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Journal of Public Health

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14-03-2023 | COVID-19 | Original Article

The association between food insecurity status and COVID-19 in an Iranian population: a case–control study

Authors: Sepideh Badri-Fariman, Milad Daneshi-Maskooni, Mahtab Badri-Fariman, Bahram Pourghassem Gargari

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 5/2024

Abstract

Aim

The 2019 novel coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) is a highly contagious viral disease with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Food insecurity has frequently been linked to the emergence of infectious diseases. The present study was conducted to determine the association of food insecurity and socioeconomic status with COVID-19 in the Iranian population.

Subject and methods

The study was a case–control study including 248 participants (124 COVID-19-infected people with a positive PCR test and a history of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and 124 non-infected people with a negative PCR test and no history of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infection) aged 20 to 60 years. The participants in the two groups were matched based on age, sex, and BMI. Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected. Individuals’ food insecurity status during the previous 12 months (before the disease for the case group) was assessed using a validated 18-item USDA questionnaire.

Results

About 44% of the controls and 76% of the case group were food-insecure (P < 0.001). After controlling for any possible confounders, only food insecurity and poor economic level increased the risk of COVID-19, by about three times (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.44–6.68; P = 0.004) and 9.5 times (OR = 9.53; 95% CI = 3.73–24.30; P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Food insecurity and poor economic status are linked to an increased risk of COVID-19. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these outcomes and identify the underlying mechanisms.

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Title: The association between food insecurity status and COVID-19 in an Iranian population: a case–control study
Authors: Sepideh Badri-Fariman
Milad Daneshi-Maskooni
Mahtab Badri-Fariman
Bahram Pourghassem Gargari
Publication date: 14-03-2023
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-023-01867-8

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Springer Medicine

The association between food insecurity status and COVID-19 in an Iranian population: a case–control study

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

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