Prevalence and socioeconomic and geographical inequalities of household food insecurity in the Paris region, France, 2010
BACKGROUND: Food insecurity (FI) is the situation where people do not have, at
all times, access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their
dietary needs for an active and healthy life. The objectives of this study
were to estimate the prevalence of FI in the Paris area by using, for the
first time in France, a specific FI questionnaire and to identify the
characteristics of food-insecure households, taking into account a potential
neighbourhood effect.
METHODS: This study is based on data from the third wave of the SIRS cohort
study (a representative, population-based socioepidemiological study) that
were analysed using a cross-sectional design. In 2010, 3000 individuals in the
Paris metropolitan area (PMA) were interviewed. FI was investigated by means
of the USDA's HFSSM. We used stratified multilevel models across three
household income categories to identify populations at risk for FI.
RESULTS: In 2010, 6.30% (95% CI = [4.99-7.97]) of the households in the PMA
experienced FI (up to 13.59% in the most underprivileged neighbourhoods).
About 2.50% of the households experienced severe FI and 2.85% of household
living with an income above 1666 [euro sign] experienced food insecurity,
whereas the percentage raises to 23.38% among those living below the poverty
threshold (<791 [euro sign]). Depending on the income level, different
household characteristics emerged as being associated with FI. In the poorest
households, the presence of a child under 3 years of age was associated with
an increased risk of FI (OR = 2.11; p = 0.03). Among higher-income households,
the household composition appeared to be strongly associated with FI.
CONCLUSION: FI exists in several social groups in France. Its prevalence in
the most underprivileged households should be considered an indicator of
vulnerability, which could permit targeted social assistance policies.
ER - End of Reference
486-486
13
1
2013
BMC Public Health
Judith
Martin-Fernandez
Francesca
Grillo
Isabelle
Parizot
France
Caillavet
PierreChauvin