SEARCHCROSS-SECTIONALpublic health, epidemiology

cross-sectional·public health, epidemiology, nutrition, obstetrics and gynecology·PMC10005042

Does Voluntary Family Planning Contribute to Food Security? Evidence from Ethiopia

Nutrients · 9 authors, 2 centres

AI SUMMARY

FIDELITY 100%

POPULATIONWomen in Ethiopia (Wolaita, South Omo, and Bale zones), mean age 28.9 years, mostly rural and married

INTERVENTIONVoluntary family planning use

COMPARISONNon-users of family planning

This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.

AGENT 01 · STRUCTURED SUMMARY

TRACE TO SOURCE

“

TL;DR

This cross-sectional study in Ethiopia found that longer duration of family planning use is associated with better household food security, but seasonal variation and analytical choices may limit the findings.

Full summary

1,447 CHARS

BACKGROUND

Food security is a critical issue in Ethiopia, with 71.6% of households in studied zones reported food insecure. Family planning (FP) may contribute to food security by reducing fertility and improving household resources. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 among 737 women from three zones in Ethiopia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Food Consumption Score (FCS). Hierarchical logistic regression was used to assess associations. Key Results: Only 44.8% of households were food secure. Longer FP use (>21 months) was associated with better food security (AOR 0.64 for ≤21 months vs >22 months). Positive adaptive behaviors increased odds of food security (AOR 3.60 for good vs poor). Age was inversely associated with food security, with older women less likely to be food secure (AOR 0.08 for 30-49 years vs 15-19 years). Households influenced by others in FP decisions were more likely to be food insecure (AOR 0.51). Limitations: Seasonal variation may affect findings, and variables with p<0.25 were included in multivariate analysis, which could introduce bias. Implications: Integrating FP into food security strategies is recommended, along with empowering women in decision-making and using health extension workers for outreach. Further research is needed to control for confounding factors.

PICO

PPOPULATION

Women in Ethiopia (Wolaita, South Omo, and Bale zones), mean age 28.9 years, mostly rural and married

IINTERVENTION

Voluntary family planning use

OOUTCOME

Household food security status (measured by HFIAS and FCS)

STUDY TYPE

cross-sectional

SPECIALTY

public health

SUMMARISED BY

AI pipeline

FIDELITY CHECK

100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10005042

Does Voluntary Family Planning Contribute to Food Security? Evidence from Ethiopia

Nutrients

READ THE FULL PAPER

JUMP TO SECTION

ABSTRACT

Abstract This study aims to explore the effects of voluntary family planning (FP) utilization on food security in selected districts of Ethiopia. Quantitative research methods were used to conduct a community-based study among a sample of 737 women of reproductive age. The data were analyzed using a hierarchical logistic regression constructed in three models. The findings showed 579 (78.2%) were using FP at the time of the survey. According to the household-level food insecurity access scale, 55.2% of households experienced food insecurity. The likelihood of food security was lower by 64% for women who used FP for less than 21 months (AOR = 0.64: 95%CI: 0.42–0.99) in comparison to mothers who used FP for more than 21 months. Households having positive adaptive behaviors were three times more likely (AOR = 3.60: 95%CI 2.07–6.26) to have food security in comparison to those not having positive adaptive behaviors. This study also revealed that almost half of the mothers (AOR: 0.51: 95%CI: 0.33–0.80) who reported being influenced by other family members to use FP had food security, in comparison to their counterparts. Age, duration of FP use, positive adaptive behaviors, and influence by significant others were found to be independent predictors of food security in the study areas. Culturally sensitive strategies need to be considered to expand awareness and dispel misconceptions that lead to hesitancy around FP utilization. Design strategies should take into account households’ resilience in adaptive skills during shocks, natural disasters, or pandemics which will be invaluable for food security. Keywords: family planning, food security, voluntary family planning user, women, hierarchical logistic regression

CITATION EXPORT

Geteneh Moges Assefa, Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh, Sentayehu Tsegaye et al.. Does Voluntary Family Planning Contribute to Food Security? Evidence from Ethiopia. Nutrients. (2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15051081

AUTHORS

9 · 2 CENTRES

Geteneh Moges Assefa, Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh, Sentayehu Tsegaye, Sintayehu Abebe, Misrak Makonnen, Woldu Kidane, Kasahun Negash, Abebaye Getaneh, Virginia Stulz

1Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa bole subcity, Woreda, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 20855, Ethiopia
2School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia