Investigating the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity: a comparison of HFSSM and EU-SILC indicators
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 15 October 2021
Issue publication date: 9 August 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Data from the Northern Ireland (NI) Health Survey 2014/15 (n = 2,231) were statistically analysed to examine the prevalence of food insecurity according to both indicators. Pearson's X2 test for association and logistic regressions were used to examine associations between food security status and predictor variables.
Design/methodology/approach
Household food insecurity has been identified as a significant societal issue in both developed and developing nations, but there exists no universal indicator to approximate its prevalence. In NI, two indicators (United States Household Food Security Survey Module [HFSSM] and the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions [EU-SILC] food deprivation questions) have been used. This study examines how both indicators differ in their classification of food insecurity prevalence in a population sample and also examines the relationship between various demographic and household factors and food security status.
Findings
According to the EU-SILC food deprivation questions, 8.3% (n = 185) were indicated to be food insecure, while according to the HFSSM, 6.5% (n = 146) were indicated to be food insecure. The HFSSM and EU-SILC regression models differed in the underlying variables they identified as significant predictors of food insecurity. Significant variables common to both modules were tenure, employment status, health status, anxiety/depression and receipt of benefits.
Originality/value
Findings can inform policy action with regards to targeting the key contributors and can inform policy decisions in NI and elsewhere with regards to choosing the most appropriate food insecurity indicator.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Author contributions: All authors contributed to study conceptualisation. E.B. conducted the data analysis and drafted the paper, C.McL. advised on methodology and all authors contributed to review/editing and approval of the final manuscript.
Citation
Beacom, E., McLaughlin, C., Furey, S., Hollywood, L.E. and Humphreys, P. (2022), "Investigating the prevalence and predictors of food insecurity: a comparison of HFSSM and EU-SILC indicators", British Food Journal, Vol. 124 No. 9, pp. 2705-2721. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-05-2021-0514
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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