Household Food Insecurity: Prevalence and Determinants among Less Studied Rural Communities in Tehran Province

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity (FI) in rural areas is a considerable concern that impacts numerous families worldwide. The study aimed at investigating the prevalence of household food insecurity and its determinants among rural women in Tehran province. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 rural women of Tehran province. Women were selected randomly from rural health canters or houses of 32 villages. Then, data were collected by questionnaires including demographic and socio-economic information, household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) and nutritional knowledge assessment. Results: The results indicated that more than 64% of women were food insecure, and socio-economic factors were the main predictors. Monthly household income (OR=0.85, CI:0.78- 0.94, P<0.05) and age of household head (OR=0.96, CI:0.93-0.99, P<0.05) were significantly higher in food insecure households. Household heads who were unemployed or housekeepers (OR=14.59, CI:3.31-64.26, P<0.05) and workers, farmers, or stockbreeder were also more likely to be food insecure (OR=5.44, CI:2.07-14.33, P<0.05). However, women's nutritional awareness or their membership in the village microcredit fund were not significantly associated with FI. Conclusion: The prevalence of FI was high in rural areas of Tehran province. Factors related to socio-economic status, including household income and employment status of the household head, were identified as significant determinants of household food security status.