Analysis of food insecurity in José Luis Tamayo, Salinas, Santa Elena, Ecuador
Keywords:
Food insecurity, households, ELCSA, income, povertyAbstract
Introduction: This research analyzed food insecurity in households in the José Luis Tamayo parish, Salinas canton, Santa Elena province, Ecuador. Given the alarming rates of poverty and food insecurity in the country, especially in rural and coastal areas, the study aimed to determine the levels of this phenomenon and its associated factors, within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). Materials and methods: A quantitative approach with a non-experimental, descriptive-correlational design was adopted. The sample, obtained through probabilistic sampling using a formula for finite populations, consisted of 162 households. A survey was administered that included sociodemographic questions and the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA). The data were processed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis (Cronbach's alpha = 0.835), and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of food insecurity. Results: Only 4.94% of households reported food security, while 95.06% experienced some level of food insecurity: 30.86% mild, 51.23% moderate, and 12.96% severe. Monthly household income (OR=0.994, p=0.003), marital status (being single, OR=2.346, p=0.044), employment status (being employed, OR=0.018, p=0.014), and type of sanitation facilities (OR=0.010, p=0.007) were significantly associated with food insecurity. Discussion: These findings confirm that food insecurity in the region is predominantly an economic and structural problem, where income and employment act as key protective factors, consistent with international literature linking poverty and precarious employment to a lack of access to food. Conclusions: A critical prevalence of food insecurity is evident in José Luis Tamayo, primarily determined by socioeconomic conditions. The urgent need to implement comprehensive public policies that strengthen decent employment, family income, and basic housing conditions is underscored in order to mitigate this problem and move toward sustainable food security.
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