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Coping Strategies for Household Food Insecurity, and Perceived Health in an Urban Community in Southern Mozambique: A Qualitative Study

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  • Elias M. A. Militao

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
    Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
    Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique)

  • Elsa M. Salvador

    (Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique)

  • José P. Silva

    (EPI Unit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
    Instituto de Sociologia, Faculdade de Letras, Universidade do Porto, Via Panorâmica, 4150-564 Porto, Portugal)

  • Olalekan A. Uthman

    (Warwick Centre for Global Health, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
    Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa)

  • Stig Vinberg

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden)

  • Gloria Macassa

    (Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
    Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
    EPI Unit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal)

Abstract

In low- and middle-income countries, food insecurity (FI) is a living reality for many households, particularly among the most vulnerable groups. The burden of household FI in Mozambique and how FI and coping strategies relate to perceived health are unknown. This study investigated the lived experiences and coping strategies of food-insecure households, along with their perceived health. Altogether, 16 in-depth interviews were performed, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A qualitative content analysis was carried out and five themes emerged: lived experiences of FI, coping strategies used in situations of FI, food choices, climate change and food security, and FI and perceived health. A wide range of lived experiences and coping strategies were reported, including cooking whatever is available, skipping meals, receiving money or food from friends and relatives, eating unsafe and low-quality foods, taking on additional work, cooking least-preferred foods, and having a monotonous and less-nutritious diet. Furthermore, the participants reported emotional distress, anxiety and depression, substance use, and other negative health outcomes. Some had diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes or HIV/AIDS. The findings suggest the need for employment creation and women’s empowerment, as well as the implementation of appropriate policies and programmes to alleviate household FI.

Suggested Citation

  • Elias M. A. Militao & Elsa M. Salvador & José P. Silva & Olalekan A. Uthman & Stig Vinberg & Gloria Macassa, 2022. "Coping Strategies for Household Food Insecurity, and Perceived Health in an Urban Community in Southern Mozambique: A Qualitative Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:14:p:8710-:d:864114
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