Levels Of Food Insecurity Research Articles

Understanding the Food and Nutrition Insecurity Drivers in Some Emergency-Affected Countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region from 2020 to 2024

This research seeks to enhance the understanding of the multifaceted drivers of food and nutrition insecurity in emergency-affected countries within the Eastern Mediterranean region and investigate the dynamics of food and nutrition security in countries facing emerging emergencies. This is a descriptive aim to determine the key factors and challenges affecting food security and nutrition status in ten countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region (Afghanistan, Djibouti, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine (Gaza Strip), Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen). The research reveals that all selected countries experienced severe levels of food insecurity, with many reaching Phase 3 or above according to the IPC classification. In 2020, Afghanistan and Yemen were particularly hard-hit, with food insecurity affecting 42% and 45% of their populations; in 2024 in Gaza and Sudan, the same figures were 93% and 54% of the population, respectively, representing worse food insecurity crises in the region. Somalia, Sudan, and Djibouti also faced significant food insecurity rates. Many key drivers of food security are standard in most countries, and the linkage between food insecurity and malnutrition levels has a similar trend in almost all countries. However, none of the countries achieved all the 2025 global nutrition targets, while some reached one or two targets. Reaching sustainable development goals is still challenging in these countries since nutrition and food security levels, included in many goals, have not yet been reached. Food security and malnutrition in emergency-affected countries are driven by conflict, political instability, natural disasters, and socioeconomic conditions, which disrupt agricultural activities and infrastructure, exacerbating these challenges. To address these issues, we recommend a multisectoral approach, conflict resolution, climate-smart agriculture, integration of emergency responses with long-term strategies, and strengthening health and nutrition information systems.

REIMAGINING SOUTH AFRICA’S URBAN FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION THROUGH THE LENS OF INFORMAL FOOD SECTOR: THE CASE OF BUFFALO CITY MUNICIPALITY

The African Food Security Urban Network (AFSUN)survey found that over 70% of low-income households in South Africa sourced their food from informal outlets. Despite the importance that the informal food retail sector plays in food security, it remains neglected by policy support and institutional funding. The paper focused on the role of local informal food markets in addressing urban household food security in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa. This paper argued that informal food markets including food vendors have a potential to improve household food insecurity levels but face many barriers. The study sought to identify these barriers and make an understanding of how these local food markets adopt coping mechanisms in meeting their basic needs including addressing household food insecurity. A qualitative approach was adopted for this study. Data was collected from 40 food vendors, particualrly street vendors and home-based enterprises in the township of Duncan, through interviews, observations, and archival research. Interviews included semi structured interviews to gather insights from street vendors, while interviews with city officials provided key informant perspectives. This study’s findings show that households without access to networked infrastructure use informal food markets as: (i) a food source, (ii) a food kitchen and a cookstove and (iii) a refrigerator, to purchase their foodstuff and other ready-to-eat meals.

COVID-19 Severity and Food Insecurity: Evidence from Pakistan

COVID-19 caused serious food disruptions worldwide and raised food insecurity levels. To further understand how COVID-19 impacted food insecurity, this study used nationally representative data from Pakistan to examine the effect of negative COVID-19 shock on food insecurity and its heterogeneity across different income groups. COVID-19 shock was quantified by a subjective measure based on self-reported exposure to the severity of COVID-19. We found that households struck severely by COVID-19 were about 26% more likely to report a lack of healthy food, almost 35% more likely to skip a meal, around 33% more likely to run out of food, and around 20% more likely to go without food for one whole day in comparison to the households unexposed to the severe COVID-19 shock. Furthermore, households affected by severe COVID-19 shock, especially those in the lower income quartiles, faced acute food insecurity. We constructed two additional proxies for this negative COVID-19 shock based on the objective assessment of income loss due to the lockdown measures in Pakistan to examine the robustness of the findings, and they also led to similar outcomes. Overall, the findings suggested that poorer and COVID-19-stricken households faced severer food insecurity and required urgent support.

