Prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity among women aged 18-49 years in Makindye Division slums, Kampala District

Abstract

Introduction: Food security is an important measure of well being, economic growth and development of a nation. Food insecurity is a global challenge that underpins the viability of all other development goals (GAIN, 2015), focusing on food insecurity in urban areas is a pre-requisite for helping slum dwellers particularly women attain a healthier life, and enable governments and city authorities to broaden their strategy towards achieving the SDGs. Uganda is currently experiencing high levels of under nutrition particularly among the women residing in slums and this could be attributed to food insecurity. Objective: To assess the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among WRA in Makindye division slums, Kampala district so as to develop effective interventions aimed at improving food security, nutritional status of this population group and overall maternal and child health. Methods: A cross sectional study design utilizing both quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection was used. Multistage sampling was used to select 573 respondents and data was analysed using STATA v 13. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with food insecurity. Qualitative data analysis was done manually by coding the responses into sub-themes and themes. Content analysis was used to come up with emerging themes relevant to answer the fourth objective. Some of the reported statements were quoted verbatim to give exact meaning. Results: The study revealed that the prevalence of food insecurity was high (88.5%) with 68.4% of these women being severely food insecure. Factors that increased likely hood of food insecurity were; not having electricity in the household (OR; 2.2 95%CI1.05-4.86, P = 0.036) and having more than one school going child (OR; 2.6 95%CI1.42-4.89, P = 0.002). Qualitative findings indicate that food insecurity is indeed a problem among women in the slums with unemployment, high food prices, domestic violence and increasing number of household members reported as the major causes of food insecurity.