Food insecurity and mental health of women during COVID-19: Evidence from a developing country

Background This study examines the association between food insecurity and mental health of women during the COVID-19 pandemic in a resource poor setting. Materials and methods Data were collected at two time-points (wave 1 and 2) from 2402 women, one per household, participating in a larger study during extended COVID-19 lockdown in the rural areas of the southwest region of Bangladesh. The primary outcome of the analyses is the association between food insecurity, measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and stress level, measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), for women during the lockdown. General awareness about COVID-19 and attitude towards prescribed preventive measures were also measured since COVID-19 health concerns could exacerbate food insecurity. Results An individual-level evaluation of the effect of wave 2 FIES score on PSS score showed that worsening of the food security status increasing the stress level of the participants (95% CI: 1.61; 2.13; p-value: <0.001). Additionally, a significant negative association was observed between the PSS score and change in food security status between the two waves (Coefficient: -1.15, 95% CI: -1.30; -0.99, p-value: <0.001), indicating that deterioration in food security status over the pandemic period increasing the stress level. At the village level, the results showed a similar pattern. General awareness around ways coronavirus spreads was high, yet there were misperceptions at a higher level. Maintaining hand hygiene, wearing face masks outside the home, and going outside only when necessary were widely practised. Fewer respondents could maintain a 1.5-metre distance from others in the outside and maintained cough and sneeze etiquette. Conclusion The results indicate a higher stress level, a potential contributor to poor mental health, as food insecurity deteriorated. Policy initiatives in ameliorating immediate food insecurity during crises, improving long-term wellbeing, and expanding the reach of mental health support are warranted.

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ASSESSMENT OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS FOOD INSECURITY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA

International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH ◽

10.29121/granthaalayah.v8.i12.2020.2713 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 182-194

Author(s):

Ogechi Lynda EGWUE ◽

Ikechi Kelechi AGBUGBA ◽

Ridwan MUKAILA

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Rural Households ◽

Household Size ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Average Household Size ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Household Heads ◽

Food Insecure Households

The problem of food insecurity remains a challenge in developing countries, especially in rural areas. Despite the rising level of food insecurity, COVID-19 set in and was said to pose a threat to food security globally if adequate measures are not quickly put in place. This study, therefore, described the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents; examined the extent to which the rural households are food secure or otherwise during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine the drivers of food security status among rural households in South-East Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 200 households with the use of structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, food security index and logistics regression. Results of the findings revealed that the majority of the household heads were male (92%), married (93.5%), educated (87.5%) and had an average age of 54 years. They had an average household size of 7 persons, an average farming experience of 22 years, an average monthly income of N14, 305.5 and majority (83%) do not belong to a cooperative society. Majority (69.5%) of the households were food insecure, while only (30.5%) were food secure. The food-secure households had an average household size of 5 persons, while the food insecure households had 9 persons in their households. The headcount ratio of food secure households was 0.30, while it was 0.70 for food-insecure households. This shows that at least two out of three persons were food insecure in the study area. The surplus/shortfall index indicates that the food secure households exceeded the calorie requirement by 12%, while the food insecure fell short of the recommended calorie intake by 39%. Square food insecure gap or square shortfall index which indicate the severity of food insecurity among the food insecure household was 0.0056. The average calorie available (adult equivalent per day) for food secure households was 2523.5kcal, while average calorie available (AE/day) for food-insecure households was 1389.05kcal. The identified positive drivers of food security were marital status, educational level, cooperative members and annual income of the household heads. While, age of household head, household size and COVID-19 negatively influenced food security status. The study recommends, among others, putting in place immediate policy measures to reduce the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on rural household’s food security through the provision of enough palliatives which should be monitored so that it gets to the targeted population. Effective household size management and enlightenment programs on modern family planning techniques should be encouraged in rural areas. Rural households should also be educated on the nutritional implication of the various food items such as egg, milk, soybean and fish, especially for children to increase their protein intake and boost their immune system against COVID-19.

