Household Food Insecurity Status Research Articles

Household Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status of Under-Five Children and Women of Reproductive Age from Pond Fish Farming Households in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Food insecurity is defined as situation that exists when all people, at all times, have no physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Fish farming plays an important role in food security and nutrition by providing food and income. The aim of this study was to assess household food insecurity status and nutritional status of under-five children and women of reproductive age from pond fish farming households in Sidama Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

The food insecurity status of pastoral and agro-pastoral households in Ethiopia

Understanding the major causes of food insecurity is important for interventions aiming at minimizing food insecurity. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the status of food insecurity of pastoral and agro-pastoral households of Seba Boru Woreda Guji Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia. In order to achieve these objectives, 112 respondents’ agro pastoralists were selected from 2 kebeles (the smallest administrative unit). To this end, both probabilities (stratified, systematic and random) and non-probability (purposive) sampling techniques were employed. Primary and secondary data were collected from various sources. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics like mean standard deviation, percentage and frequency distributions. Univariate analysis such as t-test and chi-square (χ2) were also used to describe the characteristics of food secured and food insecure groups. The survey result shows that about 60 (53.7 %) of sample respondents were food insecure while only 52 (46.3 %) were food secure. As per a binary logistic model regression, four variables such as family size, land, income, and extension service were significant at 10 % probability levels. Finally, limiting population size through integrated health and education service, intensification of agriculture through extension service by strengthening PTC (pastoral training center), are some to recommend to curb food insecurity in the area

Association of household food insecurity and childhood weight status in a low-income population.

One in seven US households with children are food insecure. The health effects of household food insecurity (HFI) are well documented, but its association with childhood weight status remains unclear. We aimed to assess this association and to describe correlates of HFI in children. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 3019 low-income children aged 2 to 17 years. Data were extracted via chart review. HFI was assessed using the hunger vital sign screener. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from documented clinical measurements. We used adjusted linear and logistic regression to assess the association of HFI with BMI z-score (BMIz) and weight status. We used logistic regression to examine correlates of HFI including age, race/ethnicity, tobacco exposure, number of parents and siblings living at home, weight status, and census-tract poverty rate and food access. Of participants whose HFI status was documented, 91% were food secure and 9% were food insecure. The mean (SD) BMIz was 0.81 (1.11). Fifty five percentage of children were healthy weight, 18% overweight, and 26% obese. In adjusted analyses, HFI was not associated with BMIz but was associated with decreased odds of obesity (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.36-0.87). Tobacco exposure (1.63; 1.10-2.44), additional siblings (1.16; 1.04-1.30), and residence census tract with high poverty rate (1.02; 1.01-1.03) were all associated with HFI. We concluded that food-insecure children were less likely to have obesity and had differences in household makeup, exposures, and residential location compared to food-secure children. Clinicians should understand these relationships when counselling families about weight status and food insecurity.

Household Income, Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status of Migrant Workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia.

Background and Purpose:Food insecurity exists whenever accessibility to nutritious food is limited. It affects a person’s health with regards to nutritional status, indicated by malnourishment or overnutrition. This study aims to study the relationship between household income, household food insecurity, and weight status of migrant workers in Klang Valley, Selangor.Method:A cross-sectional study involving a convenience sampling of 125 documented migrant workers from five selected countries was conducted. A researcher-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions, three-day 24-hour dietary recall (3DR), and nine-item Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height, and waist circumference, were taken.Findings:About 57.6% of the households studied were food insecure (24.8% mildly, 29.6% moderately, and 3.2% severely). Burmese were found to have the highest rate of household food insecurity (96%). The majority of the migrant workers were of normal weight (68.0%). No significant relationship was found between monthly household income and household food security status (p = 0.475), as well as between household food security status and weight status (p = 0.535).Conclusion:Results imply that food security status affects certain nutrient intake among migrant workers. There were no significant associations between variables. Interventions focusing on nutritional education on food choices and implementation on health policy are recommended. Further studies should consider the accessibility, nutritional-related diseases, and dietary aspects of migrant workers, which are risk factors for food insecurity.

Food insecurity is associated with compromised dietary intake and quality among Lebanese mothers: findings from a national cross-sectional study.

