Is food insecurity a problem among the elderly in Sharpeville, South Africa?

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of food and nutrition insecurity and assess the socio-demographic factors associated with food and nutrition insecurity among 146 free-living elderly persons attending a care centre in Sharpeville, South Africa. Measurement instruments included socio-demographic-, 24-hour-recall and dietary diversity questionnaires and the validated household food insecurity access scale/score (HFIAS). Data were analysed with IBM SPSS Software, version 25.0. The prevalence of food insecurity from HFIAS was 60% (n = 87), with a variety of balanced responses being employed. Significant relationships were observed between HFIAS and age (r = 0.301; p = 0.000) and with household income (r = -0.258; p = 0.007). An association was observed between HFIAS and marital status (p = 0.005). Regression analysis showed that age and being single were predictors of food and nutrition insecurity. This study indicated a problem of household food insecurity with poor dietary intakes among these elderly people, mostly due to poverty and being single. More research on associations between food security and socio-economic variables is needed to plan and implement appropriate strategies to address food and nutrition insecurity in South Africa.

Automated summary

This study revealed a 60% prevalence of food insecurity among elderly individuals in Sharpeville, South Africa, with significant relationships observed with age, household income, and marital status. Regression analysis indicated that age and being single were predictors of food and nutrition insecurity. Further research is needed to explore the associations between food security and socio-economic variables in order to develop appropriate strategies to address food and nutrition insecurity in South Africa.