Food insecurity related to sociodemographic factors and water scarcity in Panama
a descriptive and cross-sectional study
Keywords:
food security, water insecurity, socio-demographic factors, Panama, survey, FIES Scale, HWISE ScaleAbstract
Food insecurity (FSI) is a persistent challenge worldwide. In Panama, few studies have evaluated the level of FSI, its relationship with water deprivation and sociodemographic factors. The objective of this study is to describe the relationship between severe water insecurity (SWI), perceived water deprivation and sociodemographic factors in Panama. An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional online survey of 222 participants was conducted. The household experience-based FSI scale (FIES) was applied to report moderate plus severe (iSAm+s) and severe only (iSAsev) food insecurity. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to assess sociodemographic data (sex, age, occupation, education, etc.) and aspects related to water deprivation. Of the 222 participants, 66.7% were female with a mean age of 35.8 ± 13.3 years. Eighty-six point five percent reported residing in an urban area and 83.3% reported a higher technical, university and postgraduate level of education. The prevalence of iSAm+s was 29.7% (95% CI: 24.8% to 34.6%) and that of iSAsev was 6.0% (95% CI: 3.7% to 8.4%). iSAm+s was significantly related to low educational level, low income and moderate and severe water insecurity.
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