Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to: 1- compare the prevalence and trends of food insecurity (FI) within Arab countries using a gender lens; and 2- explore the sociodemographic determinants of FI and its association with measures of wellbeing, by sex.
Methods
Data for the present study were drawn from four waves of the Gallup World Poll (GWP) surveys for years 2014–2017, covering 18 Arab countries (n = 65,903). Surveys included questions about FI, socio-demographic characteristics, social support, well-being indices (e.g., global well-being index). For this analysis, mild+ (mild, moderate and severe FI), moderate+ (moderate and severe FI), and severe FI were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the association of socioeconomic variables (e.g., education, employment and social support), emotional wellbeing and sex interactions with the likelihood of experiencing FI in the study population, whilst controlling for country and year.
Results
On average, 42%, 24%, and 11% of the study population experienced mild+, moderate + and severe FI, respectively. Significant sex-differences in FI prevalence were observed across Arab countries. Multiple regression analyses showed that older age females, unemployed, or those with low social support had significantly higher odds of experiencing mild+, moderate + and severe FI, whereas females with higher educational or those who were married had lower odds of FI (P < 0.05). Further, females experiencing mild+, moderate + and severe FI had significantly lower odds of reporting a thriving global well-being compared to food secure males (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0. 38, 0.48; OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0. 37, 0.49; OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.64, respectively).
Conclusions
Females in the Arab region experience different forms of FI and have significantly lower subjective wellbeing compared to males. Findings highlight the need for developing policies and programs that address gender disparities in employment; land and asset ownership; and access to services such as education, health care and technology. Negative gender social norms and attitudes need to be also challenged to alleviate FI and improve overall wellbeing of women in the Arab world.
Funding Sources
This study was partially funded by the University Research Board at the American University of Beirut.
Arab Countries in Transition: Gender Rights and Constitutional Reforms
