Analysis of food insecurity in José Luis Tamayo, Salinas, Santa Elena, Ecuador
Keywords:
Inseguridad alimentaria, hogares, ingresos, pobreza.Abstract
Food insecurity is a global issue, defined as the limitation in access to food that directly affects people’s health. The present study aimed to analyze food insecurity and determine its levels in households of the José Luis Tamayo parish, in the Salinas canton. The research was conducted under a quantitative approach and a non-experimental design. A probabilistic sampling method was applied using the standard statistical formula for finite populations, resulting in a sample of 162 individuals. Data collection instruments included interviews, observation, a sociodemographic survey, and the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). The results showed that only 4.94% of households had food security, while 95.06% experienced some level of food insecurity. Of this group, 30.86% were classified as having mild food insecurity, 51.23% moderate food insecurity, and 12.96% severe food insecurity. Associated factors included monthly household income, marital status, employment, and sanitation conditions of the dwelling. In conclusion, most households in the José Luis Tamayo parish of the Salinas canton experience food insecurity at different levels, highlighting the need for public policies and social programs aimed at improving access to and availability of food in the community.
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