Prevalence of Household Food Insecurity and its Predictive Factors in Pregnant Women of Qazvin Province, Iran

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.

2 Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences

3 Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin,Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: The Iranian population faces heightened vulnerability to food insecurity due to multifaceted factors, including poverty, economic instability, climate change, and the protracted socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, necessitating targeted assessments of this critical public health issue. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and its predictors among pregnant women in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Qazvin from 2022 to 2023, enrolling 422 healthy pregnant women attending comprehensive health centers. Data were collected using a researcher-developed checklist for sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, while food insecurity was assessed via the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Logistic regression analysis identified predictors (P < 0.05). Results: Food insecurity prevalence reached 71.4% (95% CI: 66.89-75.51), with 48.9% moderate-to-severe food insecurity. In adjusted analyses, rural residence (OR: 0.20; P: 0.015), smoking (OR: 0.20; P = 0.041), and hookah consumption (OR: 0.29; P: 0.001) were significantly associated with lower food security. Conversely, family income status at the level of savings (OR: 25.10; P< 0.001) and sufficient (OR: 5.18; P< 0.001), supplemental health insurance coverage (OR: 2.05; P: 0.006), and higher maternal education levels (OR: 1.96; P: 0.012) correlated with increased probability of food security. Conclusion: Food insecurity is prevalent among pregnant women in Qazvin, disproportionately affecting rural populations, those with lower education, inadequate income, lack of supplemental insurance, and substance use (smoking/hookah). Intervention programs should prioritize these high-risk groups to mitigate nutritional disparities.

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Journal of Nutrition,Fasting and Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 June 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 June 2025
  • Accept Date: 11 June 2025

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