Household Food Insecurity Score Research Articles

Seasonal variations in household food security and consumption affect women's nutritional status in rural South Ethiopia.

Food availability varies seasonally in most rural areas of developing nations, especially in areas affected by drought and climate change, with women being one of the most vulnerable groups. This study aimed to assess the effect of seasonal variation in household food security, adequate dietary diversity, food consumption, and wealth on the nutritional status of women of reproductive age in a rural community in South Ethiopia. Further, the study aimed at identifying associated factors with women's nutrition status. An open cohort study was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022, with follow-up visits every three months. Anthropometric measurements were carried out along with interviews. Data were analyzed using STATA version 15. Multilevel, multiple linear regressions were employed. Findings revealed that women's average body mass index (BMI) was 20.4 kg/m2 (95% CI: 20.4-20.5). The highest (20.6 kg/m2, 95% CI: 20.5-20.8) was observed in December, while the lowest (20.2 kg/m2, 95% CI: 20-20.3) occurred in September. During the main postharvest period in December, the household food insecurity score was the lowest (median: 4, Inter quartile range (IQR): 0-9), while the household dietary diversity score (median: 6, IQR: 5-7), and the household food consumption score were the highest (median: 50.5, IQR: 44-70). Factors such as household food security, food consumption, previous season BMI, age, marital status, and membership in safety net programs were identified as determinants of women's BMI. The study showed the vulnerability of women in drought-prone areas to seasonal undernutrition. We recommend collaborative work among stakeholders to ensure sustainable food access and minimize seasonal food shortages' effect on women's nutrition and overall well-being.

English

This study assessed the impacts of Farmer Field Schools (FFS) on household food security and environmental conservation in the Western Province of Kenya. The outcome variables were: Maize yield per acre, income per acre, household food insecurity score and environmental conservation score. Principal component analysis and propensity score matching techniques were used for analyses and regression method to test the robustness of matching results. We found that FFS households harvest higher crop yield of up to 9.45 bags which is significantly different (p<0.05) from their counterparts. Consequently, FFS households earn significantly (p<0.05) higher income estimated over KSh 2,800 per acre than Non-FFS households. Although the EC score were not significantly different, FS scores were low in FFS households. The study showed that FFS program significantly (-0.42**) reduce severity of food insecurity this implies that FFS plays a critical role in enhancing household food security. Key words: Farmer field schools, food security, environmental conservation.

Considering gender differences in measuring household food insecurity in northern Ghana

ABSTRACT This study compares estimates of household food insecurity between men and women living within the same household (n = 866) to assess whether there is a gender bias in reporting. The main research question is, do household food insecurity scores and prevalence categories differ between male and female spouses within households in the sample? Findings indicate that men's household food insecurity estimates were lower on average at 3.49, than women's estimates at 5.06. There is also a statistically significant decrease in men's estimates when compared to women's. Overall, these findings question the reliability of household-level food insecurity measures that rely on heads of households' estimations by pointing to discrepancies found in this reporting between husbands and wives within the same household. Since this study sampled married women and men within the same household, gender differences found are also more directly attributable to gender than in most other studies that compare male and female-headed households' food insecurity reporting. Though further assessments across other cases are needed, more reliable measures of household food insecurity could include averaging estimates of multiple individuals within households. Qualitative research into the gendered dynamics could also improve sampling and the interpretation of findings from surveys on household-level measures.

Household Food Insecurity Scores are Higher among Adults Infected with COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Online Study among an Iranian Population

Introduction: Food insecurity has negative impacts on health, including the function of the immune system. The association between food insecurity and COVID-19 infection rates has not been fully understood. This study aimed to examine whether food-insecure households are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: This online cross-sectional study was conducted on 2,871 Iranian adults (31 provinces), from August to September 2020. Demographic and socio-economic information was collected using a questionnaire. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used for assessing household food insecurity. The data analysis was performed by SPSS.22, using Chi-square test, ANOVA test, and Multinomial Logistic Regression Model. Results: The findings indicated that healthcare personnel were at higher risk of COVID-19 (CI = 1.90, 7.05; OR = 3.66; P < 0.001). It was also shown that HFIAS scores were significantly higher among infected people compared to non-infected (CI = 1.00, 1.05; OR = 1.03; P < 0.05). Women were at lower risk of infection compared to men (CI = 0.41, 0.87; OR = 0.60; P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results, in addition to long-term policies to improve food security, policymakers are recommended to implement short-term policies to reduce the vulnerability of the community to COVID-19 virus.

