Insegurança alimentar e qualidade de vida em municípios do Sudoeste do Paraná: um estudo transversal

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with sociodemographic factors and quality of life in three municipalities in southwestern Paraná: Enéas Marques, Marmeleiro, and Salgado Filho. A total of 369 individuals were interviewed, with average age of 47.05 years, using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) and the WHOQOL-BREF to assess quality of life. The prevalence of food insecurity was 16.48%, being significantly associated with female gender, low income, inadequate sanitation, history of depression, and in the physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life. The results highlight the importance of integrated public policies that ensure the human right to adequate food, promoting regular and continuous access to quality food, essential for the physical, social, and mental well-being of vulnerable populations. EBIA has proven to be effective in identifying families in vulnerable situations, contributing to the direction of public health actions aimed at mitigating food insecurity and promoting quality of life.