Association between food security and sociodemographic factors: cross-sectional study on a POAPMC beneficiaries

Abstract

Introduction: Food insecurity is a complex problem with several factors such as sociodemography. In addition, it is associated with harmful effects on health such as inadequate food intake and the consequent emergence of chronic diseases, mental health problems, among others. Objectives: Determine the association between sociodemographic factors and the food security status in households supported by the Operational Programme to Support Most Deprived People (POAPMC – Programa Operacional de Apoio às Pessoas Mais Carenciadas). Material and methods: A cross-sectional, observational, quantitative, and analytical study, carried out at Santa Casa da Misericórdia in Vieira do Minho with a sample of 71 individuals who are POAPMC beneficiaries. It was applied a questionnaire on sociodemographic factors and a food insecurity scale. The analytical study involved association tests, namely the Pearson Chi-square test and the Spearman test. Results: Food insecurity was found in 74,6% of respondents, 14,1% in the severe level, 22,5% in the moderate level, and 38,0% in the low level. According to the Spearman test, the sociodemographic variable that showed an association with the food security status was the level of education completed (Rho = -0,23, p = 0,050). This correlation is negative, that is, as the level of education increases, the level of food insecurity decreases. Conclusions: The level of education seems to be associated with the food security status of POAPMC beneficiaries. Thus, the results of this study show that the educational level of each beneficiary must be considered in the creation of new public policies.