Elsevier

Public Health

Volume 198, September 2021, Pages 332-339
Public Health

Original Research
Household food insecurity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2021.07.032Get rights and content

Abstract

Objectives

To compare food insecurity (FI) in Chile before and during the COVID-19 pandemic according to different household types and vulnerability indicators.

Study design

Longitudinal study based on two population-based surveys in Chile (CASEN 2017 and COVID 2020).

Methods

Descriptive analysis and multinomial regression models for FI through the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).

Results

FI levels increased significantly (P < 0.001) between 2017 (30%) and 2020 (49%). There was increased FI in all households, but especially in those with economically dependent persons (i.e. children, adolescents and older adults). Household vulnerability indicators showed a statistically significant relationship with FI both before and during the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in new population groups experiencing FI.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in FI, which has also been seen in new population groups.

Keywords

Food insecurity
COVID-19
Chile

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