A Cross-sectional Study on Household Level Food Insecurity and its Determinants in a Rural Area of West Bengal

Background: Food insecurity remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in rural populations where socioeconomic vulnerabilities and limited access to diverse foods persist. Assessing household food insecurity and dietary diversity is essential to understand its magnitude and determinants. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of household food insecurity, assess dietary diversity, identify associated factors, and evaluate the nutritional status of family members.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 240 households in the rural field practice area of Singur, Hooghly district, West Bengal. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested structured questionnaire. Household food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and dietary diversity was evaluated using the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). Anthropometric measurements were taken to assess nutritional status. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 60.0%, with 37.1% mildly, 18.8% moderately, and 4.1% severely food insecure households. Inadequate dietary diversity was observed in 68.3% of households, with a mean HDDS of 6.93 ± 1.71. Diets were predominantly cereal-based, with low consumption of fruits (26%), milk (22%), and eggs (20%). Factors independently associated with food insecurity included larger family size (≥4 members) (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.01–7.41), lower socioeconomic status (classes IV–V) (AOR = 10.40; 95% CI: 4.20–25.77), BPL card possession (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.00–8.14), and livestock ownership (AOR = 8.18; 95% CI: 3.40–19.68).

Conclusion: Food insecurity is highly prevalent in the study area and is strongly associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and poor dietary diversity. Strengthening targeted food security interventions, improving access to diverse foods, and addressing underlying economic vulnerabilities are essential to improve household food security and nutritional outcomes