Feeding practices and factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods to children aged 6-23 months in Matam area, Senegal.

The objectives of this study were to document feeding practices amongst rural Senegalese children aged 6 to 23 months and to investigate psychosocial and environmental factors associated with the provision of iron-rich foods (IRF). This was a cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2018. The study took place in the region of Matam, northern Senegal. Ninety-eight mothers of children aged 6-23 months. Results show that 27·6 % of children were fed according to the minimum acceptable diet, and 55·1 % and 53·1 % had the minimum diet diversity and minimum meal frequency, respectively. About 65·3 % of mothers provided IRF to young children the day before the survey, mostly fish. Mother's intention to provide IRF to their children was not associated with the provision of these foods neither was the perceived behavioural control. Child's age (OR = 1·14, 95 % CI (1·03, 1·26), P = 0·012) and household food insecurity score (OR = 0·80, 95 % CI (0·68, 0·96), P = 0·014) were the predictors of the provision of IRF to children aged 6-23 months. Household food insecurity status and age of the child rather than mothers' psychosocial factors were significant predictors of IRF consumption amongst children aged 6-23 months in the study area. More attention should be given to food environment and child-related factors in order to improve children feeding practices and, in particular, their consumption of IRF in the study setting. For instance, home visits and the 5-month-old vaccine consultation in health centres might be opportunities to reinforce the importance of providing IRF as part of complementary foods from the age of 6 months. Implementation of measures for the improvement of socio-economic conditions and food security of households would also be valuable.

Household Food Insecurity and Dietary Diversity Among Kenyan Households During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesThis study compares 1) household food insecurity and 2) household dietary diversity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 3) examines self-reported coping strategies among three communities around Lake Victoria, Kenya.MethodsWe conducted in-person home interviews with 90 randomly selected households in March 2020 prior to the first reported case of COVID-19 in Kenya and followed up with 88 of these same households by phone in June 2020 during COVID-19. We assessed household foodinsecurity status using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and assessed dietary diversity using the Household Dietary Diversity Score. We compared differences in household food insecurity scores and prevalence across time using the paired T-test and McNemar's test, respectively. We compared household dietary diversity scores and the proportion of households consuming each food group across time using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar's test for paired samples, respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of severe food insecurity increased from 82% before COVID-19 to 91% during COVID-19 (P = 0.03) and household dietary diversity scores fell from 9.5 ± 1.5 to 8.6 ± 1.5 (P < 0.001). Households coped by reducing their food intake at mealtimes, borrowing money from family and friends, and purchasing food on credit.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate a high and growing level of vulnerability faced by these communities. Strategies to address food insecurity and access to diverse foods during the COVID-19 pandemic are urgently needed.Funding SourcesCornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability

Food insecurity is associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern among Lebanese adolescents: a cross-sectional national study.

