Household food insecurity among urban poor in Thailand

Abstract

Purpose: To assess perceptions of food insecurity (FI), socioeconomic change, and health among urban poor households in Thailand. Research questions were: (a) what are the experiences of food insecurity among households living in slum areas? and (b) what are the socioeconomic conditions, basic needs, food-related behaviors, and perceptions of health that have changed in this group since the 1997 economic recession? Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted to identify experiences of FI and perceptions of health in households living in slum areas. Questionnaires on food security, health, and nutritional assessment, including 3-day dietary records, and anthropometric measurements, were collected from 199 female food providers of households. Findings: Only 44.2% of the households reported food security, and 39.2%, 13.6%, and 3% reported FI without hunger, FI with moderate hunger, and FI with severe hunger, respectively. Overall, households reported lower income and worse health and life satisfaction as a result of the economic recession. In addition, a decrease in income led to difficulty meeting their basic needs, such as access to health service and food provision. Conclusions: FI was prevalent and the reported experiences of those with FI indicate areas for improvement of health policy for urban poor families. The results of the study are constructive for developing health programs to empower the urban poor and contribute to health promotion of food security in Thailand. ©2004 Sigma Theta Tau International.