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Effects of gender-based roles on farm households’ food security status in rural areas of Kogi State, Nigeria

Journal of Agricultural Research and Development ◽

10.4314/jard.v20i1.7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 70-81

Author(s):

G.O. Akinsola ◽

A.A. Ezekiel ◽

T.B. Ajibade ◽

I.J. Olaoye ◽

O.A. Owootomo

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Food Security ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Farm Households ◽

P Value ◽

Chi Square ◽

The Sustainable Development ◽

Access To Credit ◽

Food Security Status

Gender is one of the key issues of discourse among policy experts, research scholars and government as part of the sustainable development goals. In this paper, we examined gender roles in food security among farming households in Kogi state, Nigeria. First, we assessed the food security status of the farm households. Second, the contributions of gender in household security status were identified. A three-stage sampling technique was used to select 120 farm households and data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. In the study we employed the use of food security index, chi square test and logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that only about 35% of the households are food secure (>2470 kcal/AE/day). The logistic regression model shows that fitted model is statistically significant with the log likelihood of 118.691 and Chi-square of 59.19 (P value < 0.05) with the R2 of 0.61. Household size, access to credit and membership of social groups are significant factors influencing households’ food security status. Therefore, the study recommends that women empowerments should be inculcated into the mainstream of any government policy targeted at ensuring food security of rural households.

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Examining the Food Security Status, Weight, and Sociodemographic Factors of Pantry Clients

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_144 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 293-293

Author(s):

Amanda Walch

Keyword(s):

Native American ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Alaska Native ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Weight Category ◽

Food Pantry ◽

Food Security Status

Abstract Objectives To examine the relationship between food security, weight, and sociodemographic factors of food pantry clients. Methods A cross-sectional study with clients from the largest food pantry in Alaska. Recruitment was February - March of 2018 over different times of the day, week, and month. A total of 148 clients filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and the U.S. Adult Food Security Survey Module. Results Over half of the participants were over the age of 55 years (50.4%), were female (60%), not married or living with a partner (67%), and were a high school graduate/equivalent (72%). The main ethnic populations were Caucasian (37.8%), Alaska Native/American Indian (25.7%), and Asian/Pacific Islander (12.8%). The majority of participants were either overweight (31%) or obese (39%). Most were employed at least part time (72%), had an annual income of less than $25,000 per year (59%), and visited the food pantry monthly (65%). Over 88% % of participants were food insecure (45% low food security and 43% very low food security). Chi-square and a multivariate logistic regression determined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and stratified food security status or weight category. Analyses were performed using SPSS with a P-value of </=0.05, although no significant associations were found. Despite the non-significant findings, the pantry has made changes to aid in the high rates of food insecurity and obesity. The pantry is now providing information to their clients for other emergency food provisions across town. Staff have moved the nutrient-rich foods to eye level to encourage healthy choices. A table for extra produce is available where clients can chose up to double their allowable amounts. A limit has been set on the desserts to reduce the amount of sugar. The pantry is seeking donated foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar. Conclusions Food insecurity among food pantry clients is high at 88%, compared to the local rate of 12.3%. However, clients’ weight and food security status were not associated and by continuing to provide emergency food assistance while not addressing underlying causes of food insecurity or obesogenic factors, rates will likely not improve. Funding Sources A grant from the Center for Community Engagement and Learning at the local University.

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Household Food Insecurity Narrows the Sex Gap in Five Adverse Mental Health Outcomes among Canadian Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16030319 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 319 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Geneviève Jessiman-Perreault ◽

Lynn McIntyre

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Food Security ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Outcomes ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Household Food ◽

Significant Difference

The sex gap (i.e., the significant difference in an outcome between men and women) in the occurrence of a variety of mental health conditions has been well documented. Household food insecurity has also repeatedly been found to be associated with a variety of poor mental health outcomes. Although both sex and household food insecurity have received attention individually, rarely have they been examined together to explore whether or how these indicators of two social locations interact to impact common mental health outcomes. Using a pooled sample (N = 302,683) of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2005–2012), we test whether sex modifies the relationship between household food insecurity assessed by the Household Food Security Survey Module and five adverse mental health outcomes, controlling for confounding covariates. Although the sex gap was observed among food secure men versus women, males and females reporting any level of food insecurity were equally likely to report adverse mental health outcomes, compared with those reporting food security. Therefore, household food insecurity seems to narrow the sex gap on five adverse mental health outcomes.