To derive dietary patterns (DPs) of Lebanese adolescents (10-18years) and evaluate associations between identified DPs and household food insecurity (HFI). Data on adolescents (n = 693) were drawn from a national survey conducted in 2015 on a representative sample of Lebanese households with children. In addition to a sociodemographic questionnaire, data collection included the validated Arabic-version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, used to evaluate HFI. Dietary intake was assessed using a 187-item validated food frequency questionnaire. Associations between HFI scores and DPs were examined using multiple linear regressions. HFI was observed in 55.2% of the study sample. Two DPs were derived among adolescents: Western and Lebanese-Mediterranean (LM). The Western DP was characterized by higher consumption of sweetened beverages, fast foods, sweets, and refined grains, whereas the LM DP was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains. Scores of the Western DP were negatively associated with fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins A and D, while the LM DP scores were positively correlated with fiber, proteins, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and D (p < 0.01). LM DP scores were also negatively correlated with total fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fats, p < 0.05. After adjustment for sociodemographics, multiple linear regression showed that higher HFI scores were associated with lower adherence to LM DP among adolescents (β = - 0.026, 95% CI - 0.046, - 0.006). HFI was associated with lower adherence to the Mediterranean pattern among Lebanese adolescents. Preventive strategies are needed to promote better diet quality among food-insecure youth.

A Lebanese Mediterranean Dietary Pattern Is Associated with Lower Food Insecurity Among Lebanese Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional National Study (P04-055-19)

ObjectivesTo derive dietary patterns (DPs) of Lebanese adolescents (10–18 years) and evaluate associations between identified DPs and household food insecurity (HFI). MethodsData was drawn from a national survey on a representative sample of Lebanese households (n = 1204, 2015). HFI was assessed using a locally-validated, Arabic-translated version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Dietary intake was assessed using a 187-item locally-validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal component factor analysis was used to derive the DPs. Partial correlations were conducted to investigate the associations between DPs and macro- and micron-nutrient intakes (energy-adjusted). Multiple linear regression models were applied to examine the association between HFI scores and derived DPs. ResultsTwo DPs were derived from the study population: Western and Lebanese-Mediterranean (LM). The Western DP was characterized by higher consumption of sweetened beverages, fast foods, sweets, salty snacks and refined grains; whereas the Lebanese DP was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains. The Western DP was positively associated with alcohol (r = 0.3) and negatively associated with fiber (−0.35), calcium (−0.31), iron (−0.17), vitamins A (−0.31) and D (−0.15); P < 0.05. LM pattern was positively and highly correlated with fiber, proteins, iron, Vitamin A (r ≥ 0.30); moderately correlated with carbohydrates, calcium and Vitamin D (r < 0.3); and negatively correlated with total fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fats (r ≥ −0.26, P < 0.05). After adjustment for socio-demographics, Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the higher HFI score was associated with lower adherence to LM DP among adolescents (β = −0.026, P = 0.012, 95% CI −0.046, −0.006). No significant association was observed between HFI and the Western DP. ConclusionsIn conclusion, adolescents in food insecure households are less likely to consume the LM DP; the latter being associated with better nutrients’ intake vs. Western DP. Findings of this study can guide the development of preventive strategies emphasizing the adoption of a LM pattern among food insecure households and youth to promote better dietary quality and prevent risk of chronic diseases. Funding SourcesLebanese National Council for Scientific Research.

Maternal and Child Supplementation with Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements, but Not Child Supplementation Alone, Decreases Self-Reported Household Food Insecurity in Some Settings

Background: It is unknown whether self-reported measures of household food insecurity change in response to food-based nutrient supplementation.Objective: We assessed the impacts of providing lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNSs) to women during pregnancy and postpartum and/or to their children on self-reported household food insecurity in Malawi [DOSE and DYAD trial in Malawi (DYAD-M)], Ghana [DYAD trial in Ghana (DYAD-G)], and Bangladesh [Rang-Din Nutrition Study (RDNS) trial].Methods: Longitudinal household food-insecurity data were collected during 3 individually randomized trials and 1 cluster-randomized trial testing the efficacy or effectiveness of LNSs (generally 118 kcal/d). Seasonally adjusted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) scores were constructed for 1127 DOSE households, 732 DYAD-M households, 1109 DYAD-G households, and 3671 RDNS households. The impact of providing LNSs to women during pregnancy and the first 6 mo postpartum and/or to their children from 6 to 18–24 mo on seasonally adjusted HFIAS scores was assessed by using negative binomial models (DOSE, DYAD-M, and DYAD-G trials) and mixed-effect negative binomial models (RDNS trial).Results: In the DOSE and DYAD-G trials, seasonally adjusted HFIAS scores were not different between the LNS and non-LNS groups. In the DYAD-M trial, the average household food-insecurity scores were 14% lower (P = 0.01) in LNS households than in non-LNS households. In the RDNS trial, compared with non-LNS households, food-insecurity scores were 17% lower (P = 0.02) during pregnancy and the first 6 mo postpartum and 15% lower (P = 0.02) at 6–24 mo postpartum in LNS households.Conclusions: The daily provision of LNSs to mothers and their children throughout much of the “first 1000 d” may improve household food security in some settings, which could be viewed as an additional benefit that may accrue in households should policy makers choose to invest in LNSs to promote child growth and development. These trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00945698 (DOSE) NCT01239693 (DYAD-M), NCT00970866 (DYAD-G) and NCT01715038 (RDNS).

