Determinants of household food security and dietary diversity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh

04, December 2020 | Bangladesh

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Abstract

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the associated factors of household food security (HFS) and household dietary diversity (HDD) during the COVID−19 pan- demic in Bangladesh. Design: Both online survey and face-to-face interviews were employed in this cross-sectional study. The Household Food Security Scale and Household Dietary Diversity Score were used to access HFS and HDD, respectively. The HDD scores were derived from a 24-h recall of food intake from 12 groups. Setting: Bangladesh. Participants: A total sample of 1876 households were recruited. Results: The overall mean scores of HFS and HDD were 31·86 (SD 2·52) and 6·22 (SD 5·49), respectively. Being a rural resident, having no formal education, occupation of household head other than government job and low monthly income were potential determinants of lower HFS and HDD. Approximately 45 % and 61 % of Bangladeshi households did not get the same quantity and same type of food, respectively, as they got before the pandemic. Over 10 % of respondents reported that they lost their job or had to close their businesses, and income reduction was reported by over 70 % of household income earners during the COVID-19 pan- demic, which in turn was negatively associated with HFS and HDD. Conclusion: Household socio-economic variables and COVID-19 effects on occu- pation and income are potential predictors of lower HFS and HDD scores. HFS and HDD deserve more attention during this pandemic particularly with reference to low-earning households and the households whose earning persons’ occupation has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.