Correlates of food insecurity among university students in a low socioeconomic area

Abstract Background The prevalence of food insecurity (FI) is high and suggested to be growing among university students, with potential detrimental effects on their health status and academic performances. This cross-sectional study aims to identify the socioeconomic, demographic and lifestyle factors associated with FI among university students in a disadvantaged area. Methods An anonymous online survey was conducted from Nov 2022 to Jan 2023 among students enrolled at University Sorbonne Paris Nord, located in a low socioeconomic area in France. FI was assessed with one question distinguishing 2 levels of FI: quantitative (i.e. not having enough to eat) and qualitative (i.e. not having the desired food). This abstract focused on quantitative FI. To improve the representativeness of the sample compared to the total student population of the university, sample weights were used according to gender, study level and speciality, whether they were undergoing initial training or not, or obtained their baccalaureate abroad or not. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with FI. Results A total of 5068 students provided valid answers (20% of the target population), 66% of whom were women, and 12% and 36% reported quantitative and qualitative FI, respectively. Being a man, an undergraduate, having obtained a baccalaureate abroad, not living in the family home, not receiving food from family, having no household food-heating facilities, reporting financial difficulties, relying on food charity and eating alone on a regular basis were positively associated with quantitative FI (P < 0.0001). Those reporting quantitative FI were more likely to report academic difficulties. Conclusions This study shows a high prevalence of FI in this student population and identifies several associated factors. Identifying students at greater risk of FI is an important first step to design and evaluate public health interventions. Key messages • The different socio-economic backgrounds of university students imply important food insecurity disparities among them. • University students present several factors associated with food insecurity, which should be considered when addressing food insecurity in this population.

Determinants of profit among maize farmers in Osogbo ADP zone of Osun State, Nigeria

Maize output in Nigeria is declining and worsening economic situations continue to afflict rural households increasing the level of food insecurity. This study examined the determinants of profit among maize farmers in Osogbo ADP zone of Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were sourced using a well-structured questionnaire from a total of 120 maize farmers. A two-stage sampling procedure was employed to select the farmers. The analytical tools used were descriptive statistics, farm budgetary techniques and regression analysis. The results showed that maize cultivation was dominated by male farmers with an average age of 50 ± 9.4 years. Additionally, less than 30.8% of the maize farmers had formal education above secondary school. The farming experience of the maize farmers was 14.7 ± 5.3 years and the average farm size was estimated at 7.85 ± 2.15 acres. The average farm income was N207 314.40 ± 23 290.95 with the Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) of 2.24. The major constraints of maize production, ranked based on their higher values of WMS, were the high labour costs, expenditures for pest and disease control, and the high costs of fertilizers The determinants of farm income that had positive relationship and were significant at 1% level of significance include years of formal education, expenditure on fertilizer while age of the framers negatively influenced the farm income. Also, the farm size and years of farming experience were positive and statistically significant to farm income at 5%. The study suggests a policy focus of training farmers in modern farming system and implement sustainable farm inputs subsidy programs. Keywords: determinants, profit, maize, farmers, Nigeria

The Shift Towards Plant-Based Lifestyles: Factors Driving Young Consumers’ Decisions to Choose Plant-Based Food Products

The shift in consumer dietary patterns from meat-based to plant-based food products has become a prominent trend worldwide. This shift is driven by various factors, including concerns about personal health and environmental awareness. Despite the global growth of the plant-based food industry, developing nations tend to be slow with adopting non-meat-based diets. This is mainly due to high levels of food insecurity and meat being the main source of protein, especially in countries like South Africa where food consumption is needs-based, and consumers are unaware of the environmental footprint of meat production. This paper is part of a two-phase study and reports on the quantitative results, which were obtained during the second phase. The main aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence consumers’ decisions to choose plant-based food products. The factors that were selected were informed by the thematic results from phase 1, which involved focus groups that explored consumers’ opinions and behaviours towards plant-based lifestyles. By means of survey distribution, 426 online questionnaires were distributed among young consumers in South Africa. A conceptual model with six hypotheses was tested and the data were analysed using SmartPLS 4.1.0.8. The findings indicated the product taste and product knowledge are the most important factors that drive young consumers’ decisions to choose plant-based food products. The study further found that product quality, affordability, social influence, and product packaging play a role but to a lesser degree. Food marketers can utilise these findings and implement marketing strategies that can assist with persuading consumers to choose plant-based food products and adopt a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Trends in household food insecurity from the Canadian Community Health Survey, 2017 to 2022.