Examine the associations between household food insecurity (HFI) with sociodemographic, anthropometric and dietary intakes of mothers. Cross-sectional survey (2014-2015). In addition to a sociodemographic questionnaire, data collection included the validated Arabic version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, which was used to evaluate HFI. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall of a single habitual day, and maternal BMI was calculated based on weight and height measurements. Associations between HFI and maternal dietary intake (food groups, energy and macronutrients' intake) were examined. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between HFI status with odds of maternal overweight and measures of diet quality and diversity (Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W)). Lebanon. Mothers, nationally representative sample of Lebanese households with children (n 1204). HFI was experienced among almost half of the study sample. Correlates of HFI were low educational attainment, unemployment and crowding. Significant inverse associations were observed between HFI and dietary HEI (OR 0·64, 95 % CI 0·46, 0·90, P = 0·011) and MDD-W (OR 0·6, 95 % CI 0·42, 0·85, P = 0·004), even after adjusting for socioeconomic correlates. No significant association was observed between HFI and odds of maternal overweight status. HFI was associated with compromised maternal dietary quality and diversity. Findings highlight the need for social welfare programmes and public health interventions to alleviate HFI and promote overall health and wellbeing of mothers.

P117 Household Food Insecurity Does Not Predict Weight-Related Outcomes in a Low-Intensity Childhood Obesity Treatment Program

<h3>Background</h3> Food insecurity (FI) has been paradoxically associated with childhood obesity. Little research has examined whether FI influences response to childhood obesity treatment. <h3>Objective</h3> Conduct a secondary analysis examining effects of household FI status on weight-related outcomes among children participating in a low-intensity obesity treatment program delivered at a federally qualified health center (FQHC). <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Two 6-month family-based programs targeting energy-balance behaviors were implemented. One program targeted caregiver and child behaviors, while the other targeted child behaviors only. Children 4-10 years, body mass index (BMI) ≥85th percentile, receiving integrated primary care at the FQHC, and with a female caregiver were randomized to 1 of the 2 programs. The program consisted of alternating monthly in-person meetings and phone calls delivered by a licensed behaviorist in primary care. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Household FI status at 0 months was determined by the U.S. Household Food Security Module. At months 0 and 6, measured anthropometrics were used to calculate BMI z-score (zBMI), and energy intake (EI) was assessed via three 24-hour dietary recalls. Regression analyses, controlling for randomization and 0-months zBMI or EI, examined if FI status predicted post-intervention zBMI or EI. Repeated measures controlling for the randomized group examined the main effect of time on zBMI and EI. <h3>Results</h3> Sixty-six children (8.2 ± 1.8 years, 59% male, 91% White, 77% Hispanic/Latino, 35% FI) were included in analysis. FI status was not related to zBMI, t(62) = 1.01, <i>P</i> = 0.32, or EI, t(48) = 0.44, <i>P</i> = .66, at post-intervention. A main effect of time was observed for zBMI (2.01 ± 0.42 vs 1.94 ± 0.47), F(1,64) = 5.97, <i>P</i> = .017, and EI (1172 ± 454 kcal vs 1021 ± 196 kcal), F(1,50) = 6.86, <i>P</i> = .012. <h3>Conclusions</h3> FI status did not affect weight-related outcomes in this low-intensity obesity treatment program. Future research should examine whether FI status affects outcomes in more intensive interventions for which adherence may be challenging for families with unstable food access.

Is Food Insecurity Associated With Iron Deficiency Anemia and Vitamin D Deficiency Among Women of Reproductive Age?

This cross-sectional study assessed the association between household food insecurity (HFI) and anemia, iron deficiency, and vitamin D deficiency among women of reproductive age. The HFI status was assessed using a short form of the Household Food Security Scale questionnaire, and the serum ferritin, hemoglobin, and vitamin D levels were measured using the ELISA method. About 67.3% of the population was food insecure. There was a positive association between HFI and anemia (2.57; 95% CI, 1.02-7.17). However, the association between HFI and serum vitamin D and iron deficiency was not statistically significant. Further prospective research is needed to confirm these observations.

Impact of sex and marital status on the prevalence of perceived depression in association with food insecurity.

