Multidimensional Analysis of Health Factors and Their Association With Food Insecurity

Abstract

Objectives: In Mexico, food insecurity is one of the main problems identified as factors that intervene in the decline of population health. For this reason, an analysis of this relationship between food insecurity and loss of health is imperative. The objective of this work can be divided into 2 elements: (1) the analysis of the relationship between food insecurity and factors associated with loss of health, and (2) promoting an alternative methodological tool based on the use of fuzzy inference system. Methods: Two multidimensional indices were calculated: (1) the multidimensional health index, constructed using 6 factors ‐ excess weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, symptoms of depression, kidney problems and heart problems, and (2) the food insecurity index with 3 levels ‐ mild, moderate, and severe. The multidimensional health index is constructed with the use of fuzzy sets, through the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT 2019 its acronym in Spanish) in Mexico. Results: There is a close relationship between these indices and a specific profile of individuals in which there is a higher prevalence of health loss in relation to severe food insecurity. Conclusions: This study aims to elucidate the current state of health of the population in Mexico using the most up-to-date data provided by the autonomous public body for statistics and geography to build a multidimensional panorama, as well as the close relationship between food security and the loss of health.