Prevalence of food insecurity in Egor local government area of Edo State, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Food security is access at all times to adequate, safe and nutritious food for healthy and active life. In recent times food insecurity has been a global concern particularly in developing countries.


METHODS
A descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out among households selected by multi-stage sampling method in Egor Local Government Area. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) for measurement of food access was used to assess the household food security situation.


RESULTS
A total of 416 households were studied. The prevalence of food insecurity was 61.8%. Food insecurity was higher among households with younger heads (P = 0.159), female headed households (P = 0.114) and those with larger households (P = 0.228). Lower education status (P = 0.001) and lower household income (P = 0.001) were the significant factors affecting food insecurity.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has revealed a very high level of food insecurity among these urban households. An urgent call to all stakeholders for strategies to improve this trend is needed.
Department of Community Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria.
Vivian O
VO
Omuemu
Efosa M
EM
Otasowie
Ugochukwu
U
Onyiriuka
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D009111:Local Government; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013217:Starvation / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population