While both food insecurity and depression have been reported to be closely related to sex and marital status, the impact of sex and marital status on the prevalence of perceived depression in association with food security status has not been evaluated. We performed a nationwide population study using data for 19,866 adults obtained from the 2012-2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Household food insecurity status was evaluated using the 18-item Food Security Survey Module. Perceived depression was measured using one item questionnaire or the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). We cross-sectionally analyzed associations between perceived depression and variables, including socio-demographic factors and food security status. The prevalence of perceived depression was compared according to sex, marital status, and food security status. We applied survey sampling weights in all analyses. The overall prevalence of perceived depression was 10.5%. Prevalence rates of perceived depression in the high food security group, marginal food security group, low food security group, and very low food security group were 8.9%, 13.6%, 19.7%, and 35.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). Of total participants, 1.8% were categorized as having both perceived depression and food insecurity. After adjusting for confounding covariates, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 2.37), never married (aOR; 1.37), divorced/widowed/separated (aOR; 1.50), low food security (aOR; 1.72), and very low food security (aOR; 3.65) were associated with increased risk of perceived depression. Men with very low food security and divorced/widowed/separated status were most likely to have perceived depression (53.2%), followed by women with very low food security and divorced/widowed/separated status (48.7%), women with very low food security and married status (42.0%), and women with low food security and divorced/widowed/separated status (33.3%). Female sex and marital status of divorced/widowed/separated were strongly associated with perceived depression. These two factors and food insecurity synergistically contributed to perceived depression.

Associations Between Food Insecurity and Parental Feeding Behaviors of Toddlers.

We examined associations between household food insecurity status and parental feeding behavior, weight perception, and child weight status in a diverse sample of young children. Cross-sectional analysis of 2-year-old children in Greenlight, a cluster randomized trial to prevent childhood obesity. The exposure was food insecurity, defined as a positive response to a validated screen. Outcomes were parent feeding behaviors/beliefs measured by the Child Feeding Questionnaire and child weight status. t tests and linear regression were used to assess associations between food insecurity and each outcome. We adjusted for child sex, race/ethnicity, parent education, employment, site, number of children in the home, and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children status. Five hundred three households (37%) were food insecure. After adjusting for covariates, parents from insecure households reported more pressuring feeding behaviors (mean factor score 3.2 compared to food secure parents mean factor score 2.9, P=.01) and were more worried about their child becoming overweight (mean factor score 2.3 vs 2.0; P=.02). No differences were observed in monitoring or restrictive feeding behaviors. After adjusting for covariates, there was no difference in weight status or prevalence of overweight/obesity of children or parents based on household food insecurity status. Parents from food insecure households reported more pressuring feeding behaviors. This finding underscores the need to address food insecurity and potentially prevent harmful effects on child feeding. Parents in food insecure households might benefit from linkage with resources and education to develop healthier feeding behaviors.

Self-Confidence in Food Resource Management Is Associated with Lower Risk of Household Food Insecurity Among SNAP-Ed Eligible Head Start Families

Abstract Objectives To examine the associations between food resource management (FRM) self-confidence and behaviors that help maximize the use of food dollars by household food insecurity (HFI) status. Methods Cross-sectional survey on SNAP-Ed eligible Head Start families in Pennsylvania, US (n = 366). HFI status was assessed using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Module. FRM self-confidence was measured using 5-questions (e.g., “How confident are you that you can buy healthy foods for your family on a budget?”) and FRM behaviors were assessed using 6-questions (e.g., “How often do you plan meals before shopping for groceries?”). The associations between FRM self-confidence and behavior by HFI status were explored using chi-square and simple logistic regression analyses. Results The average FRM self-confidence score of respondents was 3.02(SD: 0.71) and FRM behavior score was 3.7(SD: 0.8). Participants with high FRM self-confidence had lower odds of HFI (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.56, P &amp;lt; 0.001), yet the association between FRM behaviors with HFI status was not found to be statistically significant (P = 0.91). When individual FRM questions were explored, results showed that all FRM self-confidence questions significantly differed by HFI status (highest p-value &amp;lt; 0.046); e.g., a higher proportion of food secure households were moderately confident or very confident to buy healthy foods on a budget compared to food insecure households (75% vs 58%, P &amp;lt; 0.001). For individual FRM behaviors, one of the 6 behaviors differed by HFI status; food insecure households were more likely to report never or rarely using a shopping list when grocery shopping vs their food secure counterparts (12% vs 9%, P = 0.016). Conclusions Higher confidence in FRM skills may protect against food insecurity among SNAP-Ed eligible households. Nutrition education programs designed to assist low-income households in stretching their food dollars need to target self-confidence in FRM skills, and address what factors may affect their FRM behaviors, in an attempt to alleviate food insecurity. Funding Sources This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the PA Department of Human Services (DHS). This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Coping through a drought: the association between child nutritional status and household food insecurity in the district of iLembe, South Africa.

