FOOD INSECURITY STATUS IN IRAN: A META-ANALYSIS

Background and Aim: The food insecurity (FI) status needs to be further studied to develop food security policies. This meta-analysis planned to assess FI status in Iran according to the previous questionnaire-based studies.Methods: Databases of the study were PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Magiran, Iranmedex, SID, and Medlib. The most important inclusion criterion was using valid questionnaires including 9-items-HFIAS, 18- and 6-items USDA (US-HFSSM), and Radimer/Cornell food security questionnaire. The random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled effect. Cochran’s Q and I2 tests determined heterogeneity.Results: Data of 13 articles were entered into the final analysis model according to eligibility criteria. The prevalence of FI was 49.2% (CI95%: 43.8-54.6). The sub-group analysis showed that the prevalence of FI without and with hunger was 29.6% (CI95%: 25.7-33.6) and 19.2% (CI95%: 16-22.3).Conclusion: Nearly, 50 % of the population were the food-insecure. However, FI without hunger was overcoming. It is necessary to be assessed FI status continuously to make proper policies for increasing the community food security.

Keywords:

Food insecurity , Questionnaire , Meta-analysis , Iran