Food insecurity and health behaviors in a disaster-affected population: A case study of Tacloban, Philippines

Background

Food insecurity is a widespread issue that poses a major global challenge with far-reaching impacts.

Objective

Investigate the relationship between food insecurity and health behaviors among the population of Tacloban, Philippines, affected by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design, surveying 226 households between April 2022 and June 2023. Households were selected using a systematic random sampling technique to ensure representative coverage. To evaluate food insecurity, we utilized the Food Insecurity Experience Scale-a robust tool that captures the degree to which individuals or households face challenges in accessing sufficient and nutritious food due to economic and social constraints. In addition, we explored a variety of health-related behaviors among participants, including the use of traditional healing practices, engagement in physical activity, sleep patterns and duration, dietary habits, medication adherence, as well as alcohol and tobacco use. The relationships between food insecurity and these health behaviors were rigorously examined using multiple logistic regression analysis, providing valuable insights into the interplay between access to food and lifestyle choices within the community.

Results

The results showed that 94 % of households experienced food insecurity, with 27 % severely, 52 % moderately, and 15 % mildly food insecure. The analysis revealed significant associations between food insecurity and several health behaviors. Food insecurity was found to be significantly associated with lower medication adherence, greater use of traditional healers, poorer dietary habits, and sleeping problems. However, no significant associations were found between food insecurity and smoking behavior, physical activities, or alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, the study concluded that food insecurity negatively impacts health behaviors. Therefore, the authors suggested that improving food security in households could potentially lead to improvements in health behaviors.