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Is food insecurity a problem among the elderly in Sharpeville, South Africa?
- Source :
- Food Security; 2021, Vol. 13 Issue 1, p71-81, 11p
- Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of food and nutrition insecurity and assess the socio-demographic factors associated with food and nutrition insecurity among 146 free-living elderly persons attending a care centre in Sharpeville, South Africa. Measurement instruments included socio-demographic-, 24-hour-recall and dietary diversity questionnaires and the validated household food insecurity access scale/score (HFIAS). Data were analysed with IBM SPSS Software, version 25.0. The prevalence of food insecurity from HFIAS was 60% (n = 87), with a variety of balanced responses being employed. Significant relationships were observed between HFIAS and age (r = 0.301; p = 0.000) and with household income (r = −0.258; p = 0.007). An association was observed between HFIAS and marital status (p = 0.005). Regression analysis showed that age and being single were predictors of food and nutrition insecurity. This study indicated a problem of household food insecurity with poor dietary intakes among these elderly people, mostly due to poverty and being single. More research on associations between food security and socio-economic variables is needed to plan and implement appropriate strategies to address food and nutrition insecurity in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 18764517
- Volume :
- 13
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Food Security
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 148519658
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01125-9