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Kantilafti M, Yannakoulia M, Giannakou K, Kyprianidou M, Chrysostomou S. Food insecurity and its association with socio-demographic characteristics in Cyprus. J Nutr Sci 2024; 13:e36. [PMID: 39345246 PMCID: PMC11428066 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2024.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of food insecurity in Cyprus and the socio-demographic factors that are related to this public health problem are unknown. Data used in this cross-sectional study were collected between 1 June 2022 and 21 May 2023 using a self-reported method. Food insecurity was evaluated using the Greek version of Adult Food Security Survey Module. The data regarding socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics along with body weight and height measurements were collected through self-administered questionnaire. A representative sample of n=1255 adults, ≥18 years old living in the five different districts of the Republic of Cyprus, was recruited. Prevalence of food insecurity in Cypriot population was 12.6%. Prevalence was higher in females, in older adults, in adults living in Paphos, in individuals who were separated, divorced, or widowed, in retired people, in people living with children, and in people with low income and education. Based on multivariable analysis, income was the strongest socio-demographic factor independently associated with food security (€ 6,500-€ 19,500: AOR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.28, 0.86 and >€ 19,500: AOR: 0.15, 95% CI 0.73, 0.31). Food insecurity is a global problem that need further examination. The association between food insecurity and socio-demographic characteristics needs to be highlighted in order for each country to develop specific public health policies (e.g. financial support to low income people) to decrease food insecurity and improve people's overall health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kantilafti
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Str. Engomi, 2404, P.O. Box: 22006, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Mary Yannakoulia
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences and Education, Harokopio University Athens, Eleftheriou Venizelou Ave.,70, 176 76, Kallithea, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Giannakou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Str. Engomi, 2404, P.O. Box: 22006, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Maria Kyprianidou
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Str. Engomi, 2404, P.O. Box: 22006, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Stavri Chrysostomou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Str. Engomi, 2404, P.O. Box: 22006, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Lehto E, Uusitalo L, Saari T, Rahkonen O, Erkkola M, Nevalainen J. Association between work-related factors and health behaviour clusters among Finnish private-sector service workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2024; 97:641-650. [PMID: 38713282 PMCID: PMC11245410 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-024-02069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined how work-related factors associate with several health behaviours that appear together among the large, but less-studied, blue- and pink-collar worker group, which is characterized by low education and income levels. METHODS In 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional survey among private sector service workers (n = 5256) in Finland. We applied two-step cluster analysis to identify groups on the basis of leisure-time physical activity, sleep adequacy, frequency of heavy drinking, smoking status, and frequency of fruit, vegetable and berry consumption. We examined the associations with work-related factors, using multinomial regression analyses and adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS We identified six clusters labelled as Moderately Healthy (28% of the participants), Healthy - Vigorous Exercise (19%), Sedentary Lifestyle (16%), Inadequate Sleep (15%), Mixed Health Behaviours (15%), and Multiple Risk Behaviours (8%). Those who perceived their work to be mentally or physically strenuous more commonly belonged to the Inadequate Sleep and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters. Time pressure made belonging to the Inadequate Sleep, Mixed Health Behaviours, and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters more likely. Those who were dissatisfied with their work more often belonged to the Healthy - Vigorous Exercise, Inadequate Sleep, and Multiple Risk Behaviours clusters. CONCLUSION In addition of finding several considerably differing health behaviour clusters, we also found that adverse working conditions were associated with clusters characterized by multiple risk behaviours, especially inadequate sleep. Private-sector service workers' working conditions should be improved so that they support sufficient recovery, and occupational health services should better identify co-occurring multiple risk behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elviira Lehto
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Liisa Uusitalo
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Saari
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Work Research Centre, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ossi Rahkonen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maijaliisa Erkkola
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Nevalainen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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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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Rizk R, Haddad C, Sacre H, Malaeb D, Wachten H, Strahler J, Salameh P. Assessing the relationship between food insecurity and lifestyle behaviors among university students: a comparative study between Lebanon and Germany. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:807. [PMID: 37138254 PMCID: PMC10154760 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is a common public health problem in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to profile food insecurity among university students in a developed country with stable economic circumstances (Germany) and a developing Mediterranean country undergoing a severe economic and financial crisis (Lebanon) and examine the associations between food insecurity and lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sleep, and adherence to a healthy eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet), stress, and financial well-being. METHOD This online cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and March 2022. Subjects were recruited through social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and personal email) and in-class announcements by several university professors of various majors and from different universities in Lebanon and Germany. The final sample included 547 participants (197 from Lebanon and 350 from Germany). RESULTS Our findings showed a higher food insecurity rate in Lebanon compared with Germany (59% versus 33%). In the bivariate analysis, food insecurity was associated with insomnia (r = 0.230; p < 0.001) and stress (r = 0.225; p = 0.001); German university students had higher physical activity (p < 0.001), better diet quality (p < 0.001), and lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0001) than Lebanese students. In the multivariable analyses, more stress was related to insomnia (B = 0.178; p < 0.001), while financial well-being was not associated with any of the lifestyle behaviors. Physical activity, insomnia, and Mediterranean diet adherence were not associated with the country or food insecurity (p > 0.05); however, living in Germany was associated with better diet quality (B = -7.85; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of food insecurity reported in this study is alarming, particularly among Lebanese students; German students had better diet quality and higher physical activity but worse adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Moreover, food insecurity was also associated with worse sleep and stress. Further studies are necessary to assess the role of food insecurity as a mediating factor between sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Rizk
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon.
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hanna Wachten
- Sport Psychology, Institute of Sport and Sport Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jana Strahler
- Sport Psychology, Institute of Sport and Sport Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
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In this issue - Food insecurity. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:817-818. [PMID: 35321779 PMCID: PMC9991591 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002200060x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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