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Fotakis EA, Kontele I, Tzoutzou M, Grammatikopoulou MG, Arvanitaki E, Sergentanis TN, Kotrokois K, Kornarou E, Vassilakou T. Food Insecurity in Greece and across the Globe: A Narrative Literature Review. Foods 2024; 13:1579. [PMID: 38790879 PMCID: PMC11121129 DOI: 10.3390/foods13101579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity comprises a major global public health threat, as its effects are detrimental to the mental, physical, and social aspects of the health and well-being of those experiencing it. We performed a narrative literature review on the magnitude of global food insecurity with a special emphasis on Greece and analyzed the major factors driving food insecurity, taking into consideration also the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. An electronic search of international literature was conducted in three databases. More than 900 million people worldwide experience severe food insecurity, with future projections showing increasing trends. Within Europe, Eastern and Southern European countries display the highest food insecurity prevalence rates, with Greece reporting a prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity ranging between 6.6% and 8% for the period 2019-2022. Climate change, war, armed conflicts and economic crises are major underlying drivers of food insecurity. Amidst these drivers, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on food insecurity levels around the globe, through halting economic growth, disrupting food supply chains and increasing unemployment and poverty. Tackling food insecurity through addressing its key drivers is essential to any progress towards succeeding the Sustainable Development Goal of "Zero Hunger".
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouil Alexandros Fotakis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Ioanna Kontele
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Milia Tzoutzou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 72300 Sitia, Greece;
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Eirini Arvanitaki
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
- Open Elderly Care Center, Municipality of Keratsini-Drapetsona, 18756 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros N. Sergentanis
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Konstantinos Kotrokois
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Eleni Kornarou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521 Athens, Greece; (E.A.F.); (I.K.); (E.A.); (T.N.S.); (K.K.); (E.K.)
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Martínez-Martínez OA, Gil-Vasquez K, Romero-González MB. Food insecurity and levels of marginalization: food accessibility, consumption and concern in Mexico. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:178. [PMID: 37667336 PMCID: PMC10478370 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01977-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity continues to be a problem throughout the world. When estimating food insecurity, few studies analyze the contexts where the phenomenon takes place. By bearing in mind levels of marginalization in four states of Mexico, this paper answers two questions: (I) What problems are experienced with access to food, and how these difficulties affect the amount of food consumed in households? and (II) How do households experience the concern of running out of food? METHODS Our qualitative study draws data from urban and semi-urban areas of four Mexican states: Mexico City, Tamaulipas, the State of Mexico, and Oaxaca. Each state presents different levels of well-being. The study's participants are selected using the snowball method. Eligibility criteria are based on demographic characteristics such as education, age, and gender. A thematic analytical approach is conducted to analyze collected data from a total of 212 semi-structured interviews. RESULTS The study's findings indicate that concern of food scarcity is a generalized feeling among participants across different levels of marginalization. Individuals with stable jobs living in contexts of low levels of marginalization experience worriedness when their budgets tightened before the end of the payday, a bi-weekly payment format, named the quincena in México. This psychological state of mind changes through the payday cycle, a period when the direct relationship between food accessibility and consumption weakens. In response, individuals develop strategies to cope with the uncertainty of experiencing food insecurity, such as rationing food portions and/or hoarding food supplies. Even when food accessibility exists, interviewees identify insufficient income as the primary issue in contexts of low and very low levels of marginalization. CONCLUSIONS Conclusive remarks drawn from our analysis underline the importance of the context of marginalization in influencing households' experiences with food insecurity. At the quincena's end, food insecurity increases, even in contexts of very low marginalization. Our study calls for rethinking the scales employed to measure food insecurity, specifically the questions related to fear of food scarcity. Coping strategies are implemented by surveyed individuals to resolve issues and repercussions that emerge from experiencing food insecurity differ by context of marginalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar A Martínez-Martínez
- Universidad Iberoamericana. Department of Social and Political Sciences, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Álvaro Obregón, Lomas de Santa Fe, México City, 01219, México.
