medical Sciences Theses System from 01 January 1990 to 01 February 2022. Observational studies that reported the prevalence of household food insecurity among a healthy Iranian population and assessed food insecurity at the individual or household level using validated questionnaires were included.ResultsOne hundred six studies and/or theses with a total of 152, 300 participants met the review criteria. Our analyses demonstrated that the prevalence of food insecurity among the healthy Iranian population was 55.9% (95% CI: 52.6–59.2%) and the highest prevalence of food insecurity was in the western regions with 64.8% (95% CI: 57.7–72.0%). Subgroup analyses showed that food insecurity among women at 51.3% (95% CI: 45.1–57.6%) and rural inhabitants at 66.1% (95% CI: 58.8–73.4%) was significantly higher than men at 47.8% (95% CI: 41.8–53.8%) and urban residents at 47.1% (95% CI: 44.1–50.0%), respectively. Among the age groups, the highest prevalence of food insecurity was in adults at 56.5% (95% CI: 51.7–61.2%).ConclusionThe prevalence of food insecurity in a healthy Iranian population was higher than the global average. Women, rural residents, and residents of the western regions of Iran had a higher prevalence of food insecurity. These groups should be prioritized in programs to reduce the prevalence of food insecurity in Iran.Systematic review registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022328473.

Food insecurity can have poor physical and mental health consequences for all family members. The present study investigated the prevalence of household food insecurity and its predictive role on the health of mothers of children aged under 60 months in Qazvin (Iran). A cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2019 and December 2020. Participants included all mothers with children aged under 60 months who referred themselves to comprehensive health centers in Qazvin (N=1750; mean age 30.61 years). Convenience sampling was performed. Data were collected using a demographic information checklist, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Data analysis was performed using independent t-tests, one-way analyses of variance, uni-variable and multivariable linear regression with a significance level of p<0.05. Two-thirds of the participants had a secure food status (68.4%). Household food security status showed a significant, and inverse relationship with general health subscales. General health subscales of depression (standardized mean difference or SMD:-1.24 [95% CI:-1.36;-1.13]), somatic symptoms (SMD:-0.92 [95% CI:-1.03;-0.81]) and anxiety and insomnia (SMD:-0.72 [95% CI:-0.83;-0.61]) were significantly lower among food secure participants vs. food insecure participants. Social dysfunction was not significantly associated with household food security. The regression models demonstrated that household food security was a significant predictor for the health of mothers with children aged under 60 months: uni-variable (β=-0.38) and multivariable (β=-0.41). Household food security is associated with various aspects of mothers' health. Since the growth and development of a healthy child depends on having a healthy mother, the food security situation of the family and the general health of mother can be assessed as part of providing health service regarding monitoring growth and development of children. This will help in targeting appropriate interventions if needed.

The prevalence of household food insecurity in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) fell sharply between 2007 and 2011, but it appears to have risen since then. Our objective was to compare the prevalence of food insecurity between 2011-2012 and 2017-2018 in relation to population socio-demographic characteristics. Our analytic sample comprised all NL households in the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) cycles 2011-2012 and 2017-2018, n = 6800. We stratified the prevalence of household food insecurity for each cycle by socio-demographic characteristics and applied multivariable logistic regression models to determine food insecurity odds in 2017-2018 compared with 2011-2012 after controlling for socio-demographic covariates. Interactions of covariates with survey cycle were tested and models stratified when warranted. The prevalence of food insecurity rose from 12.0% (95% CI 10.5, 13.6) in 2011-2012 to 14.7% (95% CI 13.1, 16.6) in 2017-2018. After adjusting for household socio-demographic variables, the odds of food insecurity was 1.49 (95% CI 1.27, 1.75) in 2017-2018. The prevalence of food insecurity had increased significantly among unattached individuals, renters, households with low educational attainment, and households with income above the Low Income Measure, with concomitant increases in the contribution of these groups to the total provincial prevalence of food insecurity in 2017-2018 compared with that in 2011-2012. The odds of food insecurity among NL households increased significantly from 2011-2012 to 2017-2018. Given the serious negative health implications of household food insecurity, the province should draw on the lessons from its earlier success in food insecurity reduction to reverse the current trend.

Although the proportion of people living in slums is increasing in low- and middle-income countries and food insecurity is considered a severe hazard for health, there is little research on this topic. This study investigated and compared the prevalence and socio-demographic associations of household food insecurity in seven slum settings across Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Data were taken from a cross-sectional, household-based, spatially referenced survey conducted between December 2018 and June 2020. Household characteristics and the extent and distribution of food insecurity across sites was established using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression of data in a pooled model including all slums (adjusting for slum site) and site-specific analyses were conducted. In total, a sample of 6,111 households were included. Forty-one per cent (2,671) of all households reported food insecurity, with varying levels between the different slums (9–69%). Household head working status and national wealth quintiles were consistently found to be associated with household food security in the pooled analysis (OR: 0·82; CI: 0·69–0·98 & OR: 0·65; CI: 0·57–0·75) and in the individual sites. Households which owned agricultural land (OR: 0·80; CI: 0·69–0·94) were less likely to report food insecurity. The association of the household head’s migration status with food insecurity varied considerably between sites. We found a high prevalence of household food insecurity which varied across slum sites and household characteristics. Food security in slum settings needs context-specific interventions and further causal clarification.