Income-related food insecurity is an important determinant of health. This study aimed to provide an update on the food security status of Canadian households using the most recent available data from a health-oriented national-level survey. This study also examined trends in food insecurity since 2017, and how these have tracked with changes in price inflation. Data on household food security status in the 10 Canadian provinces came from five annual cycles of the population-representative cross-sectional Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS): 2017, 2018, 2020 (September to December), 2021, and 2022. The Household Food Security Survey Module was used to categorize household food security status during the previous 12 months as food secure or marginally, moderately, or severely insecure. Before 2019, approximately 1 in 10 households had experienced some level of food insecurity in the previous 12 months (9.6% in 2017 and 11.6% in 2018). Household food insecurity prevalence was slightly lower and stable during the COVID-19 pandemic years (8.5% in fall 2020 and 9.1% in 2021) and increased to 15.6% in 2022. Levels of household food insecurity generally tracked with changes in consumer price inflation. Compared with 2021, there were notable increases in levels of moderate and severe food insecurity in 2022 among one-parent households with children, renters, and those reliant on government financial assistance. The prevalence of household food insecurity in the CCHS was relatively stable from 2017 to 2021, increased in 2022, and generally tracked with changes in price inflation. Monitoring levels of household food insecurity will continue to be important as price inflation eases but the cost of living remains high.

Uncovering the drivers of food insecurity in Cameroon: insights from a nationwide cross-sectional analysis

BackgroundDespite global efforts to achieve zero hunger, food insecurity remains a critical challenge in several African countries, including Cameroon. This study aims to identify sociodemographic predictors of food insecurity across Cameroon through a comprehensive, nationwide cross-sectional analysis.MethodsData for this study were drawn from the 2018 Cameroon Demographic and Health Survey (CDHS). Food insecurity levels were evaluated using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). To estimate the probabilities of moderate and severe food insecurity among different sociodemographic groups, logistic regression models were applied, with results expressed as average marginal effects (AME).ResultsThe findings reveal that approximately 24.86% of participants experienced moderate food insecurity, while 28.96% faced severe food insecurity. Among men, the proportion experiencing severe food insecurity was 38.8%, compared to 24.3% for women. Multivariable regression analysis showed that severe food insecurity was less likely among women [AME = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.83,0.86], Muslims [AME = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.90,0.93], individuals with higher education levels (secondary education: AME = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.90,0.95; higher education: AME = 0.87, 95%CI = 0.85,0.90), those owning land (either alone or jointly) [AME = 0.92, 95%CI = 0.89,0.96], wealthiest households (moderate food insecurity: AME = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.88,0.93; severe food insecurity: AME = 0.73, 95%CI = 0.70,0.75), female-headed households [AME = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.96,0.99], and rural residents [AME = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.95,0.98].ConclusionsThese findings underscore that food insecurity affects a substantial portion of the Cameroonian population, with certain sociodemographic groups more vulnerable than others. This study proposes targeted policy recommendations to address food insecurity in Cameroon, including social assistance programs for at-risk groups, investments in socioeconomic empowerment, improvements in agricultural productivity, and ongoing research to guide evidence-based interventions.

Food Insecurity and Women's Choice of Reversible Contraceptives: Differential Effects by Maternal Age.

