Associations between food insecurity and inequalities in income and gender: an ecological study of global data sources.

BACKGROUND

Women are more likely to experience food insecurity than men. Those experiencing inequalities are more likely to experience intersectional disadvantage. Wealth accumulation in high-income countries may hinder equitable food supply distribution, jeopardising individual food security.

METHODS

Associations between food insecurity measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, income inequality measured using the World Inequality Database and gender inequality measured using the United Nations Human Development Programme's Gender Inequality Index were explored. Data from four publicly available datasets were aggregated at the national level (n=125).

RESULTS

Combined moderate or severe food insecurity was moderately correlated with country-level income inequality (RS=0.64, p<0.001) and strongly correlated with country-level gender inequality (RS=0.89, p<0.001). Unadjusted multivariable linear regression revealed stronger associations between food insecurity and gender inequality than income inequality. After adjustment, a 10% increase in gender inequality was associated with a 26% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8-49) increase in the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in low- and middle-income countries (n=85) and a 61% (95% CI 21-116) increase in high-income countries (n=40). No significant interaction effects were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher national levels of gender and income inequality could undermine efforts to address food insecurity.