To assess and compare the association between household food insecurity and child nutritional status over two time-points taking into consideration the effects of a severe drought. The study used two cross-sectional household surveys during and after a severe drought, consistent with a natural experiment design. The study took place in the district of iLembe, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Households with children aged <5 years were invited to participate in the survey. Anthropometric measures were taken for the respective children in each of the participating households. The results indicated that all forms of poor nutritional status increased over the two time-points, with the most significant increases being for stunting (P < 0·016) and obesity (P < 0·001). There was evidence of an association between increasing food insecurity and stunting (P < 0·003) at the end of the drought, but not wasting, underweight or overweight. The results indicated a strong link between chronic food insecurity and chronic undernutrition. The results also showed stronger evidence of an association between food insecurity and stunting for urban households (P < 0·001) compared to their rural counterparts (P < 0·019). The negative effects of drought appear to contribute to increased rates of child stunting through higher levels of household food insecurity. Future research should assess this relationship through longitudinal studies. Interventions aimed at improving food security may assist in reducing child malnutrition, but policymakers should consider urban-rural differences as well as climatic and environmental events.

Exploring the association between food insecurity and food skills among school-aged children.

To examine the relationship between household food insecurity (FI) and children's involvement in family meal choices and food preparation, used as proxies for children's food skills, and to explore gender differences within these associations. Households were classified as food-secure or food-insecure using the six-item, short-form Household Food Security Survey Module. Children's involvement in family meal choices and food preparation were treated as proxies for children's food skills. Mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression models were used. Public schools in Nova Scotia, Canada. 5244 children in the fifth grade (10-11 years old) participating in the Children's Lifestyle and School Performance Study (CLASS). Most children reported being involved in family meal choices or food preparation at least weekly (74 and 68 %). The likelihood of helping choose family meals once a week was 33 % lower among girls from food-insecure households compared to girls from food-secure households. No differences in boys' involvement in family meal choices were observed according to household FI status. Boys from food-insecure households were 65 % more likely than boys from food-secure households to assist with food preparation/cooking four times per week. No differences in girls' involvement in food preparation were observed according to household FI status. Findings support that household FI is not due to a lack of food skills but most likely due to inadequate access to resources. This supports the call for upstream policies targeting the structural issues underpinning household FI such as low income.

Household Food Insecurity Predicts Childhood Undernutrition: A Cross-Sectional Study in West Oromia (Ethiopia).

Background Despite mixed reports, food insecurity emerges as a predictor of nutritional status, assumably limiting the quantity and quality of dietary intake. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of childhood undernutrition and food insecurity is highly pronounced. However, whether household food insecurity predicts undernutrition in children was not yet well established. Thus, the aim of the present study was to identify the link between household food access and undernutrition in children aged 6–23 months in West Oromia zones, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 525 households during June–October 2016. Food access was measured as Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Semistructured interviewer-administered questionnaires were employed to collect data on sociodemographics, child health, child dietary practices, household food security, and anthropometrics. The height and weight of children aged 6–23 months in each household were measured. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association between household food insecurity and child nutritional status measured from undernutrition indicators. Results Overall, more than two-thirds (69%) of households were classified as food insecure (had insufficient access to adequate food), with a mean (SD) household food access score of 7.9 (7.7). The respective prevalence of mild and moderate food-insecure households was 56.6% and 12.4%. Higher proportions of children in food-insecure households were stunted (41.8% vs. 15.5%), underweight (22.0% vs. 6.1%), and wasted (14.9% vs. 6.1%). Overall, the prevalence of child undernutrition was 21.3% in the target population, with 16.2% stunted, 6.9% underweight, and 6.3% wasted. The present finding shows food-secure households were 54% protective (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25–0.84) for child undernutrition. Compared to children in food-secure households, children who were reportedly living in moderately food-insecure households were over twice more likely stunted (OR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.02–4.28) and over 4 times more likely underweight (OR: 4.73, 95% CI: 1.81–12.35). However, household food insecurity was not a correlate for acute malnutrition (wasting) in children. Conclusions The prevalence of household's food insecurity situation is very common and more pronounced among households with undernourished children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. The analysis of this work shows that moderately food-insecure households are a salient predictor for composite undernutrition, stunting, and underweight, but not for wasting. Thus, this finding informs the need for multisectoral strategies and policies to combat household's food insecurity and multiple forms of child undernutrition, beyond the socioeconomic wellbeing.