Household food insecurity and its association with nutritional status of under five children in Sekela District, Western Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundFood insecurity influences children nutritional status by limiting the quantity and quality of dietary intake. Studies conducted across different parts of the world revealed controversial evidences about the relationship between household food insecurity and child nutritional status. Although child malnutrition and food insecurity are the main problems in Ethiopia, to what extent food insecurity contributes to children nutritional status is not yet well studied. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare children nutritional status in food secure and insecure housholds.MethodA community based comparative cross sectional study was conducted in Sekela District,Western Ethiopia from February 5–27, 2014. The total sample size was 576 households having at least one children less than 5 year’s old. Two stage cluster stratified sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a pre tested structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Household food insecurity was measured using household food insecurity access scale. Anthropometry indices were calculated using WHO Anthro 3.1.0 and interpreted according to WHO 2006 cutoff points. Data were entered using Epi.Data 3.2. and exported to SPSS 21.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify independent predictors of children under nutrition.ResultThe mean of household food insecurity score was 8.16 ± 6.01 and the prevalence of food insecurity was 74.1%. Of children in food insecure households 38.9% were stunted, 22.6% were underweighted and 12.9% were wasted while the respective prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were 31.3%, 11.8% and 7.6% among children in food secure households. Food insecurity had association with children underweight (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.29, 3.94), but not with stunting and wasting. Children under nutrition had independent association with sex and age of the child, colostrum feeding, upper respiratory infection, fever, and maternal literacy.ConclusionHousehold food insecurity and child under nutrition were critical problems in the study setting. Socio demographic factors, poor child caring practices, infection and food insecurity had positive association with children under nutrition. Thus, due emphasis should be given for the designing and implementation of multi sectorial community based nutrition interventions and initiation of income generating livelihood to the community to curtail under nutrition and household food insecurity in the locality.

Poverty and poor education are key determinants of high household food insecurity among populations adjoining forest concessions in the Congo Basin