| | | | - María Beatriz Romero-González
- Universidad Iberoamericana. Department of Social and Political Sciences, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Álvaro Obregón, Lomas de Santa Fe, México City, 01219, México
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Carrillo-Álvarez E. Perspective: Food and Nutrition Insecurity in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities for Dietitians. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:995-1004. [PMID: 37543145 PMCID: PMC10509433 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the interest in food and nutrition insecurity in high-income countries has skyrocketed. However, its recognition in Europe is still developing. This perspective summarizes the evidence on food and nutrition insecurity across Europe in terms of prevalence, consequences, and current mitigation strategies, with the aim of outlining the challenges and opportunities for dietitians. Prevalence in the general population ranges between 5% and 20%, with higher rates identified in women, children, older adults, single-parent households, those with low educational attainment, and on low or unstable income and/or employment. In users of food aid, the prevalence of food insecurity is above 70%. Responses to food and nutrition insecurity include welfare policies and food assistance programs at regional and national levels. However, most current strategies are not successful in tackling the structural drivers of food and nutrition insecurity, nor do they guarantee diet quality. Despite limited involvement to-date, dietitians can play an important role in addressing food and nutrition insecurity across Europe. This narrative identifies 4 areas: 1) create awareness of the existence and severity of food and nutrition insecurity, 2) advocate for comprehensive, robust data on the determinants and prevalence, 3) partner with diverse stakeholders, social assistance providers, local authorities, and nongovernmental organizations in a comprehensive, intersectoral, and integrated manner, 4) participate in the development of political instruments and interventions that ensure equitable access to high-quality safe food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carrillo-Álvarez
- Public Health Specialist Network (ESDN PH), European Federation of Association of Dietetics (EFAD), Europe; Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) research group, Blanquerna School of Health Sciences, Universitat Ramon Lull, Barcelona, Spain.
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Militao EMA, Uthman OA, Salvador EM, Vinberg S, Macassa G. Food Insecurity and Associated Factors among Households in Maputo City. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15102372. [PMID: 37242255 DOI: 10.3390/nu15102372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) is a global concern and is one of the main causes of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. In Mozambique, the burden of FI and how various factors contribute to FI is not well known. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FI and its associated factors in southern Mozambique. Data from 1842 household heads in Maputo City were analyzed in a cross-sectional design. Food insecurity was measured using a modified version of the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security scale, and its association with socio-demographic factors was assessed through multiple regressions. Altogether, 79% of the households were food insecure; of these, 16.6% had mild FI, 28.1% moderate and 34.4% severe FI. The study revealed that low-income households, those with less educated heads, and those engaged in informal work were significantly more prone to FI. Likewise, dietary diversity and the number of meals were also significant predictors of FI. These findings suggest the need for decent work and job creation, which calls for joint efforts from government, the private sector, and international institutions. Furthermore, these key drivers should be considered in the development of public health policies and programs designed to alleviate household FI and malnutrition in Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias M A Militao
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique
| | - Olalekan A Uthman
- Warwick Centre for Global Health, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Department of Global Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Elsa M Salvador
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique
| | - Stig Vinberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Gloria Macassa
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
- EPI Unit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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Food Insecurity in Central-Eastern Europe: Does Gender Matter? SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14095435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) remains a challenge not only in less-developed countries but also worldwide. The literature indicates higher rates of FI for women than men in some regions of the world. Thus, the main objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess differences in experiencing FI according to gender in Central-Eastern Europe—a region that has been little researched in terms of FI. The study analyzes individual-level data on FI from the Gallup World Poll (GWP) for the years 2018–2019, obtained under a license from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Dataset encompasses representative samples of individuals aged 15 and above for each studied country. Apart from bivariate analysis, the ordered logistic regression, the generalized ordered logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used. It was found that women experienced mild FI more often than men. However, gender differences with respect to moderate or severe FI were not confirmed. Moreover, the significant associations of all severity levels of FI with education, employment status, social capital, social network, age, marital status, household composition and income were observed. The research findings can be used to inform policy and to design targeted assistance programs for those in need.
