Evaluation of Food Security of Women Referring to Healthcare Centers Affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences during ۲۰۱۷-۲۰۱۹

Background: Food security is one of the basic needs of humans and is regarded as a priority in the development goals of all countries. This study aimed at an epidemiological assessment of food security in healthcare centers affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences (MUMS). Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, information on food security, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, education, smoking, hypertension, domestic violence, psychological status, and demographic characteristics were extracted using SINA health records. A total of ۶۰۶۲۵ mothers referring to MUMS healthcare centers were studied from May ۲۰۱۷ to June ۲۰۱۹. Food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Multinominal logistic regression was run to assess the relationship between study variables and food security adjusted for important potential confounders. Results: The mean age of participants was ۴۲.۰۱±۱۴.۳ years. Also, ۶۴.۷% (N=۳۹۲۰۹) of the participants had food security; ۲۵.۳% (N=۱۵۳۲۱) suffered from mild food insecurity; ۶.۷% (N=۴۰۴۴) suffered from moderate, and ۳.۴% (N=۲۰۵۱) suffered from severe food insecurity. Physical activity, BMI, education, nationality, smoking, and psychological distress were significantly associated with odds of severe food insecurity in comparison to normal food security (P<۰.۰۵). However, there was no significant association between having diabetes, hypertension, fast foods, and domestic violence, and odds of severe food insecurity. Conclusions: Nearlytwo-thirds of households had food security and a positive significant association was observed between variables and odds of food insecurity. Further research, however, is needed to consolidate the findings

Keywords:

Food insecurity , Women , Body mass index