Avaliação da Insegurança Alimentar em famílias de um bairro social Assessment of Food Insecurity in households of a social neighbourhood

The assessment of food insecurity allows characterizing the food security of the population of a country and drawing conclusions from the food security of the population of a region or local groups. This study evaluates the security of households living in a social neighbourhood by a scale of perception of food insecurity, as well as a possible relationship with socio-cultural factors. The sample included 99 households and the scale used is an adaptation of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale which includes 14 questions focused on the perception of food insecurity, ranging from concern about the possible lack of food, to a severe food restriction due to economic difficulties. It was found that about 85% of households were living in food insecurity at different levels: mild, moderate, or severe, assuming values of 38.4%, 26.3% and 20.2%, respectively. Higher levels of food insecurity appear to be associated with lower education, lower family income, inexistence of children, changes in consumption of essential foods, decreased number of visits to doctor and purchase of medicines and being a woman representing the household . In Portugal, more studies are needed in order to assess the prevalence of food insecurity, given the increasing difficulties that the majority of the families are living. It is important that local authorities develop regional studies to better assist the population in terms of nutrition education and social support, minimizing the magnitude of the problem and its consequences.