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Aggeli C, Patelida M, Grammatikopoulou MG, Matzaridou EA, Berdalli M, Theodoridis X, Gkiouras K, Persynaki A, Tsiroukidou K, Dardavessis T, Tzimos C, Goulis DG, Vassilakou T. Moderators of Food Insecurity and Diet Quality in Pairs of Mothers and Their Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040472. [PMID: 35455516 PMCID: PMC9031801 DOI: 10.3390/children9040472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has suggested that maternal diet and characteristics may influence the diet of offspring during childhood. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the influence of distinct maternal characteristics and the diet quality of mothers on the prevalence of household food insecurity (FI) and the diet quality of children. A total of 179 mother–child pairs were recruited from two primary schools in the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki. The children were aged between 10 and 12 years old. Diet quality was assessed as the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), with the use of the KIDMED for the children and the MedDietScore for the mothers. The household FI and the social and demographic characteristics of the mothers were also recorded, and anthropometric measures of both the mothers and their children were collected. Approximately ¼ (26.3%) of the pairs reported some degree of FI, with a greater prevalence (64.7%) within single-mother families. Moreover, FI affected the level of maternal MD adherence (p = 0.011). On the other hand, FI was decreased in households with a greater maternal educational level (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10–0.63) and conjugal family status (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.87–0.52). Maternal adherence to the MD was inversely related to the respective adherence of their offspring (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86–0.997), suggesting that during periods of financial constraints, maternal diet quality is compromised at the expense of affording a better diet for the minors in the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Aggeli
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Maria Patelida
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.G.); (T.V.)
| | - Ekaterini-Avrakomi Matzaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Marina Berdalli
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Xenophon Theodoridis
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Gkiouras
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Angeliki Persynaki
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Kyriaki Tsiroukidou
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Theodore Dardavessis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christos Tzimos
- Northern Greece Statistics Directorate, Hellenic Statistical Authority, 218 Delfon Str., GR-54646 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (M.G.G.); (T.V.)
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Addai KN, Ng’ombe JN, Temoso O. Food Poverty, Vulnerability, and Food Consumption Inequality Among Smallholder Households in Ghana: A Gender-Based Perspective. SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH 2022; 163:661-689. [PMID: 35342219 PMCID: PMC8938976 DOI: 10.1007/s11205-022-02913-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We examined gender-based household welfare differences in Ghana among smallholder households. We measured disparities in welfare outcomes (food poverty, vulnerability, and food consumption inequality) across male and female household heads and identified the set of covariates influencing them. The study utilizes a dataset from a farm household survey undertaken in Northern Ghana from October to December 2018. A multistage sampling approach was adopted in selecting 900 farm households. The Oaxaca-Blinder mean and Recentered Inference Function decomposition techniques highlighted the sources of gender differentials in household welfare outcomes. The findings indicate a significant gap in food consumption expenditure per capita and household dietary diversity scores between male- and female- headed households, and these gaps are as high as 28.2% and 18.1%, respectively. However, there are no statistically significant differences in vulnerability to food poverty between male- and female-headed households. The Lorenz curves confirm inequality in gendered households' food consumption expenditure and dietary diversity scores. This study highlights the existence of systemic female-headed household vulnerability to food poverty in Ghana. This study provides significant evidence of the need for policymakers to address food systems' structural deficiencies and inequalities with gender in mind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwabena Nyarko Addai
- Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - John N. Ng’ombe
- Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC USA
| | - Omphile Temoso
- UNE Business School, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351 Australia
