Prevalence and Socio-economic and Demographic Factors Related to Household Food Insecurity in South-East Iran

Food insecurity, defined as the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, affects over one billion people globally. This cross-sectional study investigates the prevalence of household food insecurity and its socio-economic and demographic determinants in Zahedan, South-East Iran. Data were collected from 2,160 households through interviews with the primary food preparers, assessing food insecurity using the USDA 18-item questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including χ2 tests, One-way ANOVA, and logistic regression, identified significant associations between food insecurity and variables such as education, employment status, age, and ethnicity of household heads. Results indicate that 58.8% of households experience food insecurity, with varying degrees of hunger. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve food access, dietary habits, and nutritional knowledge among low-income populations.