Food Insecurity and Its Associates in a Village of Budge Budge II Block, West Bengal: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Despite the enactment of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) and National Food Security Act, food insecurity in India has been growing. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the current magnitude of food insecurity in a rural setting of West Bengal; to find out the association of food insecurity with the health and socio-demographic profile of the study population, if any; to explore their food situation and its various impacts on the study population; and to integrate the findings from the qualitative and quantitative strands. Methods: An observational study with a cross-sectional design using a mixed-methods approach was conducted in Muchisa. Two hundred and twelve households were selected through cluster random sampling for the quantitative strand. The participants were interviewed using a predesigned, pretested, and structured schedule from February 6–March 26, 2021. Qualitative data were collected from 10% of food-insecure households employing an in-depth interview guide. Statistical evaluation was done using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 25.0. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Cochran–Armitage trend test, ordinal logistic regression, and thematic analysis. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Food insecurity was observed in 62.9% of households. Noncommunicable diseases and psychological distress were associated with food insecurity. Qualitative data analysis revealed that the inability to cater to the needs of their children distressed the participants. Conclusion: Food insecurity is a major burden in rural Budge Budge II and is related to morbidity. The biggest obstacle in improving the food situation of rural people was their frame of mind to adjust to what they have in place of looking for possible solutions.