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Quintieri L, Caputo L, Brasca M, Fanelli F. Recent Advances in the Mechanisms and Regulation of QS in Dairy Spoilage by Pseudomonas spp. Foods 2021; 10:foods10123088. [PMID: 34945641 PMCID: PMC8701193 DOI: 10.3390/foods10123088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Food spoilage is a serious issue dramatically impacting the worldwide need to counteract food insecurity. Despite the very expensive application of low temperatures, the proper conservation of fresh dairy products is continuously threatened at different stages of production and commercialization by psychrotrophic populations mainly belonging to the Pseudomonas genus. These bacteria cause discolouration, loss of structure, and off-flavours, with fatal implications on the quality and shelf-life of products. While the effects of pseudomonad decay have been widely reported, the mechanisms responsible for the activation and regulation of spoilage pathways are still poorly explored. Recently, molecule signals and regulators involved in quorum sensing (QS), such as homoserine lactones, the luxR/luxI system, hdtS, and psoR, have been detected in spoiled products and bacterial spoiler species; this evidence suggests the role of bacterial cross talk in dairy spoilage and paves the way towards the search for novel preservation strategies based on QS inhibition. The aim of this review was to investigate the advancements achieved by the application of omic approaches in deciphering the molecular mechanisms controlled by QS systems in pseudomonads, by focusing on the regulators and metabolic pathways responsible for spoilage of fresh dairy products. In addition, due the ability of pseudomonads to quickly spread in the environment as biofilm communities, which may also include pathogenic and multidrug-resistant (MDR) species, the risk derived from the gaps in clearly defined and regulated sanitization actions is underlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Quintieri
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: author:
| | - Leonardo Caputo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Milena Brasca
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Francesca Fanelli
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.C.); (F.F.)
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The Nutritional Content of Rescued Food Conveyed by a Food Aid Organization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212212. [PMID: 34831968 PMCID: PMC8624580 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: The number of food-insecure families in the European Union has increased, resulting in an increasing number of households depending on food assistance programs. The aim in this study was to evaluate the nutrient content of food rescued by a food aid organization that rescues and redistributes fresh or freshly cooked food to low-income households. Methods: To determine the nutritional content of food hampers provided by our case study organization, we weighed all items of food hampers in three weighing rounds over a period of four months. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) was applied to measure households’ food insecurity. Results: Our results show that, at our case study food aid organization, food donations substantially contribute to energy, macro, and micronutrient dietary recommendation intake (DRI). Conclusions: When evaluating how these nutrients contribute to alleviating food insecurity of the beneficiary households, we found that the perception of food insecurity is independent of the amount of nutrients served. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study measuring the nutritional content of fresh or freshly cooked rescued food conveyed by a food aid organization.
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Sohel MS, Hossain B, Sarker MNI, Horaira GA, Sifullah MK, Rahman MA. Impacts of COVID-19 induced food insecurity among informal migrants: Insight from Dhaka, Bangladesh. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 2021; 22:e2770. [PMID: 34899062 PMCID: PMC8646404 DOI: 10.1002/pa.2770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity is one of the rising problems in Bangladesh, and it is severely prevalent among informal migrant workers. In this case, the COVID-19 pandemic has multiplied the food insecurity of informal migrant workers. This study explores and synthesizes the COVID-19 induced food insecurity impact among informal migrants and recommends policy actions to tackle the COVID-19 led food crisis in Bangladesh. A qualitative research approach, including in-depth interviews, four FGDs, and participant observation, has been applied to data collection from different parts of Dhaka city. A thematic approach to interpretive phenomenological analysis is followed in this study. The results show that COVID-19 induced lockdown significantly affects informal migrants' household food security. Most participants report severe complications due to food insecurity like consuming less food, price hiking, no fish or meat, potato, and vegetable. Food insecurity leads to migrant's chronic food shortage, starvation, malnutrition of mother and children, and unhealthy food. As a result, the way of life of informal migrants has been directed to more fragility and vulnerability during the pandemic; even they are not affordable to maintain a minimal level of family affairs and necessity. The findings of this study would be essential guidelines for the governmental and non-governmental organizations and development practitioners to address the food insecurity situations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gazi Abu Horaira
- Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of GovernmentUniversity Utara MalaysiaKedahMalaysia
| | | | - Md. Abadur Rahman
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringSouthern Cross UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Carrillo-Álvarez E, Salinas-Roca B, Costa-Tutusaus L, Milà-Villarroel R, Shankar Krishnan N. The Measurement of Food Insecurity in High-Income Countries: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9829. [PMID: 34574753 PMCID: PMC8468034 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The measurement of food insecurity is essential to monitor the prevalence, risk factors, consequences and effects of food insecurity and the interventions and policies implemented to tackle it. Yet, how best to apply it remains an unsettled issue due to the multifaceted and context-dependent nature of food insecurity. We report a scoping review of measures of food insecurity at the individual and household level in high-income countries with the final purpose of facilitating a catalogue of instruments to be used by both researchers and practitioners. The scoping review was conducted following the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. We included all types of documents published between 2000-2020 using instruments that estimate food insecurity at both individual and household level in high-income countries, and with respondents including adolescents, adults, and elderly. We identified a total of 23 measurement strategies being used in 33 peer-reviewed publications and 114 documents from the grey literature. Our results show that most measures focus on the access dimension of food insecurity and that further research is required to develop measures that incorporate aspects of quality of dietary intake and relevant individual, household and social conditions related to food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carrillo-Álvarez
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Ramon Llull University, Padilla, 326-332, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (B.S.-R.); (L.C.-T.); (R.M.-V.); (N.S.K.)
| | - Blanca Salinas-Roca
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Ramon Llull University, Padilla, 326-332, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (B.S.-R.); (L.C.-T.); (R.M.-V.); (N.S.K.)
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Lleida, Montserrat Roig 2, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Lluís Costa-Tutusaus
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Ramon Llull University, Padilla, 326-332, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (B.S.-R.); (L.C.-T.); (R.M.-V.); (N.S.K.)
| | - Raimon Milà-Villarroel
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Ramon Llull University, Padilla, 326-332, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (B.S.-R.); (L.C.-T.); (R.M.-V.); (N.S.K.)
| | - Nithya Shankar Krishnan
- Global Research on Wellbeing (GRoW) Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Ramon Llull University, Padilla, 326-332, 08025 Barcelona, Spain; (B.S.-R.); (L.C.-T.); (R.M.-V.); (N.S.K.)
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12
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Profiles of Food Insecurity: Similarities and Differences across Selected CEE Countries. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14165070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Food security (FS) is influenced by primarily financial but also sociodemographic factors. Identification of correlates of food insecurity (FI) is a crucial issue in the context of achieving sustainable development goals. The aims of the study were: (1) to recognize FI in the selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, (2) to examine common socioeconomic and demographic characteristics for FI. The analysis used the set of eight-item FI indicators adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization, applying the Gallup World Poll survey data from 2017 to 2019. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine FI at mild and moderate or severe levels compared with FS. Differences in the profiles of FI were observed in analyzed countries: Poland, Lithuania and Slovakia. Lithuanians experienced the lowest FS, and Slovaks the highest. The FI status was associated with education, gender, age, household composition and income. It was found that the impact of these factors was not the same in the examined countries. Differences in profiles of FI in CEE countries indicate the need to analyze the problem individually for each country. Identifying groups particularly vulnerable to FI may allow appropriate targeting of instruments counteracting FI and adapt them to people with different characteristics.