We investigated the relationships between food insecurity (FI) and women's choice of reversible contraceptives, overall and according to the level of method effectiveness, among partnered women of reproductive age in Nigeria. This population-based cross-sectional analysis used nationally representative data from Round 6 of the UNICEF-supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Nigeria. The sample included married or in-union women aged 15-49 years who reported a live birth in the last 2 years preceding the survey (unweighted N = 8496). Survey-weighted multivariable binomial and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to generate estimates of the association between FI (none, moderate, and severe) and reversible contraceptive use (overall and by method effectiveness). A Bonferroni correction was used to account for multiple testing. We stratified the models by maternal age to describe the experiences of women aged 15-24 years, 25-34 years, and 35-49 years. Overall, 6438 (74.1%) of the women in the sample experienced food insecurity (moderate, n = 2559, 30.7%; severe, n = 3879, 43.4%). In the adjusted model, we observed no statistically significant association between experiencing MFI and SFI and the use of reversible contraceptives (overall and specific) after adjustment for multiple testing. The stratified analyses showed that among women aged 25-34 years in the sample, those experiencing SFI in the past 12 months, compared to their food-secure counterparts, had significantly lower odds of reporting the use of a least effective contraceptive method (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34-0.83; p = 0.0052). However, this failed to reach the significance threshold upon adjustment for multiple testing. We found no significant association between the FI levels and use of reversible contraceptives (overall and specific) among partnered women (15-49 years) in Nigeria who were 2 years postpartum following a live birth and who were at risk of pregnancy.

A lack of food for thought: Midlife food insecurity and its association with subsequent cognitive ability of Older Americans.

The 50-59 age group in the U.S. experience higher levels of food insecurity (FI) compared to older adults. While previous research has identified an association between FI and cognition outcomes in older populations, limited research has examined midlife as a specific food insecurity exposure window and the association of this hardship with long-run cognition outcomes. Utilizing 14 waves of Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) data (1995-2020), I applied mixed-effects models to assess the relationship between midlife FI exposure and later-life cognitive function, controlling for childhood disadvantages and other health-related and sociodemographic characteristics. Findings indicate that both cumulative FI duration and ever experiencing FI during ages 50-59 are significantly associated with subsequent cognitive decline. Specifically, ever experiencing food insecurity during midlife was linked to a decrease in cognitive function by 0.07 standard units (95% CI, -0.13 to -0.003; P<0.05). In addition, each additional year of FI exposure during midlife was associated with a reduction in cognitive function by 0.01 standard units (95% CI, -0.03 to -0.003; P<0.05). These associations remained robust even after accounting for a range of potential confounders and covariates. The findings support the cumulative inequality model, suggesting that midlife food insecurity is a significant predictor of lower cognitive function in later life. Both the timing and extent of FI during midlife are crucial factors in shaping cognitive health outcomes. Policy interventions targeting food insecurity in the 50-59 age group could play a pivotal role in promoting healthy aging and mitigating cognitive decline in older adulthood.

Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Their Effect on Household Food Security: Evidence from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Climate change poses a significant risk to the long-term viability of smallholder agriculture in developing countries. Climate change has a direct effect on agricultural output, ultimately impacting the food security of smallholder farmers. However, the link between climate change and food security in developing countries is underexplored. This article investigates the effect of climate change adaptation strategies on household food security. A survey was conducted among 400 smallholder farmers in the uMkhanyakude district of KwaZulu-Natal using a stratified random sampling procedure. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicate that factors such as access to credit, access to government funding, and participation in agricultural groups play an important role in supporting adaptation to climate change. Adaptation to climate change is associated with reduced levels of food insecurity. These results underscore the important role of climate change adaptation in enhancing household food security. The study recommends that programmes that target smallholder farmers should focus on enhancing the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers.

