Socioeconomic Status and Nutritional Status as Predictors of Food Insecurity in Older Adults: A Case Study from Southern Ecuador

Janneth Encalada-Torres, Victoria Abril-Ulloa, Sara Wong, Samantha Alvarado-Romero, Maria Bedoya-Ortega and Lorena Encalada-Torres
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Janneth Encalada-Torres: Research Group on Public Health, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in the Life Cycle, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador
Victoria Abril-Ulloa: Research Group on Public Health, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in the Life Cycle, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador
Sara Wong: Research Group on Public Health, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in the Life Cycle, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador
Samantha Alvarado-Romero: School of Medical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Av. 12 de Abril, Central Campus, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador
Maria Bedoya-Ortega: School of Medical Sciences, University of Cuenca, Av. 12 de Abril, Central Campus, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador
Lorena Encalada-Torres: Research Group on Public Health, Nutrition, and Physical Activity in the Life Cycle, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-11

Abstract: While life expectancy is increasing due to scientific advancement, quality of life in aging depends, among other factors, on the nutritional status and socioeconomic status of older adults. To determine socioeconomic status and its association with nutritional status as a predictor of food insecurity among older adults in southern Ecuador, a cross-sectional study of 188 older adults in urban areas and 212 in rural areas was conducted. Nutritional status, food insecurity, and socioeconomic status were measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS v 15.0 for descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Of the older participants, 59% had malnutrition, the majority women, and 24.7% were in poverty. Underweight was associated with low socioeconomic status for adults between 65 and 74 years old (OR = 7.710; CI 95% = 1.691–35.147), while obesity was associated with low socioeconomic status and non-manual labor (OR = 3.048; CI 95% = 1.268–7.326). Over 80% of older adults living in homes without children younger than 18 and at low socioeconomic status had food insecurity. The prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity points to widespread nutritional problems, especially in rural areas, that are significantly associated with low socioeconomic status. This demonstrates the need for multidisciplinary programs and government policies that can contribute to reducing food insecurity among the highly vulnerable older population.

Keywords: older adults; socioeconomic status; nutritional status; food insecurity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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