Demographic determinants of food insecurity among rural adolescents (12–19 years) in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Abstract Background Food insecurity (FI) is a critical public health issue, particularly among adolescents in rural settings, where economic disparities and limited access to nutritious food heighten vulnerability. This study aimed to evaluate the food security status and identify its demographic de...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00892-0 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background Food insecurity (FI) is a critical public health issue, particularly among adolescents in rural settings, where economic disparities and limited access to nutritious food heighten vulnerability. This study aimed to evaluate the food security status and identify its demographic determinants among rural adolescents in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2023 using a simple random sampling strategy. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire in the Kurigram and Patuakhali districts of Bangladesh. A total of 529 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years were recruited, including 274 males and 255 females. Multivariate logistic regression was applied, with model diagnostics (e.g., Hosmer-Lemeshow test, VIF for multicollinearity) ensuring robustness. Results The overall prevalence of food security was 37.6%, while 62.4%of adolescents experienced some level of FI. Male adolescents were less likely to be food secure (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.29–0.74). Adolescents whose fathers had no formal education (AOR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03–0.74), primary education (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.05–0.86), or secondary education (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.05–0.72) were less likely to be food secure. Additionally, adolescents from households with a monthly income of < 15000 BDT (approximately $125 USD) (AOR = 0.07, 95% CI = (0.02–0.25) or 15,000–30,000 BDT (approximately $125–250 USD) (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = (0.07–0.72) were less likely to be food secure. Concersely, adolescents who perceived their household income as sufficient (AOR = 5.29, 95% CI = (3.10–9.03) were more likely to be food secure. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for targeted interentions to improve food security among rural adolescents, particularly among males those from families with lower incomes and education levels. Policy measures should focus on strengthening nutritional assistance progrms, economic supports, and school-based food initiatives to promote food security and overall adolescent well-being. |
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| ISSN: | 3005-0774 |