Food insecurity, socio-economic factors and weight status in two Iranian ethnic groups. Issue 3 (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rezazadeh, Arezoo; Omidvar, Nasrin; Eini-Zinab, Hassan; Ghazi-Tabatabaie, Mahmoud; Majdzadeh, Reza; Ghavamzadeh, Saeid; Nouri-saeidlou, Sakineh
• Is Part Of: Ethnicity & health. Volume 21:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 233
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: Obesity -- food insecurity -- socio-economic status -- ethnicity -- Iran; Ethnic groups -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; Ethnic groups -- Medical care -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Ethnic Groups -- periodicals; Delivery of Health Care -- periodicals; Social Sciences -- periodicals; 362.1089
• DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2015.1061102
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-7858

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective . To study the association of weight status with food insecurity (FI) and socio-economic status (SES) in Azeri and Kurd ethnic groups living in Urmia city, North-Western Iran. Design . In this cross-sectional study, 723 participants (427 women and 296 men) aged 20–64 years old, from two ethnic groups (445 Azeri and 278 Kurd), were selected through a combination of cluster, random and systematic sampling methods. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics were assessed by a valid questionnaire, and household food security status was analyzed using an adapted household food insecurity access scale through face-to-face interviews at homes. General and central obesities were measured and evaluated using standard methods. Results . Based on the findings, moderate-to-severe FI, as well as low SES, was more dominant in Kurds, compared to Azeris. After adjusting for confounders, being female(OR = 4.33, CI 95%: 2.35–7.97) and moderate-to-severe FI (OR = 2.00, CI 95%: 1.01–3.97) in Azeris and being female (OR = 5.39, CI 95%: 2.28–12.23) and higher total cost of household/capita (OR = 1.005, CI 95%: 1.002–1.009) in Kurds were related to higher odds of general obesity while low (OR = 0.41, CI 95%: 0.18–0.91) and moderate(OR = 0.13, CI 95%: 0.02–0.60) education levels were linked to lower chance of general obesity. Furthermore, the chance of central obesity was lower in Azeris with high educational levels (OR = 0.64, CI 95%: 0.21–0.94), females (OR = 0.72, CI 95%: 0.34–0.86), home owners (OR = 0.56, CI 95%: 0.31–0.91) and females Kurds (OR = 0.60, CI 95%: 0.37–0.97) with moderate-to-severe FI and higher total income per capita. In contrast, the chance of central obesity increased in Kurds with increased age (OR = 1.06, CI 95%: 1.02–1.10) and total cost of household per capita (OR = 1.004, CI 95%: 1.000–1.008). Conclusion . These findings show that the association between moderate-to-severe FI and risk of general/central obesity varies in Azeris, compared to Kurds. However, better SES decreased the chance of general/central obesity in both ethnic groups.