ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The objective was to determine the relationship between various factors and food insecurity, using a cross-sectional analytical study of 400 older adults living in rural and urban areas of the Azuay province in Southern Ecuador. Food security was measured using the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). The data was analyzed using version 15 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program, and the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine statistical association. The incidence of food insecurity was higher in older adults who live in households comprised only of members above the age of 18 (43.7%) and in rural zones (65%). Food insecurity is high in older adults, especially in individuals who live in rural areas and who have low levels of education and low socioeconomic levels. It is necessary to implement public policy and preventative strategies to mitigate the risk of food insecurity in older adults.
RESUMEN El objetivo fue determinar la relación entre diversos factores y la inseguridad alimentaria, con un estudio analítico transversal en 400 adultos mayores que viven en zonas rurales y urbanas de la provincia de Azuay en el sur de Ecuador. La seguridad alimentaria se midió utilizando la Escala de Seguridad Alimentaria de América Latina y el Caribe (ELCSA). Los datos fueron analizados en la versión 15 del programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), y se utilizó el Odds Ratio con IC 95% para determinar la asociación estadística. La incidencia de la inseguridad alimentaria fue mayor en los adultos mayores que viven en hogares compuestos únicamente por miembros mayores de 18 años (43,7%) y en las zonas rurales (65%). La inseguridad alimentaria es alta en los adultos mayores, especialmente en individuos que viven en zonas rurales y que tienen bajos niveles educativos y niveles socioeconómicos bajos. Es necesario implementar políticas públicas y estrategias preventivas para mitigar el riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria en los adultos mayores.
ABSTRACT
While life expectancy is increasing due to scientific advancement, quality of life in aging depends, among other factors, on the nutritional status and socioeconomic status of older adults. To determine socioeconomic status and its association with nutritional status as a predictor of food insecurity among older adults in southern Ecuador, a cross-sectional study of 188 older adults in urban areas and 212 in rural areas was conducted. Nutritional status, food insecurity, and socioeconomic status were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS v 15.0 for descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Of the older participants, 59% had malnutrition, the majority women, and 24.7% were in poverty. Underweight was associated with low socioeconomic status for adults between 65 and 74 years old (OR = 7.710; CI 95% = 1.691-35.147), while obesity was associated with low socioeconomic status and non-manual labor (OR = 3.048; CI 95% = 1.268-7.326). Over 80% of older adults living in homes without children younger than 18 and at low socioeconomic status had food insecurity. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity points to widespread nutritional problems, especially in rural areas, that are significantly associated with low socioeconomic status. This demonstrates the need for multidisciplinary programs and government policies that can contribute to reducing food insecurity among the highly vulnerable older population.
