Impact of COVID-19 on Food Insecurity and Coping Mechanisms of Marginalized People in Bangladesh

Author(s):  
Emadul Islam ◽  
Ishtiaque Jahan Shoef ◽  
Mehadi Hasan

This chapter is part of an extensive panel survey conducted among the BRAC COVID-19 response HHs between April 2020 to September 2020. This chapter aims to describe the food insecurity status of BRAC-supported HHs and their coping strategies to combat the impact of COVID-19. A total of 6,086 HHs were interviewed in the 1st round (April 2020-June 2020), whilst these HHs were interviewed in the 2nd round (July 2020 to September 2020). Findings reveal that COVID-19 has created an unprecedented impact on HH food insecurity. The study prepared a food index score and found that 33% of HHs are extremely food insecure, whilst 19% are highly insecure. In terms of coping strategies to the current food needs of the HHs, dependency on the personal mechanism and institutional mechanisms were identified. The study argues that the COVID-19 crisis forces HHs into long-term loan burden, which may lead to another hurdle, causing delayed HHs economic recovery. Long-term GO and NGO sustainable economic recovery intervention could help marginalized people to build back better from COVID-19.

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 228-228
Author(s):  
Shivani Kachwaha ◽  
Phuong Nguyen ◽  
Anjali Pant ◽  
Lan Mai Tran ◽  
Sebanti Ghosh ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has profound negative impacts on people's lives, but little is known on the effect of COVID-19 on household food insecurity (HFI) in poor setting resources. This study aimed to assess the changes in HFI during the pandemic and examine the interlinkages between HFI with child feeding practices and coping strategies in Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods We conducted a longitudinal quantitative survey with 569 mothers with children <2y in December 2019 (in-person) and August 2020 (by phone). We measured HFI by using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and examined the changes in HFI during the pandemic using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. We then assessed child feeding practices and coping strategies by HFI status using multivariable regression models. Results HFI increased sharply from 21% to 80% before and during COVID-19, with 62% households changing the status from food security to insecurity and 17% remaining food insecure. Children belonging to newly and consistently food-insecure households were less likely to consume a diversified diet (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 0.56, P = 0.03 and AOR: 0.45, P = 0.04, respectively) compared to those in food-secure households. Households with food insecurity were more likely to engage in coping strategies for obtaining foods including reducing other essential non-food expenditures (AOR: 1.7–2.2), borrowing money to buy food (AOR: 3.6–4.3), selling jewelry (AOR: 3.0–5.0), and spending savings or selling other assets (AOR∼2.0), all P < 0.05. Conclusions COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on HFI, which in turn had implications for child feeding practices and coping strategies. Our findings highlighted the need for further investment in targeted social protection strategies and safety nets as part of multisectoral solutions to improve HFI during and post-COVID-19. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through POSHAN, led by International Food Policy Research Institute; and Alive & Thrive, led by FHI Solutions.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e048738
Author(s):  
Phuong Hong Nguyen ◽  
Shivani Kachwaha ◽  
Anjali Pant ◽  
Lan M Tran ◽  
Sebanti Ghosh ◽  
...  

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic has profound negative impacts on people’s lives, but little is known on its effect on household food insecurity (HFI) in poor setting resources. This study assessed changes in HFI during the pandemic and examined the interlinkages between HFI with child feeding practices and coping strategies.DesignA longitudinal survey in December 2019 (in-person) and August 2020 (by phone).SettingCommunity-based individuals from 26 blocks in 2 districts in Uttar Pradesh, India.ParticipantsMothers with children <2 years (n=569).Main outcomes and analysesWe measured HFI by using the HFI Access Scale and examined the changes in HFI during the pandemic using the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. We then assessed child feeding practices and coping strategies by HFI status using multivariable regression models.ResultsHFI increased sharply from 21% in December 2019 to 80% in August 2020, with 62% households changing the status from food secure to insecure over this period. Children in newly or consistently food-insecure households were less likely to consume a diverse diet (adjusted OR, AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.95 and AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.12, respectively) compared with those in food-secure households. Households with consistent food insecurity were more likely to engage in coping strategies such as reducing other essential non-food expenditures (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.24), borrowing money to buy food (AOR 4.3, 95% CI 2.31 to 7.95) or selling jewellery (AOR 5.0, 95% CI 1.74 to 14.27) to obtain foods. Similar findings were observed for newly food-insecure households.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown measures posed a significant risk to HFI which in turn had implications for child feeding practices and coping strategies. Our findings highlight the need for further investment in targeted social protection strategies and safety nets as part of multisectoral solutions to improve HFI during and after COVID-19.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1103-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria L Mayer ◽  
Kevin McDonough ◽  
Hilary Seligman ◽  
Nandita Mitra ◽  
Judith A Long

