Examining the relationship between urban household food insecurity and under-five mortality in Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Household food insecurity increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in children. Improved reproductive health in women enhances the nutrition status of children, while better food security helps children survive. This study aims to examine the relationship between food insecurity and under-five mortality. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2023 in Lideta Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 605 women of reproductive age were selected using multistage sampling. A Pearson Chi-square test (χ2) and logistic regression were used to assess the association between food insecurity and under-five mortality after adjusting for other covariates. The result of the study shows that food security status was a significant predictor of under-five mortality at p < 0.05. According to the findings, women from food-insecure households were 3.89 times more likely to experience under-five mortality compared to women from food-secure households. Similarly, women’s education, age at first birth, initiation of breastfeeding, child’s age and sex, birth order, and the number of children ever born were significant predictors of under-five mortality at p < 0.05. These outcomes reinforce the notion that food insecurity is a significant public health concern. Consequently, national and regional considerations should prioritize addressing household food insecurity and cases of acute malnutrition to achieve sustainable development goals.