Although the proportion of people living in slums is increasing in low- and middle-income countries and food insecurity is considered a severe hazard for health, there is little research on this topic. This study investigated and compared the prevalence and socio-demographic associations of household food insecurity in seven slum settings across Nigeria, Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Data were taken from a cross-sectional, household-based, spatially referenced survey conducted between December 2018 and June 2020. Household characteristics and the extent and distribution of food insecurity across sites was established using descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression of data in a pooled model including all slums (adjusting for slum site) and site-specific analyses were conducted. In total, a sample of 6,111 households were included. Forty-one per cent (2,671) of all households reported food insecurity, with varying levels between the different slums (9-69%). Household head working status and national wealth quintiles were consistently found to be associated with household food security in the pooled analysis (OR: 0·82; CI: 0·69-0·98 & OR: 0·65; CI: 0·57-0·75) and in the individual sites. Households which owned agricultural land (OR: 0·80; CI: 0·69-0·94) were less likely to report food insecurity. The association of the household head's migration status with food insecurity varied considerably between sites. We found a high prevalence of household food insecurity which varied across slum sites and household characteristics. Food security in slum settings needs context-specific interventions and further causal clarification.

Household Food Insecurity in Middle- and High-Income Countries Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Food Insecurity on College and University Campuses: A Context and Rationale for Solutions

Background: The influence of household food insecurity on poor child growth has been widely studied. However, there is a lack of clarity in such relationships therefore, more studies are required. Hence, the present study evaluated household food insecurity and sciodemographic determinants of undernutrition in young children (6-59 months old) in Ghana. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tamale South using 240 mother-child pairs. Mothers and their children (6-59 months old) were recruited from child welfare clinics within the Constituency. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Child anthropometric data were measured (weight and height/length) based on World Health Organization’s prescribed procedures. Child anthropometric Z-scores for the determination of acute and chronic malnutrition were generated using WHO Anthroplus 1.0.4. Household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) was used to estimate household food insecurity. Binary logistics regression models were run using Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 24.0 to estimate the odds of acute and chronic malnutrition following the independent variables (HFIAS and sciodemographic factors). Results: The prevalence of acute malnutrition (wasting) was 7.5%. Also, the prevalence of chronic malnutrition (stunting) was 29.2%. In multiple binary logistics regressions model, there was a significant relationship between higher scores of HFIAS and the odds of acute malnutrition [1.34(1.07-1.68); P=0.010]. In the study, children aged 6-23 months had lower odds for chronic malnutrition [0.36 (1.20-0.66); P=0.001] compared with their colleagues (24-59 months old). Conclusions: In the study, we found a medium and a high prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition, respectively. Also, HFIAS was a significant predictor of acute malnutrition but not chronic malnutrition. Further, children less than 24 months old compared with those aged 24-59 months old had lower odds for chronic malnutrition. To reduce the odds for acute malnutrition, nutrition and health authorities in the Tamale South Constituency ought to intensify education on strategies to increase household food security status.

476 5. C hildhood malnutrition encompasses a plethora of nutritional disorders that include stunting, underweight, wasting, severe acute malnutrition (SAM), and micronutrient deficiency disorders. Overweight and obesity, at the other end of the nutritional spectrum, are also manifestations of childhood malnutrition. Nearly 24 million children (younger than 5 years) worldwide experience SAM. The vast majority is located in Africa and Asia (8 million are in India alone). A child with SAM is 10 times more likely to die than a wellnourished child. SAM is one of the top 3 nutrition-related causes of death in children younger than 5 years. Estimates of deaths directly attributable to SAM varied from 0.5 to 2 million annually. Moderate and severe child malnutrition account for 40% to 50% of all deaths in children younger than 5 years. If the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (http://www.un.org/millennium goals) of reducing children malnutrition and mortality by 50% by 2015 are to be met, SAM needs to be prevented and controlled effectively.

The food security and nutrition crisis in Venezuela

Introduction: Food insecurity and malnutrition among children are common in developing countries including Ethiopia. Food insecurity is probably one of the determining factors of malnutrition in children but results are inconclusive. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of household food insecurity and its association with the nutritional status of children in Gambella town. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on children in April 2016 in Gambella town, west Ethiopia. Data including household food insecurity were collected from 284 households having children 6-59 months by the face to face interview using structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were measured using standard procedures to determine nutritional status of children. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association between household food insecurity and nutritional status of children. Results: The overall prevalence of household food insecurity was 59.5% with 20.1%, 23.6%, and 15.8% households were mildly, moderately, and severely food insecure, respectively. Prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were 23.2%, 12.0% and 13.4% respectively. Household food insecurity was independently associated with stunting, but not with wasting and underweight after adjusting for possible confounders using multivariable logistic regression model. The odds of stunting were highly pronounced in those children who were from severely and moderately food insecure households. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest high prevalence of both household food insecurity and malnutrition among children in Gambella town. Household food insecurity was significantly associated with stunting. The finding implies nutrition interventions targeting children need to address household food security.