Food Insecurity and Food Label Comprehension among Libyan Migrants in Australia

Abstract

Food security among migrants and refugees remains an international public health issue. However, research among ethnic minorities in Australia is relatively low. This study explored the factors that influence the understanding of food labelling and food insecurity among Libyan migrants in Australia. An online survey was completed by 271 Libyan migrant families. Data collection included the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module (for food security) and a question from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Consumer Label Survey (for food labelling comprehension). Multivariable logistic regression modelling was utilised to identify the predictors of food label comprehension and food security. Food insecurity prevalence was 72.7% (n = 196) while 35.8% of families (n = 97) reported limited food label understanding. Household size, food store location, and food affordability were found to be significantly related to food insecurity. However, gender, private health insurance, household annual income, education, and food store type and location were found to be significantly related to food labelling comprehension. Despite the population’s high educational status and food labelling comprehension level, food insecurity remained an issue among the Libyan migrants. Policy makers should consider the incorporation of food label comprehension within a broader food security approach for migrants.

Socio-demographic, migratory and health-related determinants of food insecurity among Venezuelan migrants in Peru

“…A systematic review of studies with migrants and refugees from the Middle East and North Africa living in high-income countries found that the prevalence of FI ranged from 40 % to 71 % (10) . Other studies found that among Lebanese migrants living in Australia, the prevalence of FI was 72·7 % (35) , whereas Haitian migrants residing in Chile had a prevalence of 78 % (36) . In the USA, another systematic review on migrants and seasonal agricultural workers showed that the prevalence of FI varied depending on the region where the research was carried out.…”

Food Security among Libyan Migrants Living in Australia: A Qualitative Study

“…Income is a distinct barrier to food security among migrants [33,54] and general population subgroups [57]. Interviewees in our study adopted various approaches to try and overcome this barrier.…”

“…It was noted that while many migrants were highly educated, they were still food insecure [33]. They were highly literate but struggled with some aspects of labelling.…”

“…Recent quantitative research on the level of food insecurity among Libyan families in Australia revealed that 72.7% of participants experienced food insecurity linked to household size, food stores location, food store type, and food costs. In addition, 35.8% of families reported inadequate comprehension of food labels [33], which impeded their purchasing choices and was strongly associated with a number of socio economic variables [33]. Another study among this population in Australia found that 64.4% had an income of less than AUD 42,000 [34].…”

“…This research seeks to do this amongst Libyan migrant families. Despite the population's high level of education and understanding of food labels, food insecurity remains a problem among Libyan migrants [33].…”