Food Insecurity Status and Its Associated Factors Among Residents of the City of Fasa (Southwest Iran), 2022

Zhila Fereidouni; Afsaneh Ghasemi; Reza Homayoonfar; Farzaneh Ghaznavi; Firoozeh Mehdizadeh; Rahim Sharafkhani; Sanaz Atef; Azizallah Dehghan

doi:10.18502/jabs.v15i2.18082

Zhila Fereidouni Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing School, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Fars, Iran
Afsaneh Ghasemi Department of Public Health, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
Reza Homayoonfar Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Farzaneh Ghaznavi Healtheconomist, Sapienza University, Rome, Lazio, Italy
Firoozeh Mehdizadeh Student Research committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
Rahim Sharafkhani Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
Sanaz Atef Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
Azizallah Dehghan Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jabs.v15i2.18082

Keywords: Food insecurity, Prevalence, Fasa

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Due to the potential adverse effects of unbalanced food consumption on physical, social, and mental health, the careful monitoring and assessment of food insecurity and hunger is of critical importance. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factors among the residents of the city of Fasa in southwest Iran.

Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted during the second half of 2022 and included 715 households (comprising 2,867 individuals from an approximate population of 110,000 in Fasa). A cluster sampling method was employed to select participants. Data on food insecurity were collected using a standardized questionnaire.

Results: The prevalence of food insecurity in this study was 42%. Moreover, food insecurity was found to be significantly associated with female-headed households, households headed by individuals with substance addiction, larger household size, and lower income levels. In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between food insecurity and smoking habits (cigarettes or hookah), educational background, or the employment status of either parent.

Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that nearly half of the surveyed households experienced some degree of food insecurity, highlighting a significant public health concern in this region. Policymakers, along with health and development organizations, may utilize these results to develop targeted strategies aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of food insecurity.