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RURAL HOUSEHOLDS’ FOOD INSECURITY AND COPING STRATEGIES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Journal of Asian Rural Studies ◽

10.20956/jars.v5i2.2778 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 126

Author(s):

Iboh Andrew Okidim ◽

Lynda Ogechi Egwue ◽

Data Irene Ekine ◽

Eleoke Chikwe Chukuigwe

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Food System ◽

Rural Households ◽

Small Scale ◽

High Concentration ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Farming Households

Food insecurity is a challenge in developing countries, especially in the rural areas of Nigeria. It remains a global challenge and continues to be a major public policy in Nigeria and other developing nations. Despite these, COVID-19 set in and posed a serious threat to food system and security globally. This study, therefore, assessed the level of food security among the rural farming households and how they cope with the situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data for the study were collected primarily from 200 farming households with the use of questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, food security index and Likert scale. The findings showed that the level of food insecurity was very high during the pandemic as 69.5% were food insecure with a high concentration among those with large household size. The widely adopted coping strategies during COVID-19 pandemic among the rural farming households were eating less expensive food (=2.7), reducing rational consumption (=2.68), allowing children to eat first (=2.56), engaging in additional small scale productivity activities (=2.27), skipping meal within a day (=2.26), buying food on credit (=2.05) and borrowing money to buy food (=2.01). The study recommends effective and urgent policy measures which will support rural households’ food availability to boost their food security status. Also, enlightenment of the rural households on the important of modern family planning on their food security status is needed.

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FOOD SECURITY STATUS: ITS DRIVERS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG VEGETABLE FARMING HOUSEHOLDS

Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova ◽

10.46909/cerce-2020-035 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (4) ◽

pp. 414-425

Author(s):

Ridwan MUKAILA ◽

Abraham FALOLA ◽

Olubunmi Abayomi OMOTESHO

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Vegetable Production ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Vegetable Farming ◽

And Coping ◽

Farming Households

Food insecurity remains a major challenge worldwide, especially among the rural areas of developing nation. Women and children are most vulnerable to this phenomenon. However, while many studies have assessed farming households’ food security status in general, there is dearth of information on vegetable farmers’, who are mostly women, food security status in particular. This study, therefore, investigated the food security status of vegetable farming households, its drivers and coping strategies in Kwara State, Nigeria. Descriptive statistics, food insecurity index and logistic regression were used to analysed data collected from 180 respondents. The findings showed that food insecurity remains a major challenge in rural areas as only 45.55% were food secure. The food secure group surpassed the food security line by 17%. Food insecure group fell below the food security line by 36% with a daily average calorie intake of 1581.35 kcal. Annual income (p< 0.1), cooperative membership (p< 0.1), vegetable production (p< 0.05) and access to credit (p< 0.05) were the significant factors enhancing their food security status, while household size (p< 0.01) negatively influenced it. The widely used food insecurity coping mechanisms by the households were eating less expensive food, eating wild fruits, reducing rational consumption, allowing children to eat first, borrowing money to buy food, buying food on credit and skipping meal within a day. The study recommends encouragement of vegetable production through provision of credit facilities to the farmers as this would enhance their food security status.

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Food Insecurity Prevalence, Severity and Determinants in Australian Households during the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Perspective of Women

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13124262 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 4262

Author(s):

Sue Kleve ◽

Christie J. Bennett ◽

Zoe E. Davidson ◽

Nicole J. Kellow ◽

Tracy A. McCaffrey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Poor Mental Health ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Food ◽

Distress Scale

This study aimed to describe the prevalence, severity and socio-demographic predictors of food insecurity in Australian households during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, from the perspective of women. A cross-sectional online survey of Australian (18–50 years) women was conducted. The survey collected demographic information and utilised the 18-item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). A multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of food security status. In this cohort (n = 1005), 19.6% were living in households experiencing food insecurity; with 11.8% experiencing low food-security and 7.8% very low food-security. A further 13.7% of households reported marginal food-security. Poor mental health status (K10 score ≥ 20) predicted household food insecurity at all levels. The presence of more than three children in the household was associated with low food-security (OR 6.24, 95% CI: 2.59–15.03). Those who were renting were 2.10 (95% CI: 1.09–4.05) times likely to experience very low food-security than those owning their own home. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to an increased prevalence of household food insecurity. This study supports the need for a range of responses that address mental health, financial, employment and housing support to food security in Australia.