Determinants of Food Security Status amongst Smallholder Farmers Utilizing Different Maize Varieties in OR Tambo District, South Africa

Maize is an important staple crop for poverty reduction and global food security in Sub Saharan Africa. Food insecurity can be combated through adoption of productivity improving technologies, which include improved maize varieties. In that endeavour, South Africa has promoted various improved maize varieties which include open pollinated varieties (OPVs), hybrids, and genetically modified (GM) varieties. Despite this, the traditional landrace varieties have also been dominating in the country. However, the household food insecurity problem in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa may signify a mis-match between maize varieties being promoted amongst smallholder farmers’ and their needs. It therefore necessitates a scrutiny of the food security status among users of different maize varieties, and the determinants of such food security. A cross sectional survey was conducted in Port St Johns, Mqanduli and Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Data was purposively collected from a sample of 650 smallholder farmers using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Household Food Insecurity Access Score and ordinal logistic regression model were employed to characterize, examine the household food insecurity status and the determinants, respectively. Fifty-six percent of the respondents were utilizing land race maize varieties, whilst 29% GMs, 10% combining GMs and landrace, 4% improved OPVs and 1% convectional hybrids. The average land area under maize was 1.09 hectares with average yields (t/ha) of 1.9, 0.5, 1.7 and 1.6 for GM, landrace, conventional hybrids and improved OPVs respectively. Fifty-five percent of households utilizing GM varieties and 61% of those combining maize varieties were food secure. The regression model showed that maize variety had significant influence on food security. The study found that GM maize, improved OPV, white maize and combination effects of GM maize was associated with reduction of household food insecurity. From the study, it can be put into perspective that use of white and improved maize varieties reduces household food insecurity. Therefore, to address household food insecurity, the study recommended targeting white maize varieties, especially GM white maize varieties which are highly productive and a positive influence on household food security.

Household food insecurity and nutrition status: Implications for child’s survival in South-Western Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between household food insecurity and nutrition status with a focus on the implications for child survival. Data were collected on 746 women of child-bearing age (15 - 49 years) in five states in south western Nigeria. The study finds that household food security increased with income and education. The findings show that child survival is not only about improving nutrition status in the household or improving household food security, but also activities that mothers undertake to enhance child survival.

Malnutrition and Household Food Insecurity in Children Attending Anganwadi Centres in a District of North East India.

Background:Child malnutrition is linked to household food insecurity. Literature reveals mixed results, but most studies were carried out in adults.Aims:The aim of this study is to assess household food insecurity and nutritional status in children attending Anganwadi centers (AWCs) of Dibrugarh district.Materials and Methods:Cross-sectional study among 510 randomly selected children attending AWCs in Dibrugarh was done. Data on nutritional status and food security were collected, and anthropometric measurements were recorded.Statistical Analysis:Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Categorical variables presented as percentages and differences between them tested using Chi-square test. Bivariate analysis was performed to find out independent risk factors.Results:The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight was 39.8%, 26.1%, and 39.2%, respectively. Significant associations found between wasting, stunting, or underweight and household food insecurity. Stunting, wasting, and underweight were significantly associated with the literacy status of parents. Underweight and stunting were also associated with socioeconomic class.Conclusions:Malnutrition in all forms is common in the study population. Rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight were higher than the state average. Along-with access to food, an integrated approach that improves the overall socioeconomic well-being of families and parental education is needed.

Determinants of Rural Household Food Insecurity Status and Coping Strategies in Case of Konso Woreda, Segen Area People’s Zone of Southern Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to identify determinant factors and status of household food insecurity in Konso district. The study employed primary data collected from 203 households selected by using simple random sampling method. Binary logistic models and household calorie acquisition methods were employed to identify factors and categorize households into food secured and insecure. The survey result shows that in Konso district, about 80% households were found to be food insecure and majority households were mildly food insecure. The result of the binary logistic analysis showed that, of the twelve explanatory variables expected to determine household’s food insecurity in Konso district, only eight variables significantly determine household’s food insecurity situations both positively and negatively at 1%, 5% and 10% significance level. In the study area, farmland size, education level, off-farm income, livestock number and agro-ecology determine negatively and significantly household food insecurity. On the other hand, family size, dependency ratio and distance from market determine positively and significantly household food insecurity. To solve the food insecurity problem in a rural area like Konso, focus should be given to increase education level, off-farm income, livestock and equal focus is also important to reduce family size through a core rural development strategy.

