What can Secondary Data Tell Us about Household Food Insecurity in a High-Income Country Context?

Ourega-Zoé Ejebu, Stephen Whybrow, Lynda Mckenzie, Elizabeth Dowler, Ada L Garcia, Anne Ludbrook, Karen Louise Barton, Wendy Louise Wrieden and Flora Douglas
Additional contact information
Ourega-Zoé Ejebu: Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
Stephen Whybrow: Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
Lynda Mckenzie: Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
Elizabeth Dowler: Department of Sociology, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
Ada L Garcia: Human Nutrition, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
Anne Ludbrook: Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
Karen Louise Barton: Division of Food and Drink, Abertay University, Dundee DD1 1HG, UK
Wendy Louise Wrieden: Human Nutrition Research Centre and Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
Flora Douglas: Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: In the absence of routinely collected household food insecurity data, this study investigated what could be determined about the nature and prevalence of household food insecurity in Scotland from secondary data. Secondary analysis of the Living Costs and Food Survey (2007–2012) was conducted to calculate weekly food expenditure and its ratio to equivalised income for households below average income (HBAI) and above average income (non-HBAI). Diet Quality Index (DQI) scores were calculated for this survey and the Scottish Health Survey (SHeS, 2008 and 2012). Secondary data provided a partial picture of food insecurity prevalence in Scotland, and a limited picture of differences in diet quality. In 2012, HBAI spent significantly less in absolute terms per week on food and non-alcoholic drinks (£53.85) compared to non-HBAI (£86.73), but proportionately more of their income (29% and 15% respectively). Poorer households were less likely to achieve recommended fruit and vegetable intakes than were more affluent households. The mean DQI score (SHeS data) of HBAI fell between 2008 and 2012, and was significantly lower than the mean score for non-HBAI in 2012. Secondary data are insufficient to generate the robust and comprehensive picture needed to monitor the incidence and prevalence of food insecurity in Scotland.

Keywords: food insecurity; food poverty; prevalence; household; food surveys; secondary data; Scotland (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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