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Assessing the association of access to local foods with food insecurity in Iran. A case study: Lorestan Province

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Abstract

Local food offers numerous benefits, including enhanced nutritional value, absence of chemical preservatives, and accessibility. This study examines the relationship between access to local food and food insecurity in the west of Iran. A cross-sectional analytical-descriptive study was conducted, involving 238 individuals aged 18 years and above residing in the urban area of Iran. Participants, who had registered at comprehensive urban health centers in 2022, were assessed for food security using the USDA-18 questionnaire. Internal consistency reliability was confirmed using Cronbach's alpha method, and questionnaire validity was established through expert opinions. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and t-tests in SPSS. The investigation unveiled a prevalence of food insecurity, accounting for 57.5%. Substantial connections were found between one's employment situation, level of education, housing condition, monthly earnings, and the extent of food insecurity experienced. The study demonstrated a significant and direct relationship between the prices of goods and the levels of food insecurity (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a notable association between the overall consumption of local food items and food insecurity levels was identified (P < 0.05). Increased consumption of local products was linked to a considerable 20.4% decrease in the relative likelihood of higher food insecurity levels (P < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.709–0.894, OR = 0.796). The study findings highlight the significant influence of price, supply, and consumption of local food products on food insecurity levels. Encouraging the consumption of local food products within society is therefore deemed instrumental in mitigating food insecurity and fostering improved food security outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nutritional Health Research Center, Department of Nutrition, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

    Faezeh Mahdavi & Ebrahim Falahi

  2. Nutritional Health Research Center, Department of Biostatics and Epidemiology, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

    Farzad Ebrahimzadeh

  3. Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran

    Masoud Behzadifar

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  1. Faezeh Mahdavi
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Correspondence to Ebrahim Falahi.

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Mahdavi, F., Ebrahimzadeh, F., Behzadifar, M. et al. Assessing the association of access to local foods with food insecurity in Iran. A case study: Lorestan Province. GeoJournal 89, 8 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-024-11012-x

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