Food insecurity and unemployment as mediators of the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and psychological well-being in young South Africans with HIV

BackgroundPoor psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, is both prevalent among young South Africans living with HIV and associated with poor HIV clinical outcomes. By impacting food insecurity and employment, the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced psychological well-being in this population. This analysis sought to examine whether food insecurity and unemployment mediated the relationship between study cohort (pre- versus during-pandemic) and psychological well-being in our sample of young South Africans living with HIV.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis comparing baseline data from two cohorts of young South Africans ages 18–24 from the Cape Town and East London metro areas who tested positive for HIV at clinics (or mobile clinics) either before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline sociodemographic, economic, and psychological outcomes were analyzed through a series of bivariate logistic regression and mediation analyses. All data were analyzed in 2023 and 2024.ResultsReported food anxiety, insufficient food quality, and insufficient food quantity were lower in the cohort recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic than those recruited before the pandemic (p < 0.001). Higher levels of food insecurity predicted higher depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower self-esteem. Food anxiety, insufficient food quality, and insufficient food quantity, but not unemployment, mediated the relationship between study cohort and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and self-esteem.ConclusionFood insecurity may have decreased amongst our sample of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings build on our understanding of how the psychological well-being of young people living with HIV was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and may lend support to interventions targeting food insecurity to improve psychological well-being in this population.

Moringa oleifera as a potential avenue to improve food security in rural Malawi

M. oleifera (Moringa) is a multipurpose tree with the potential to contribute nutrients to people's diets as well as pharmacological benefits. It is widely distributed in low- and middle-income countries, yet it remains underutilized. Here, we examine the potential of M. oleifera to improve rural people's food security and dietary diversity. We focus on Malawi, where 35 % of children under the age of five suffer from stunting and 51 % of the population is classified as severely food insecure. We draw on a survey with 60 women in rural Malawi detailing food security, dietary diversity, and consumption of different M. oleifera parts and products. Using Poisson regressions, we found that M. oleifera tree ownership is associated with a 28 % decrease in food insecurity levels. Moreover, people with awareness of the benefits of M. oleifera consumption were more likely to consume leaf powder compared to people without the same awareness. Specifically, each additional benefit mentioned by women increased the odds of powder consumption by a factor of 4.6. As such, our findings highlight 1) the underutilized potential of M. oleifera in local people's food security, and 2) how awareness can be key to increased consumption. Policies should be designed to raise awareness and educate rural communities about the benefits of M. oleifera, targeting communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. Finally, M. oleifera products could provide rural women with opportunities to increase household income, contingent on establishing contracts with exporters and collectors.

Who is being left behind in water security, where do they live, and why are they left behind towards the achievement of the 2030 agenda?

The study focuses on sustainable development goal (SDG) 6, target 6.1.1 examining the proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water (SM). The SDGs aim to leave no one behind (LNOB) in development by 2030, this paper investigates if anyone is being left behind in accessing SM. We use world regions, countries globally, and 23 countries identified globally as critically water insecure (CWIC). The results indicate none of the CWIC had over 50% of the population accessing SM, but had over 50% using improved water, and over 10% using surface water. Sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest percentages using SM, and the highest using surface water in 2020. Pre-primary schools lag behind primary and secondary schools in accessing basic water services. Tanzania, Burundi, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands have below 50% of pre-primary schools with basic water. Households and schools using unimproved water sources are mostly from low-income and low climate resilience countries, fragile countries, and rural areas of CWICs characterized by high levels of poverty, food insecurity and illiterate women; subsequently exacerbating stunting and child mortality rates. These negative outcomes are largely consequences of poor institutional quality common to CWICs. Previous studies failed to highlight good governance, rigorously examine CWICs, and NOLB in water -health-food insecurity nexus. The stakeholders of the 2030 Agenda on water security can use these findings to accelerate the progress of leaving no one behind.

Digital Parenting Program: Enhancing Parenting and Reducing Child Behavior Problems.

Digital parenting programs using smartphone apps can support families in positive parenting and require evaluations of their effects, mainly in low- and middle-income countries with caregivers experiencing psychosocial vulnerabilities. The study evaluated the "Born Learning" digital parenting program on improving parenting practices, child prosocial behavior, and reducing the children's externalizing behavior problems. Additionally, participants' satisfaction and engagement with the program were evaluated. Brazilian primary caregivers of 3- to 6-year-old children totaling 91, participated in the "Born Learning" program and pre-, post-intervention, and five-month follow-up evaluations. Most participants received cash transfers (64%) and reported some level of food insecurity (78%). The parenting coercive practices decreased from pre- to post-intervention, with maintenance in follow-up. Satisfaction with the role of parenting increased, and child conduct behavior problems decreased from pre-intervention to follow-up. Most participants found the program content very interesting and engaged adequately with the program strategies, such as messages and videos. The digital parenting program can support caregivers by enhancing parenting and decreasing child behavior problems, highlighting the potential for broader implementation in similar contexts.