Dietary Diversity May Play A Mediatory Role on the Association between Household Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status among Children Aged 24-59 Months

Background: Consuming scarce and poorly diversified diet, along with inadequate breastfeeding, contribute seriously to the complete scope of child undernutrition like stunting, wasting, underweight and micronutrient deficiency. Objective: To determine the association between dietary diversity score (DDS) and nutritional status among children aged 24 to 59 months in Haromaya district, Ethiopia. Methods: Children aged 24-59 months (N= 453) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study with a representative sample of households selected by a multistage sampling procedure in Haromaya district. Anthropometry and 24hr dietary recall were administered. Multinomial logistic regression models were applied to select variables that are candidate for multivariable model. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the mediatory effect of DDS on the relationship between household food insecurity (HFI) and child nutritional status. Results: The mean DDS was 3.62 (SD 1.09), and 50% of the children indicated poor and average DDS with only 20% children in very good DDS. By logistic regression analysis and after adjusting for the confounding factors, poor DDS was highly significant predictor of wasting, stunting and underweight (AOR = 4.09, C.I = 1.31 - 12.76, p = .01), (AOR = 2.28, C.I = 1.11 - 4.69, p = .03) and (AOR = 2.48, C.I = 1.17 - 5.24, p = .02) respectively. HFI had a significant direct effect on wasting though no significant indirect effect on wasting through mediation variable, DDS, (β1 reduced from 0.06 (S.E. = 0.027, p &lt; .05) to 0.05 (S.E. = 0.028, p &gt; .05). Conclusion: Poor DDS was a predictor of wasting, stunting and underweight. Additionally, DDS had a role in the association between HFI and nutritional status.

Dietary Diversity May Play A Mediatory Role on the Association between Household Food Insecurity and Nutritional Status among Children Aged 24-59 Months

Background: Consuming scarce and poorly diversified diet, along with inadequate breastfeeding, contribute seriously to the complete scope of child undernutrition like stunting, wasting, underweight and micronutrient deficiency. Objective: To determine the association between dietary diversity score (DDS) and nutritional status among children aged 24 to 59 months in Haromaya district, Ethiopia. Methods: Children aged 24-59 months (N= 453) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study with a representative sample of households selected by a multistage sampling procedure in Haromaya district. Anthropometry and 24hr dietary recall were administered. Multinomial logistic regression models were applied to select variables that are candidate for multivariable model. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the mediatory effect of DDS on the relationship between household food insecurity (HFI) and child nutritional status. Results: The mean DDS was 3.62 (SD 1.09), and 50% of the children indicated poor and average DDS with only 20% children in very good DDS. By logistic regression analysis and after adjusting for the confounding factors, poor DDS was highly significant predictor of wasting, stunting and underweight (AOR = 4.09, C.I = 1.31 - 12.76, p = .01), (AOR = 2.28, C.I = 1.11 - 4.69, p = .03) and (AOR = 2.48, C.I = 1.17 - 5.24, p = .02) respectively. HFI had a significant direct effect on wasting though no significant indirect effect on wasting through mediation variable, DDS, (β1 reduced from 0.06 (S.E. = 0.027, p &lt; .05) to 0.05 (S.E. = 0.028, p &gt; .05). Conclusion: Poor DDS was a predictor of wasting, stunting and underweight. Additionally, DDS had a role in the association between HFI and nutritional status.

Impact of Socio-Economic Characteristics on Food Insecurity Status: Evidence from Rural Households in Sri Lanka

Recent attention has been focused on means of eliminating food insecurity and hunger worldwide. Food security includes three dimensions, viz, availability, access and utilization. In the absence of any of these conditions, it can be considered as food insecurity. The aim of this study was to identify determinants of food insecurity status of rural households in Sri Lanka, using secondary data from a nationally representative sample data-set, the household income and expenditure survey of the Department of Census and Statistics. The analysis was carried out in two stages. In the first stage, the food insecurity index was determined and in the second stage ordered logistic regression model was executed to estimate the food insecurity status of the households as a function of a set of independent variables. The food insecurity index was determined by using a proxy variable based on the percentage of each household’s total expenditures devoted to food. Descriptive statistic results indicated that the percentages of food insecure and secure households were 54% and 46% respectively. The two-sample t-test and proportion test results suggested that there were significant differences of means in human capital variables between food secure and food insecure households. The results of the ordered logistic regression model revealed that if the household head was a female and educated, it would decrease the vulnerability of household to become food insecure, and if a household has a higher number of members who completed the secondary education, higher number of workers, lower young dependents and old dependents, food insecurity status of rural households in Sri Lanka would be reduced. In conclusion, the findings of this study support the empirical literature on the importance of human capital development in food insecurity status.