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13
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Estacio SM, Thursby MM, Simms NC, Orozco VA, Wu JP, Miawotoe AA, Worth WW, Capeloto CB, Yamashita K, Tewahade KR, Saxton KB. Food insecurity in older female mice affects food consumption, coping behaviors, and memory. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250585. [PMID: 33914807 PMCID: PMC8084178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity correlates with poor physical and mental health in older individuals, but has not been studied in a laboratory animal model. This explorative study developed a laboratory mouse model for analyzing the impact of food insecurity on food consumption, stress coping mechanisms, exploratory behavior, and memory. 18-month-old CD-1 female mice were assigned to either the food insecurity exposure condition (31 mice, 8 cages) or the control condition (34 mice, 8 cages) by cage. Over four weeks, the mice that were exposed to food insecurity received varied, unpredictable portions of their baseline food consumption (50%, 75%, 125%, 150% of baseline) for four days, followed by ad libitum access for three days, to approximate the inconsistent access to food observed in households experiencing food insecurity. Behavioral tasks were conducted before and after food insecurity exposure. Mice in the food insecurity exposure condition ate less compared to control mice during food insecurity (two-way ANOVA: group x time interaction: F7,93 = 10.95, P < 0.01) but ate more when given access to high fat food (two-way ANOVA, group x time interaction: F1,14 = 11.14, P < 0.01). Mice exposed to food insecurity increased active escaping behaviors in the forced swim test (repeated measures two-way ANOVA, group x time interaction: F1,63 = 5.40, P = 0.023). Exploratory behaviors were unaffected by food insecurity. Mice exposed to food insecurity showed a reduction in memory (repeated measures two-way ANOVA, group x time interaction: F1,61 = 4.81, P = 0.037). These results suggest that exposure to food insecurity is associated with differences in food consumption patterns, active coping mechanisms, and memory. The behavioral changes associated with food insecurity may inform research on food insecurity's impact on health in elderly humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Estacio
- Department of Psychology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Madalyn M. Thursby
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Noel C. Simms
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Vanessa A. Orozco
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Jessica P. Wu
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Alyssa A. Miawotoe
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Whitney W. Worth
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Claire B. Capeloto
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Kyla Yamashita
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Kayla R. Tewahade
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
| | - Katherine B. Saxton
- Public Health Program, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, California, United States of America
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14
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Diet Quality and Sociodemographic, Lifestyle, and Health-Related Determinants among People with Depression in Spain: New Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study (2011-2017). Nutrients 2020; 13:nu13010106. [PMID: 33396825 PMCID: PMC7823268 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of diet quality in depression is an emerging research area and it appears that diet quality could be an important modifying factor. The aims of this study were to report the prevalence of diet quality among individuals with and without a self-reported diagnosis of depression aged from 16 to 64 years old in Spain, to analyze the time trends of the frequency of food consumption and diet quality from 2011 to 2017 in individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of depression, and to explore the associations between poor/improvable diet quality and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in 42,280 participants with and without a self-reported diagnosis of depression who had participated in the 2011/2012 and 2017 Spanish National Health Surveys and the 2014 European Health Survey in Spain. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the variables associated with diet quality. The overall prevalence of diet quality among depressive and non-depressive individuals revealed 65.71% and 70.27% were in need of improvement, respectively. Moreover, having a poor or improvable diet quality is associated with male gender, people aged 16-24 years old and 25-44 years old, separated or divorced, and also in smokers.
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15
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Dudek H, Myszkowska-Ryciak J. The Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Food Insecurity in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E6221. [PMID: 32867149 PMCID: PMC7504274 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
While food insecurity (FI) has been extensively studied in many countries, there have been few empirical contributions in Poland to date. The main objective of our research was to identify the socio-demographic factors affecting the risk of FI in Poland within 2014-2019. Moreover, we aimed to examine the effects of the family-oriented social program "Family 500+" by comparing the situation in various types of households with children a few years before and after the program was launched. The analysis was based on the set of eight-item FI indicators adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization using the Gallup World Poll nationally representative survey data. Based on our results the most vulnerable groups in the context of FI were identified. We confirmed the importance of education, gender, age, marital status, household composition, status of employment and income in preventing FI. The effectiveness of the support program in reducing FI was demonstrated as households with at least three children experienced significant improvement in the FI status during the studied years. These findings should be especially important in the context of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FI. As FI can affect the quality and quantity of food choices it is associated with a poorer health status, which increases the risk of infection, including COVID-19, and worsens recovery prognosis. Planning an efficient response to the pandemic requires a comprehension of the increased risk of exposure experienced by people, especially those who are food insecure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Dudek
- Department of Econometrics and Statistics, Institute of Economics and Finance, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Joanna Myszkowska-Ryciak
- Department of Dietetics, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS), 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
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