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1284Food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.015 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ana Aguiar ◽

Isabel Maia ◽

Marta Pinto ◽

Raquel Duarte

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Short Form ◽

The United States ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Health Features ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting population’s health and economies, in which food insecurity appears as important concern, particularly considering its associations with mental health and adverse behaviours. This study explored the relationship between food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional study using data from an online survey was performed, including Portugal’s residents aged ≥18 years. Data on sociodemographics, behaviours, mental health features and food security status were collected. Food security status was evaluated with the United States Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-item Short Form. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, were used to explore the relationship between food security status and categorical variables. Results Food insecurity prevalence was 6.8%; showed to be significantly higher among less educated individuals (≤12 years of schooling) (p<0.001), those who were employed and remained since the beginning of the pandemic (p<0.001) and among those reporting need to be careful about expenses (p<0.001). Comparing to individuals who were food secure, food insecure participants were more likely to smoke (p=0.009), to report depressive symptoms (p<0.001) and anxiety (p<0.001), measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Conclusions From the present study, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic can affect food security in different subpopulations. Key messages The findings of this study have several implications for health policy and reinforce the need for investment in contexts of populations vulnerable to food insecurity

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Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Translational Behavioral Medicine ◽

10.1093/tbm/ibaa110 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica Soldavini ◽

Hazael Andrew ◽

Maureen Berner

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status ◽

The Usa ◽

Security Module ◽

Adult Food

Abstract The prevalence of food insecurity in the USA has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, past studies have not examined how the food security status of college students has been impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students. We administered a cross-sectional online survey to students from a large public university in the Southeastern USA. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Module was used to assess food security status during the spring 2020 semester both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students self-reported a variety of individual characteristics. The overall prevalence of food insecurity increased by approximately one-third during the spring 2020 semester from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining the types of changes in food security status experienced by students, 12% improved, 68% stayed the same, and 20% worsened. A variety of characteristics were associated with an improvement or worsening of food security status category from before to during the pandemic. Similar to what is seen in other reports, we found that the overall proportion of college students in our sample experiencing food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some students showed improvements in food security status. Approaches for addressing food insecurity during and beyond the pandemic are needed.

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Acute food insecurity and short-term coping strategies of urban and rural households of Bangladesh during the lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic of 2020: report of a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043365 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e043365

Author(s):

Subhasish Das ◽

Md. Golam Rasul ◽

Md Shabab Hossain ◽

Ar-Rafi Khan ◽

Md Ashraful Alam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Rural Households ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Insecure Households

IntroductionWe conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the extent and to identify the determinants of food insecurity and coping strategies in urban and rural households of Bangladesh during the month-long, COVID-19 lockdown period.SettingSelected urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.Participants106 urban and 106 rural households.Outcome variables and methodHousehold food insecurity status and the types of coping strategies were the outcome variables for the analyses. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were done to identify the determinants.ResultsWe found that around 90% of the households were suffering from different grades of food insecurity. Severe food insecurity was higher in urban (42%) than rural (15%) households. The rural households with mild/moderate food insecurity adopted either financial (27%) or both financial and food compromised (32%) coping strategies, but 61% of urban mild/moderate food insecure households applied both forms of coping strategies. Similarly, nearly 90% of severely food insecure households implemented both types of coping strategies. Living in poorest households was significantly associated (p value <0.05) with mild/moderate (regression coefficient, β: 15.13, 95% CI 14.43 to 15.82), and severe food insecurity (β: 16.28, 95% CI 15.58 to 16.97). The statistically significant (p <0.05) determinants of both food compromised and financial coping strategies were living in urban areas (β: 1.8, 95% CI 0.44 to 3.09), living in poorest (β: 2.7, 95% CI 1 to 4.45), poorer (β: 2.6, 95% CI 0.75 to 4.4) and even in the richer (β: 1.6, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.9) households and age of the respondent (β: 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.21).ConclusionBoth urban and rural households suffered from moderate to severe food insecurity during the month-long lockdown period in Bangladesh. But, poorest, poorer and even the richer households adopted different coping strategies that might result in long-term economic and nutritional consequences.

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