Association of household food security and dietary diversity of mother-child pairs in the Philippines
https://doi.org/10.31246/mjn-2021-0046
- Author:
Mildred O. Guirindola
1
,
2
;
Ma. Lynell V. Maniego
1
,
2
;
Cristina G. Malabad
1
,
2
Author Information
1. Department of Science and Technology &ndash
2. Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Nutritional Assessment and Monitoring Division, DOST Compound, Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631 Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
household food security, dietary diversity, mother-child pairs, Philippines, NNS
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2022;28(No.1):15-30
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: The majority of Filipino households experience food insecurity.
Mothers and children are among the population groups suffering from poor diet
quality. This study aimed to determine the extent of the association of household
food security (HFS) to mothers’ and children’s dietary diversity score (DDS), and to
identify the significant factors associated with meeting the DDS of these vulnerable
groups. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional, population-based study utilising
secondary data from the 2015 Updating Survey. From a total of 6,692 mother-child
pairs, the association between HFS and meeting the DDS of mothers and children,
as well as the potential predictors for meeting the DDS were tested using descriptive
and logistic regression analyses. Results: The findings showed that HFS was
significantly associated with meeting the DDS of mothers and children aged 6-36
months (p<0.001). The proportion of meeting the DDS among mothers and children
was significantly higher in food-secure than in food-insecure households (20.7%
vs. 14.4%). Furthermore, meeting the DDS decreased with increasing levels of food
insecurity. Household food security status, education background, employment,
child’s age, and wealth status were significantly associated with meeting the DDS.
Conclusion: This study showed the extent of how food security was associated
with meeting the DDS of mothers, children, and mother-child pairs, and the factors
associated with meeting the DDS. Results can be used to strengthen the formulation
of appropriate, evidence-based policies to address household food insecurity and
low DDS among mothers and young children.
- Full text:4.2022my0563.2022my0563
