Abstract

ALVAREZ-URIBE, Martha C; ESTRADA-RESTREPO, Alejandro  and  FONSECA-CENTENO, Zulma Y. Characterising Colombian households regarding quality of life-based food insecurity. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2010, vol.12, n.6, pp.877-888. ISSN 0124-0064.

Objective Characterizing Colombian households regarding quality of life-based food insecurity. Materials and Methods Colombian households' quality of life was determined using data from the quality of life survey carried out by the Colombian Statistics' Department in 2008. The Latin-American and Caribbean Household Food Insecurity Scale was used for measuring the prevalence of household food insecurity(after having been adapted and validated for Colombia). Data was analyzed using the Chi square test and logistic regression analysis. Results The households having a higher probability of food insecurity were those owning their dwelling but still paying the mortgage or those who were in possession of a dwelling without ownership documents, households where income was deemed insufficient for covering minimum expenses or did not cover minimum expenses, those who stated that they felt poor and those living in overcrowded conditions. The probability of food insecurity was also increased in households where the head of the family had lost her/his job, where late payments of 4 months or more were due for public utilities, had decreased food expenses or had spent their savings. Conclusion Household food Insecurity was significantly associated with a household's socioeconomic conditions and those of a head of household.

Keywords : Hunger; quality of life; household; poverty; Colombia.

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