Gender differences in the prevalence of household food insecurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jung, Natália Miranda; Bairros, Fernanda Souza de; Pattussi, Marcos Pascoal; Pauli, Sílvia; Neutzling, Marilda Borges

doi:10.1017/s1368980016002925

Cited by 74 publications

(66 citation statements)

References 57 publications

(203 reference statements)

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“…Interestingly, our study showed that gender was not associated with an increased risk of food insecurity. This is somewhat at odds with the results of other studies, which have explained the increased burden of food insecurity experienced by women to be associated with gender-related economic factors, including lower employment opportunities and child-related duties [36]. Additionally, higher educational attainment was independently associated with lower odds of experiencing food insecurity, which is consistent with other Australian research [8,12], and international studies of food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic [26].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Predictors of Food Insecurity in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

et al. 2020

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The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic vulnerabilities and disrupted the Australian food supply, with potential implications for food insecurity. This study aims to describe the prevalence and socio-demographic associations of food insecurity in Tasmania, Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey (deployed late May to early June 2020) incorporated the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form, and fifteen demographic and COVID-related income questions. Survey data (n = 1170) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. The prevalence of food insecurity was 26%. The adjusted odds of food insecurity were higher among respondents with a disability, from a rural area, and living with dependents. Increasing age, a university education, and income above $80,000/year were protective against food insecurity. Food insecurity more than doubled with a loss of household income above 25% (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.02; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.71; p = 0.022), and the odds further increased with loss of income above 75% (AOR: 7.14; 95% CI: 2.01, 24.83; p = 0.002). Our results suggest that the prevalence of food insecurity may have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among economically vulnerable households and people who lost income. Policies that support disadvantaged households and ensure adequate employment opportunities are important to support Australians throughout and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 75%

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Predictors of Food Insecurity in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

et al. 2020

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“…This concept is to ensure human rights for a healthy, accessible, and adequate diet, without compromising access to other essential needs, such as respecting healthy eating practises and cultural diversity, and should be socioeconomically and agro-ecologically sustainable (13) . Through this program, family farming from settlements should be supported in terms of sales to benefit socially vulnerable and marginalised populations, such as quilombolas (Afro-Brazilian ancestry), indigenous people, and for school feeding, entitled Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA) or Program for Food Acquisition in English (14) . In the present situation of poor access to healthy food in a highly vulnerable community, this program should work.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A systematic review observed that female-headed households were 75% more likely to be food insecure than male-headed households. This could be because of the lower income earned by women compared to men due to the sex wage difference or reduced work time among women, the greater observation of household needs and food preparation among women than men (16) and the increased childcare burden shouldered by female household providers, such as feeding and education.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

High prevalence of food insecurity, the adverse impact of COVID-19 in Brazilian favela

Manfrinato

Marino

Condé

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Objective: To investigate food insecurity prevalence in two favelas in Brazil in the early weeks from physical distancing policy, between March 27, 2020 to June 1, 2020. Design: A cross-sectional study using online questionnaire to elicit information on socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, the types of stores visited to buy food and food insecurity screening. Experience of food insecurity was collected according to the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. Factors associated with moderate or severe food insecurity were investigated using the logistic regression model. Setting: Sao Paulo city, Brazil. Participants: 909 householders. Results: 88% of the households included young women working as cleaners or kitchen assistants and in sales services. One-fifth of the participants were recieving federal cash transfer programme, called Bolsa Familia. There were 92% households with children. The most frequent experience reported was uncertainty about food acquisition or receiving more (89%), to eat less than one should (64%), not being able to eat healthy and nutritious food (46%), and skipping a meal (39%). 47% of the participants experienced moderate or severe food insecurity. Factors associated with moderate and severe food insecurity were low income, being Bolsa Familia recipient, a low level of education, and households without children. Conclusions: Half of the participants experienced moderate or severe food insecurity, and close to ten per cent was hungry. Our data suggest that families with children were at lower risk of moderate to severe food insecurity. It is possible that nationally established social programs like Bolsa Familia were protecting those families.

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“…[6][7][8][9] Food insecurity among women is important, as female study respondents are generally more likely to report household food insecurity when compared with male respondents. 28 A 2017 metaanalysis found that female-headed households were 75% more likely to be food insecure than male-headed households (95% CI 49-96). 28 Although the relationship between poverty and food insecurity among women has been well established, [29][30][31][32] food insecurity specifically among women of color, holding income constant, is emerging in the literature.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…28 A 2017 metaanalysis found that female-headed households were 75% more likely to be food insecure than male-headed households (95% CI 49-96). 28 Although the relationship between poverty and food insecurity among women has been well established, [29][30][31][32] food insecurity specifically among women of color, holding income constant, is emerging in the literature. Women from Pacific Islander, AI/AN, and refugee communities are currently underrepresented in the literature.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food Insecurity and the Risk of Obesity, Depression, and Self-Rated Health in Women

Willis

Simonsen

Hemmert

et al. 2020

Women's Health Reports

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Background/Introduction/Objective: Recent studies have shown that food insecurity is associated with obesity, depression, and other adverse health outcomes although little research has been focused on these relationships in underrepresented cultural and social groups. In this study we elucidate the relationship between food insecurity, community factors, dietary patterns, race/ethnicity and health among underrepresented women. Materials and Methods: The data for this investigation come from a cross-sectional survey of women drawn from five urban Utah communities of color, including African immigrants/refugees, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and Pacific Islanders, and women from four rural Utah counties. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between food insecurity and obesity risk, self-reported depression, and self-assessed health. Results: Urban women of color were more likely to report food insecurity than rural non-Hispanic white women. Obesity and depression scores were positively associated with food insecurity. Conclusions: Utah women of color had higher levels of food insecurity than reported in state or national data, highlight an important disparity. Nutritional education initiatives, evaluating food assistance programs, and screenings in clinical settings targeting specific racial/ethnic groups may help address the disparities observed in this study.

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Gender differences in the prevalence of household food insecurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Our results confirm the existence of gender differences in reporting household food insecurity. Furthermore, they indicate that households headed by women constitute a segment of the population that is particularly vulnerable to food insecurity.

Cited by 74 publications

References 57 publications

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Predictors of Food Insecurity in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Predictors of Food Insecurity in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

High prevalence of food insecurity, the adverse impact of COVID-19 in Brazilian favela

Food Insecurity and the Risk of Obesity, Depression, and Self-Rated Health in Women

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