Prevalence and intensity of food insecurity (hunger and hidden hunger aspects) in AsadAbadi region of Tabriz

Background: Food insecurity and hunger not only affect physical health, but also have social and psychological effects. Therefore, providing food security for society is one of the major goals of social and economical development programs. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and intensity of food insecurity at North West of Tabriz as a population sample of East Azerbaijan province. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 subjects, 18-78 years old (168 females and 132 males) that were selected by simple sampling method. Demographic questionnaire was completed and information related to food consumption was collected by using 24- hours' food recall questionnaire for three days a week (one holiday and two days at the middle of the week). Hunger index was determined as inadequate intake of energy and hidden hunger index as inadequate intake of the key nutrients (energy, vitamin A, protein, riboflavin, calcium). Data were analyzed by Nutrition III software. Findings: The prevalence of hunger and hidden hunger were 26% and 41.6% respectively. All of the subjects with hunger consumed calcium less than recommended levels. They also consumed riboflavin, protein and vitamin A 94.8%, 74.3 and 56.4% lower than recommended levels respectively. Subjects with hidden hunger consumed calcium, riboflavin, protein, and vitamin A 89.6%, 77.6%, 19.2%, and 9.6% lower than recommended levels respectively. Only 32.3% of subjects were secure in terms of getting all those five key nutrients, i. e. energy, protein, vitamin A, riboflavin and calcium. Conclusion: Food insecurity in this area is prevalent, therefore programming for taking the edge off it and giving correct information on sufficient, varied and balanced diet is recommended.