Food Security, Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Outcomes among Rural Households in Parbhani District, Maharashtra, India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Author : Dr. Eknath Ashroba Langote
Abstract :
The present study was conducted to assess food security, dietary diversity, and nutritional status among respondents (n = 120). Socio-economic analysis revealed that 43.3% of respondents belonged to the 31-45 years age group, with 33.3% having secondary education and 40.0% engaged in agriculture. Overall, 45.8% of households were food secure, while 54.2% experienced varying levels of food insecurity, including 23.3% mildly, 18.3% moderately, and 12.5% severely food insecure, with higher vulnerability observed among females. Dietary diversity was significantly higher among food-secure households (DDS: 5.9-5.7) compared to food-insecure households (3.3-3.1; t = 9.35). Consumption of nutrient-rich foods such as pulses, fruits, milk, and animal products was notably lower among food-insecure groups. Nutritional assessment showed a higher prevalence of underweight among food-insecure respondents (36.7% males, 40.0% females) compared to food-secure groups (13.3% males, 12.0% females), while normal BMI was more prevalent among food-secure individuals (66.7% males, 68.0% females).
Hemoglobin status indicated a greater burden of anaemia among food-insecure respondents, with moderate and severe anaemia affecting up to 23.3% and 13.3% males and 28.6% and 11.4% females, respectively, compared to lower levels in food-secure groups. Public Distribution System (PDS) coverage was 71.7%, ensuring cereal availability (88.3%) but contributing less to dietary diversity (41.7%). Food-secure respondents demonstrated better health indicators, including higher mean BMI (23.0 vs 19.5), haemoglobin levels (12.2 vs 10.2 g/dl), and good health status (68% vs 36%), along with lower morbidity (15% vs 38%) compared to food-insecure groups. The study concludes that food insecurity significantly affects dietary diversity, nutritional status, and health outcomes, highlighting the need for nutrition-sensitive interventions and improved access to diverse foods.
Keywords :
Food Security, Dietary Diversity, Nutritional Status, Anaemia, Body Mass Index (BMI), Public Distribution System (PDS), Food Insecurity, Rural Health, Micronutrient Deficiency, India.
