# High Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Associated Risk Factors in Chilean and Immigrant Women from South-Central Chile

## TL;DR

This study finds that food insecurity is common among women in Chile, especially immigrant women, and is linked to factors like low income and depression.

## Contribution

The study uniquely examines how gender and migration status intersect to affect food insecurity in Chile.

## Key findings

- Food insecurity affects 39.2% of women, with higher rates among immigrants (49%) compared to Chilean women (29%).
- Immigrant status, low socioeconomic status, having children, and depression are significant risk factors for food insecurity.

## Abstract

Food insecurity (FI) is a major public health problem that disproportionately affects women, especially if they are migrants. In Chile, there is limited data on how gender and migration status intersect to explain vulnerability to FI. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 2124 women of childbearing age (1062 Chilean and 1062 immigrants) residing in south-central Chile. Biosociodemographic variables were collected through a structured questionnaire, and FI was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Multivariate logistic regression models were applied to estimate risk factors using odds ratios (OR). Overall, 39.2% of women experienced some degree of FI, with prevalence significantly higher among immigrants (49%) compared to Chileans (29%). Severe FI was twice as frequent in immigrant women (18.1% vs. 9.2%). The risk factor of FI in the total sample included immigrant status (OR = 2.61; 95% CI: 2.15–3.17), low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.25; 1.77–2.87), having children (OR = 1.82; 1.49–2.23), being head of household (OR = 1.53; 1.25–1.87), not having a job (OR = 1.27; 1.02–1.58), and suffering from depression (OR = 2.11; 1.66–2.67). Subgroup analyses confirmed similar determinants in both groups, with not having a job being relevant mainly for immigrants and age acting as a protective factor among Chileans. FI is highly prevalent among women in south-central Chile, particularly among immigrants. Structural determinants such as socioeconomic status, having children, being the head of the household, and depression increase vulnerability. Policies must integrate gender and migration perspectives, promoting access to adequate food, employment, childcare, and mental health support.