The trees and non-timber forest products (NTFPs) of the Congo Basin play a key role in alleviating food insecurity among millions of people around the world. Although many studies have been conducted both nationally and regionally on issues of food insecurity in the Congo Basin, little is known on the effects of timber exploitation on household food insecurity statues of forest dependent communities in this region. This study focused on the determination of the principal indicators of household food security status of populations living around six selected forest concessions in the Congo Basin. We randomly surveyed 724 households in thirty-four communities living in six popular forest concessions around the Congo Basin. Food consumption pattern data was collected using a validated food-frequency questionnaire in 2012. Household Food Insecurity Access Prevalence (HFIAP) was assessed using the HFIAP indicator and households were categorized into four levels of household food insecurity status as follows: Food secure (HFIAS = 0); mildly food insecure (HFIAS 1–8); moderately food insecure (HFIAS 9–13); and severely food insecure (HFIAS 14–27). The majority of the households interviewed were headed by women (73.1 %, 76.6 %, and 58.6 % for Cameroon, DRC and Gabon respectively), most of them married (84.6 %, 100 %, 57.6 % for Cameroon, DRC and Gabon respectively) with an average age range of 30–49 years. Most of the household members were engaged in farming and/or illegal logging as the main revenue generating activities. Results of global household food insecurity categorized 63.8 % of households in Cameroon as fully food secure and 36 % as food insecure. In the DRC (92.9 %) and Gabon (92.7 %), almost all the survey households were categorized as either moderately or severely food insecure; clearly elucidating the existence of severe insufficiency in the quantity and quality of food meant for human nutrition in these areas. The means of household food insecurity scores for the DRC (17.40 ± 4.15) and Gabon (14.9 ± 5.87) were significantly higher when compared to the average score for Cameroon ((7.55 ± 6.62) at p < 0.0001. This literally means that many of the households especially in DRC and Gabon face enormous difficulties in obtaining an adequate dietary energy supply. Gender (female), educational level (illiterate), and age (young) were positively correlated to food insecurity levels. Our results revealed that, despite the potential contribution of the Congo Basin forests, through enhancing access to different forms of quality foods such as bush meat, wild foods, and medicine, not forgetting the provision of agricultural land, local construction material, and income generation resources, the prevalence of food insecurity among the population adjoining forest concessions in the region is severe. This prevalence is alarming around forest concessions of the DRC and Gabon and in one concession of Cameroon. Given that poverty and poor education were positively correlated to household food insecurity, they were considered the paramount determinants of household food insecurity in this region.

Association between household food access insecurity and nutritional status indicators among children aged

To examine the association between household food insecurity score and Z-scores of childhood nutritional status indicators. Population-based, cross-sectional survey, Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2011. A nationally representative sample of 11 085 households selected by a two-stage, stratified cluster sampling design to interview eligible men and women. Children (n 2591) aged 0-60 months in a sub-sample of households selected for men's interview. Prevalence of moderate and severe household food insecurity was 23·2% and 19·0%, respectively, for children aged 0-60 months. Weighted prevalence rates for stunting (height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) <-2), wasting (weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) <-2) and underweight (weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) <-2) were 41·6% (95% CI 38·9, 44·3%), 11·5% (95% CI 9·8, 13·2%) and 30·1% (95% CI 27·5, 32·8%), respectively. Prevalences of stunting, severe stunting (HAZ<-3) and underweight by level of household food insecurity were statistically significant (P<0·001). By multiple linear regression analyses and after adjustment for sociodemographic, child and environmental factors, household food access insecurity score was associated with HAZ (β=-0·02, P=0·01) and WAZ (β=-0·01, P=0·01) but was not associated with WHZ and BMI-for-age Z-score. A 10-point increase in household food access insecurity score was associated with a decrease in HAZ of 0·2 (95% CI 0·05, 0·39) and decrease in WAZ of 0·1 (95% CI 0·03, 0·27). Our results from a nationally representative sample confirm the previously reported association of household food insecurity with stunting and underweight. Community nutrition interventions may use household food insecurity scales for identifying those households where children may be at risk of growth faltering.

Paternal smoking is associated with greater food insecurity among poor families in rural Indonesia.

Food insecurity is common in developing countries and related to the physical well being of families. Household food insecurity is intended to reflect a household's access, availability, and utilization of food. The relationship between paternal smoking and household food insecurity has not been well characterized. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of paternal smoking with household food insecurity among poor families in rural Indonesia. In a cross-sectional study of 26,380 rural households in the Indonesian Nutrition Surveillance System in 2003, we examined the relationship between paternal smoking and household food insecurity score, as measured using a 9-item food security questionnaire. The prevalence of paternal smoking was 72.9%. In families with and without a father who smoked, the mean (standard error) household food insecurity score was 1.83 (0.01) and 1.48 (0.02), respectively (p<0.0001). Paternal smoking was associated with greater household food insecurity score (p<0.0001) in a multivariable linear regression model, adjusting for maternal age, maternal education, weekly household expenditure per capita, and province. Among poor families in rural Indonesia, households with a father who smokes are at greater risk of household food insecurity.

