Food insecurity, sexual risk taking, and sexual victimization in Ghanaian adolescents and young South African adults

Masa, Rainier; Graham, Lauren; Khan, Zoheb; Chowa, Gina; Patel, Leila

doi:10.1007/s00038-018-1155-x

Cited by 22 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…The prevalence of FIS has been reported to be 60% among South African women in their postpartum period [38] and 32% among women in Northern Jordon [39]. Another study also found the prevalence of FIS to be 72% among Ghanaian adolescents girls and 83% among young adults in South Africa [40], while a study among rural women in Kenya reported FIS rates of 48% [41]. These prevalence rates are higher than what we observed in our population where the problem of food insecurity was found to be of moderate public health concern (23%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Food Insecurity and Micronutrient Status among Ghanaian Women Planning to Become Pregnant

et al. 2020

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We examined the association between food insecurity (FIS) and micronutrient status among Ghanaian women planning to become pregnant. A cross-sectional analysis was completed of 95 women aged 18–35 years, living in the Upper Manya Krobo District in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to collect sociodemographic and food security data; weight and height were measured. Blood was drawn from an antecubital vein; one drop was used to assess hemoglobin via Hemocue. Zinc and copper were analyzed using flame atomic spectrophotometry while iron biomarkers, retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were analyzed using ELISA, ultra-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between food insecurity (FIS) and micronutrient deficiencies. FIS was reported among 23% of the households, while micronutrient deficiencies ranged from 7–28% irrespective of FIS status. Retinol concentrations were negatively associated with FIS (p = 0.043) after controlling for covariates, although levels were within the normal range in both groups. No statistically significant associations between FIS and micronutrient deficiencies were found. Among those with FIS, 59% were deficient in at least one nutrient with 18% deficient in two nutrients. Unmarried women were at higher risk of FIS (p = 0.017) than married women. FIS was associated with retinol concentrations but not other micronutrient biomarkers in Ghanaian women expecting to become pregnant in the next 6 months.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Food Insecurity and Micronutrient Status among Ghanaian Women Planning to Become Pregnant

et al. 2020

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“…Indeed, a number of studies conducted in poor countries emphasize that food insecurity produces more dangerous sexual circumstances for women, including inconsistent condom use, abusive relationships, transactional sex, or participation in commercial sex work (e.g. Masa et al 2019 ; Pascoe et al 2015 ; Pellowski et al 2018 ; Tsai et al 2012 ; Tsai and Weiser 2014 ; Weiser et al 2007 ).…”

Section: Food Insecurity Hiv Susceptibility and Risky Sexual Behavimentioning

confidence: 99%

“…FAO 2020 ), and also has important relevance for creating gender-based vulnerabilities to HIV (e.g. Masa et al 2019 ). Prior research identifies several important physiological and social factors that link food insecurity to women’s vulnerability to HIV in less-developed countries.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Drying Climates and Gendered Suffering: Links Between Drought, Food Insecurity, and Women’s HIV in Less-Developed Countries

2020

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HIV/AIDS represents the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age globally, and gender inequalities in the burden of HIV/AIDS are most pronounced in poorer countries. Drawing on ideas from feminist political ecology, we explore linkages between suffering from drought, food insecurity, and women's vulnerability to HIV. Using data from 91 less-developed countries, we construct a structural equation model to analyze the direct and indirect influence of these factors, alongside other socioeconomic indicators, on the percentage of the adult population living with HIV that are women. We find that droughts are significant in shaping gender inequalities in the HIV burden indirectly through increased food insecurity. We draw on prior research to argue that due to gendered inequalities, food insecurity increases women's vulnerability to HIV by intensifying biological susceptibilities to the disease, reducing access to social and health resources, and motivating women to engage in risky sexual behaviors, such as transactional sex. Overall, our findings demonstrate that droughts serve as an important underlying factor in promoting HIV transmission among vulnerable women in poor countries, and that food insecurity is a key mechanism in driving this relationship.

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“…Alongside these methodological considerations, the lack of a theoretical perspective focusing on transitions also limited the interpretation of some findings. For instance, Masa et al (2018) brought forward new evidence on the role of food insecurity on sexual risk taking practices using two samples with mean ages of 17 and 22, yet missed the opportunity to discuss differences in keeping with the different life periods associated with these two age groups.…”

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confidence: 99%

What have we learned on adolescent transitions?

Gagné

2019

Int J Public Health

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Food insecurity, sexual risk taking, and sexual victimization in Ghanaian adolescents and young South African adults

Abstract: Our findings underscore the importance of food access on young people's sexual health, regardless of gender. Prevention efforts may be more relevant when integrated with food security interventions that target vulnerable adolescents and young adults, irrespective of gender.

Cited by 22 publications

References 48 publications

Food Insecurity and Micronutrient Status among Ghanaian Women Planning to Become Pregnant

Food Insecurity and Micronutrient Status among Ghanaian Women Planning to Become Pregnant

Drying Climates and Gendered Suffering: Links Between Drought, Food Insecurity, and Women’s HIV in Less-Developed Countries

What have we learned on adolescent transitions?

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