Beyond the Classroom: The Influence of Food Insecurity, Mental Health, and Sleep Quality on University Students' Academic Performance.

We aimed to analyze the association between food insecurity (FI) and academic performance in university students, including mental health and sleep quality (SQ), in an association model. A cross-sectional design included university students (n = 466, 72.5% women) from Mexico. We applied the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Students self-reported their academic grading (AG) and perceptions about their academic performance. Spearman's rho and multiple logistic regression models were used. Almost half (47%) experienced some level of FI. The median AG was 95. AG was not significantly (p > 0.05) correlated with FI, nor with depression, anxiety, stress, and SQ. Considering mental health and SQ, moderate/severe FI remained significantly associated with perceived overall progress in college (OR: 2.96; 95%CI: 1.49, 5.88) and attendance to classes (OR:3.14; 95%CI: 1.19, 8.28) as poor or regular, and it was positively related to perceiving difficulties in completing their studies (OR:2.75; 95%CI: 1.43, 5.29). Stress, anxiety, depression symptoms, and poor SQ were also significantly associated with poor/regular perception of academic performance. These findings highlight the need to address psychological and nutritional factors in university students to promote their well-being and academic success.

Political Economy of Maternal Child Malnutrition: Experiences about Water, Food, and Nutrition Policies in Pakistan.

This study examined access to water, food, and nutrition programs among marginalized communities in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and their effects on nutrition. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study. We held two focus group discussions (one with 10 males and one with 10 females) and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 key stakeholders, including 20 mothers and 10 healthcare providers. A survey of 235 households was carried out to evaluate water and food insecurity, with the data analyzed using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, t-test, and Pearson's chi-square test. The results revealed that 90% of households experienced moderate-to-severe water insecurity, and 73% faced moderate-to-severe food insecurity. Household water and food insecurity were positively correlated with each other (correlation coefficient = 0.205; p = 0.004). Greater household water (p = 0.028) and food insecurity (p < 0.001) were both associated with higher perceived stress. Furthermore, lower socioeconomic status was strongly related to higher levels of water (p < 0.001) and food insecurity (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlight the impact of colonial and post-colonial policies, which have resulted in water injustice, supply issues, and corruption in water administration. Women face significant challenges in fetching water, including stigma, harassment, and gender vulnerabilities, leading to conflicts and injuries. Water scarcity and poor quality adversely affect sanitation, hygiene, and breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers. Structural adjustment policies have exacerbated inflation and reduced purchasing power. Respondents reported a widespread lack of dietary diversity and food quality. Nutrition programs face obstacles such as the exclusion of people with low social and cultural capital, underfunding, weak monitoring, health sector corruption, and the influence of formula milk companies allied with the medical community and bureaucracy. This study concludes that addressing the macro-political and economic causes of undernutrition should be prioritized to improve nutrition security in Pakistan.

The role of social determinants of health in mental health: An examination of the moderating effects of race, ethnicity, and gender on depression through the all of us research program dataset

