Abstract
Considering food insecurity is a problem, even in developed countries, and the evidence gap regarding this issue in Italy, we
aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity in a sample of Italian children and examine socio-economic and health
correlates. This cross-sectional study was conducted in paediatric practices. Parents answered to the 18-items of the
Household Food Security Module, 8 of which concern children. Paediatricians answered a questionnaire on children’s health.
Socio-economic and health correlates of food insecurity in children were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic
regression. Among 573 households with children, 15·4% were food insecure, while 9·1% of children were food insecure. Socioeconomic
factors associated to food insecurity were living in south Italy, households with three or more children, lower
household yearly income, worse economic situation description and younger parents. Food insecure children were less likely
to have a normal relational [ aOR 0.31 (CI 0.11-0.85)] and physical development [aOR 0.32(CI 0.15-0.65) and had more school
difficulties [aOR 3.1(CI 1.33-7.24)] compared to their food secure peers. Food insecure children had higher odds of a deterioration
in their health since birth and of a worse perceived health status, as reported by their parents. Considering the results in this
sample and the lack of research regarding this issues in Italy and Europemore broadly, we call for consistent, nationalmonitoring
to determine the magnitude of the problem of food insecurity in households with children in Italy and to examine the socioeconomic
variables and health implications in different contexts.
Lingua originale | English |
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pagine (da-a) | 1-12 |
Numero di pagine | 12 |
Rivista | Food Security |
Volume | 2020 |
DOI | |
Stato di pubblicazione | Pubblicato - 2020 |
Keywords
- . Households
- . Italian Children
- Food security/insecurity
- Health