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between food insecurity and coping strategies (actions taken to manage economic stress) hypothesized to worsen glucose control in patients with diabetes.DesignUsing a cross-sectional telephone survey and clinical data, we compared food-insecure and food-secure individuals in their use of coping strategies. Using logistic regression models, we then examined the association between poor glucose control (glycated Hb, HbA1c≥8·0 %), food insecurity and coping strategies.SettingAn urban medical centre, between June and December 2013.SubjectsFour hundred and seven adults likely to be low income (receiving Medicaid or uninsured and/or residing in a zip code with >30 % of the population below the federal poverty level) with type 2 diabetes.ResultsOf respondents, 40·5 % were food insecure. A significantly higher percentage of the food-insecure group reported use of most examined coping strategies, including foregone medical care, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)) and use of emergency food programmes. Food insecurity was associated with poor glucose control (OR=2·23; 95 % CI 1·22, 4·10); coping strategies that were more common among the food insecure were not associated with poor glucose control. Among the food insecure, receipt of SNAP was associated with lower risk of poor glucose control (OR=0·27; 95 % CI 0·09, 0·80).ConclusionsWhile food insecurity was associated with poor glucose control, most examined coping strategies did not explain this relationship. However, receipt of SNAP among food-insecure individuals was associated with better diabetes control, suggesting that such programmes may play a role in improving health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-203
Author(s):  
Tal Braverman-Uriel ◽  
Tal Litvak-Hirsch

The impact of sexuality on mental wellbeing in women in long-term relationships has only been partially investigated. Emphasis has been on quantitative research studies that do not capture the breadth of the field. The present study looked at how and to what extent women maintain sexual desire in long-term relationships, and how sexuality affects their mental wellbeing. The study used a qualitative narrative approach and included semi-structured interviews with approximately 20 Israeli women aged 40–55 from similar socioeconomic backgrounds and in longstanding, permanent relationships. The findings indicate significant development over the years in the perception of the role of sexuality and its impact on mental wellbeing. The path to good sexuality can and should follow women’s leadership and initiative. Such women have the desire to make an impact, willingness to make an effort, and even an actual ability to exert influence. The interviewees’ tools, strategies, insights and ways of coping can serve as models for other women seeking better sexuality in a long-term relationship.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Misgana Asesefa Kisi ◽  
Dessalegn Tamiru ◽  
Melese Sinaga Teshome ◽  
Meseret Tamiru ◽  
Garumma Tolu Feyissa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254252
Author(s):  
Suzanne Rose ◽  
Josette Hartnett ◽  
Seema Pillai

Increasing cases, insufficient amount of personal protection equipment, extremely demanding workloads, and lack of adequate therapies to save lives can contribute to a psychological burden directly related to working during disease outbreaks. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to its ability to spread efficiently through asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. There are limited studies assessing the pandemic’s psychological impact on HCWs, specifically those in close proximity to hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Our study explored the emotions, perceived stressors, and coping strategies of front-line HCWs at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 during the first surge at our community-based teaching hospital, the epicenter of COVID-19 in Connecticut. A validated comprehensive questionnaire derived and modified from previous epidemics was used to inquire about staff feelings, factors that caused stress and factors that mitigated stress. Personal coping strategies and factors that can increase staff’s motivation to work during future events of similar nature were also asked. Emotional reactions, coping mechanisms, and stressors varied by healthcare role, while some experiences and reactions were similar among groups. Willingness to participate in a second wave of the pandemic or future outbreaks is strongly driven by adequate personal protective equipment, financial recognition, and recognition from management, similarly reported in previous disease outbreaks. All groups felt a reduction in stress due to a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, as well as when sharing jokes or humor with colleagues. Our HCWs at high risk of exposure experienced significant emotional distress during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding the needs and experiences of our HCWs at highest risk, we can improve our psychological support using targeted interventions during future waves of this pandemic or similar devastating events.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8753
Author(s):  
Maha Hoteit ◽  
Youssef Al-Atat ◽  
Hussein Joumaa ◽  
Suheir El Ghali ◽  
Rania Mansour ◽  
...  

This study aims to explore the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among Lebanese households since the ordeals of COVID-19, economic crisis, and Beirut port explosions. At the core of the study, a mobile application entitled Nutrition Assessment System (NAS) that simplified the data collection was used as toolkit and a technical test was carried out in all Lebanese governorates between November 2020 and March 2021. Findings show that food insecurity is an immediate problem for households in Beirut and in many governorates in Lebanon. Nine in every 16 households ate less than 2 meals per day and more than 70% of them skipped their meals to spare food. Even though half the population studied had a low food consumption score, 82.4% of the people were not relying on livelihood coping strategies. However, more than three out of ten of these households relied on at least three food-based coping strategies. In addition, as for the livelihoods, this assessment found that most Lebanese households reported a drop in income along with an expansion in debt incurrence in the last 24 months to be able to buy food. Improving food security in Lebanon requires effort not only on the part of the government, but through regional and international actions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bence Kiss-Dobronyi ◽  
Dora Fazekas ◽  
Hector Pollitt

AbstractThe article discusses how and why Green Recovery could be beneficial for the Visegrad countries based on a modelling exercise using the E3ME macroeconometric model. Green Recovery is defined as including policies in recovery plans that not only target economic recovery, but also contribute to environmental targets. The paper proposes that a Green Recovery could be valuable and suitable for the region contributing to both restoring employment and boosting economic activity as well as reaching climate goals. This is tested through a macroeconomic simulation, using the E3ME model. E3ME is built on Post-Keynesian economic theory and on econometric estimations of macroeconomic relationships. The results of the analysis focus on three dimensions: (1) social – employment, (2) environmental – level of CO2 emissions and (3) economic activity – gross domestic product (GDP). Outcomes indicate that a green recovery can shorten the time needed for employment and economic recovery as well as contributes to CO2 emission reductions. In Hungary, Czechia and Poland, the impact persists into the long-term; however, the paper also concludes that countries with high reliance on coal (e.g. Poland) could return to coal in the long term if no further policies are introduced.


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