Coping strategies to achieve food security among households with children in an urban poor community in Quezon City during COVID-19
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.8647
- Author:
Eryn M. Kiunisala
1
;
Beatrice Ysabel G. Dy
1
;
Ralph Alexander T. Flores
1
;
Ramon Raphael M. Montierro
1
;
Renaeus Arlchristian Rualdo D. Torres
1
;
Kim Leonard G. Dela Luna
2
;
Ernani R. Bullecer
2
Author Information
1. College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila
2. Department of Nutrition, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Nutrition
- MeSH:
Food Insecurity;
Adaptation, Psychological
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2024;58(Early Access 2024):1-9
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:In the Philippines, the prevalence of food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the nutritional status of communities nationwide. Urban areas in particular are vulnerable to the harmful effects of food insecurity, and the effects are extended and magnified when it comes to children.
Objectives:This study aims to evaluate the coping strategies of households with children aged 0-10 years old in an urban poor community in Quezon City. In particular, the study will determine Coping Strategies Index (CSI) scores and the frequency of specific coping strategies used.
Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the coping strategies of 405 households
with children in the community during the pandemic. Mothers or caregivers were given a survey inquiring about the sociodemographic data and CSI.
Results:Sociodemographic profiling showed that the households generally belonged to class D and E (PhP 15,000 and below) income households (73.8%). The majority of the household heads (52.6%) have their highest educational attainment at the high school level.
The majority (77.5%) of the households were categorized as having low CSI classification (90%CI: 73.9, 80.8).
This could indicate that relief operations conducted in the community may have helped ease their food insecurity. Coping strategies that were most frequently employed by the households were depending on less preferred or more affordable food (74.8%), rationing money for prepared food (69.1%), and purchasing food on credit (58.5%).
Conclusion:Low CSI classification was noted, which may be due to increased adaptation to persistent food insecurity and the utilization of coping strategies not indicated in the questionnaire. Common coping strategies used by households include reliance on less favored or less costly food items, rationing resources for prepared food, and food on credit. It is recommended that the results collected be used to target food availability and accessibility interventions in the community.
- Full text:8647-Other-146083-1-10-20240219.pdf