Relationship of household food insecurity to anaemia in children aged 6–59 months among families in rural Indonesia

Anaemia is a significant global public health problem in developing countries with adverse health effects on young children. Household food insecurity, which reflects a household's access, availability and utilisation of food, has not been well characterised in relation to anaemia in children. To examine the relationship of household food insecurity with anaemia (Hb <11 g/dl) in children. In a cross-sectional study of 4940 rural households participating in the Indonesian Nutrition Surveillance System, household food insecurity was measured using a modified 9-item food security questionnaire and related to anaemia in children aged 6-59 months. The proportion of households with an anaemic child was 56·6%. In households with and without anaemic children, the mean (SD) food insecurity score was 1·82 (1·72) vs 1·55 (1·54) (p<0·0001), respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression model, food insecurity score was related to anaemia in children (odds ratio 0·77, 95% confidence interval 0·63-0·95, p=0·01) when the highest quintile of food insecurity score was compared with the lowest quintile, adjusting for potential confounders. A higher household food insecurity score is associated with greater prevalence of anaemia in children in rural families in Indonesia.

Relationship of Household Food Insecurity to Neonatal, Infant, and Under-Five Child Mortality among Families in Rural Indonesia

Food insecurity is common in developing countries and is related to the physical well-being of families. Household food insecurity is intended to reflect a household's access, availability, and utilization of food, but its relationship with child mortality has not been well characterized. To examine the relationship of a modified household food insecurity score with a history of neonatal, infant, and under-five child mortality. In a cross-sectional study of 26,339 rural households in the Indonesian Nutrition Surveillance System, 2000-03, household food insecurity was measured with the use of a modified nine-item food security questionnaire. A simple food insecurity score of O to 9 was calculated based on responses and related to mortality history in the family. The proportion of households with neonatal, infant, and under-five child mortality was 4.6%, 8.8%, and 10.6%, respectively. In households with and without neonatal, infant, and under-five child mortality, the mean (+/- SD) food insecurity scores were 2.19 +/- 1.89 vs. 1.72 +/- 1.65, 2.29 +/- 1.94 vs. 1.69 +/- 1.63, and 2.29 +/- 1.93 vs. 1.68 +/- 1.62 (all p < .0001), respectively. The food insecurity score was related to mortality among neonates (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.09; p = .003), infants (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.09; p < .0001), and children under five (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10; p < .0001) after adjustment for potential confounders. Higher household food insecurity score is associated with greater neonatal, infant, and under-five child mortality among rural families in Indonesia. Greater household food insecurity may signify a higher risk of infant and young child mortality.

Socio-economic, behavioural and environmental factors predicted body weights and household food insecurity scores in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten

Recent increases in obesity prevalence among children in developed countries are of policy concern. While significant positive associations between households' food insecurity status and body weights have been reported for adults, it is known from the energy physiology literature that energy requirements depend on BMR, anthropometric measures and physical activity. It is therefore important to model the bi-directional relationships between body weights and households' food insecurity scores especially for children that have evolving nutrient and energy requirements. The present paper estimated dynamic random effects models for children's body weights and BMI, and households' food insecurity scores using longitudinal data on 7635 children in the USA enrolled in 1st, 3rd and 5th grades (1999-2003) of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten. The main findings were, first, physical exercise and numbers of siblings were significantly (P < 0.05) negatively associated with body weights, while households' food insecurity score was not a significant predictor. Moreover, children's body weights were significantly lower in households with higher parental education and incomes; time spent watching television and in non-parental care were positively associated with weights. Second, models for households' food insecurity scores showed that poverty and respondents' poor emotional and physical health significantly increased food insecurity. Moreover, households with children who were taller and heavier for their ages faced significantly higher food insecurity levels. Overall, the results showed that household food insecurity was unlikely to exacerbate child obesity in the USA and it is important that children receive balanced school meals and perform higher physical activity.