Household food insecurity and socio-demographic determinants in young adults: findings from a Portuguese population-based sample

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Maia, I (Author) Other; Monjardino, T (Author) Other; Lucas, R (Author) FMUP; Ramos E (Author) FMUP; Santos AC (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Public Health

Vol. 64

Pages: 887-895

ISSN: 1661-8556

Publisher: Swiss School of Public Health

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-GXG

DOI: 10.1007/s00038-019-01243-y

Abstract (EN): ObjectivesThis study evaluated the prevalence and the socio-demographic determinants of food insecurity among young adults at a time of economic crisis recovery.MethodsA cross-sectional study including 954 young adults (26years old) from the EPITeen cohort (Porto, Portugal) was conducted. Food security status was evaluated using the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form. Associations between socio-demographic characteristics (sex, education, occupation, household size and structure and household income perception) and food insecurity were estimated using logistic regression.ResultsAt a time of economic crisis recovery, 11.0% of young adults experienced food insecurity. A higher odds of belonging to a food insecure household was observed in participants reporting an insufficient household income (OR=23.3; 95% CI 11.3-47.8), those with less education (OR=1.7; 95% CI 1.0-2.8), lower white-collar workers (OR=2.3; 95% CI 1.2-4.2) and those living within a nuclear family including a partner and/or children (OR=2.0; 95% CI 1.1-3.7).ConclusionsOur findings support the need for interventions targeting those from lower income, from nuclear families of young adults with a partner and/or descendants, less educated and with non-manual unskilled occupations, to reduce food insecurity, particularly in economic vulnerable settings.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9