We investigate how select identity characteristics moderate the role of several SDoH domains on major depressive disorder (MDD). Our study considers an analytical sample of 86,954 participants from the NIH-funded All of Us (AoU) Research Program in the USA. Our independent variables and moderators come from survey responses and our outcome is an EHR diagnostic code. We include race/ethnicity and gender/sexual identity to moderate the role of food insecurity, discrimination, neighborhood social cohesion, and loneliness in assessing risk for MDD diagnosis. We examine those moderating effects based on connections seen in the literature. Our findings illustrate the complexity of where and how people live their lives can have significant differential impact on MDD. Women (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI = [1.53, 1.68]) and LGBTQIA2+ individuals (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = [1.60, 1.84]) exhibit a significantly higher likelihood of MDD diagnosis compared to cisgender heterosexual males. Our study also reveals a lower likelihood of MDD diagnosis among Asian/Asian American individuals (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = [0.35, 0.49]) compared to White individuals. Our results align with previous research indicating that higher levels of food insecurity (AOR = 1.30, 95% CI = [1.17, 1.44]) and loneliness (AOR = 6.89, 95% CI = [6.04, 7.87]) are strongly associated with an increased likelihood of MDD. However, we also find that social cohesion (AOR = 0.92, 95% CI = [0.81, 1.05]) does not emerge as a significant predictor, contradicting some literature emphasizing the protective role of neighborhood cohesion. Similarly, our finding that transience (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI = [0.92, 0.98]) reduces the likelihood of MDD diagnosis contradicts conventional wisdom and warrants further exploration. Our study provides a reminder of the substantial challenges for research focused on marginalized community segments and that deliberate sampling plans are needed to examine those most marginalized and underserved.

Long COVID and the Higher Risk of Food Insecurity Among Participants and Nonparticipants of Food Assistance Programs in the United States

BackgroundIn the aftermath of the COVID-19 public health emergency, it is important to understand the extent of socioeconomic burdens of long COVID, defined as continuation of symptoms after initial infection, including food insecurity. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the association between long COVID and family food insecurity among low-income individuals (or any of their family members living with them) who were participants and nonparticipants in public food assistance programs (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP], Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children [WIC], and National School Lunch Program [NSLP]) in the United States. DesignThe study used an observational cross-sectional design. Participants/settingData on 7151 adults (aged 18+ years), with family income of < 200% of the Federal Poverty line, from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, were analyzed. Main outcome measuresLevel of family food security, based on responses to a set of 10 questions measuring family’s food security during the past 30 days. Statistical analyses performedMultinomial logistic regression models were estimated to obtain relative risk ratios of marginal and low/very low food security, relative to the base outcome of high food security, for long COVID status. Multivariable models were estimated separately for the full sample and for subgroups of food assistance participants and nonparticipants. A seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) specification was estimated to assess whether the estimates were different across the participant and nonparticipant subgroups. ResultsCompared with individuals who never had COVID-19, the adjusted relative risks of experiencing marginal and low/very low food security were 1.42 (95% CI, 1.00–2.02) and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.08–1.91) times higher, respectively, for individuals who had long COVID. Although the adjusted risks were not observed to be statistically significant in the participant subgroup, among nonparticipants, adjusted relative risk ratios were 2.34 (95% CI, 1.43–3.82) and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.02–2.39), respectively. SUR results showed that relationships between long COVID and food insecurity were only different for marginal and not low/very low levels of food security between food assistance participant and nonparticipant groups. ConclusionsStudy findings highlight a significantly higher risk of marginal and low/very low- food security among low-income adults who had long COVID, especially those who were nonparticipants in public food assistance programs. Further research is warranted to explore the causal pathways of this relationship for informing policies to mitigate the burden of long COVID.

Climate change and migration dynamics in the Horn of Africa: a comprehensive review and future research directions

Introduction: In this study, relevant references are analysed to establish what factors determine migratory movements in the Horn of Africa and what role climate change plays. Methodology: A systematic literature review in five phases is conducted, selecting 221 relevant references based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. These references are used to analyze migration movements and the factors influencing them. Results: A notable increase in publications is highlighted since 2011, coinciding with a devastating drought in the region. Findings indicate that while climate change is an important factor, other elements such as poverty, insecurity, and conflicts play an even more significant role in regional migration. Discussion: Challenges, such as the lack of reliable data and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address these complex issues, are identified. The region faces a critical situation with high levels of food insecurity, conflicts, and climate vulnerability, suggesting that climate change is an added factor to an already complicated situation. Conclusions: The study concludes that integrating climate change, migration, and conflicts in future research is crucial to develop effective and sustainable responses.