Local food system-related predictors of food security among lactating women in rural central Oromia, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective To determine the key local food system-related predictors of food security among lactating women in rural central Oromia, Ethiopia. Design Community-based cross-sectional study. Setting Districts of the North Shewa Zone, central Oromia, Ethiopia. Participants 634 rural lactating women participated in the study. Eligible participants were lactating women aged between 18 and 49 years and had resided in the rural areas for at least 6 months. Exclusions included critically ill individuals and those with communication difficulties. Primary outcome Level of food security. Results The prevalence of food security and food insecurity among lactating women was 33.5% (95% CI 29.9 to 37.3) and 66.5% (95% CI 62.7 to 70.1), respectively. Being a housewife (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.8), private work (AOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 5.6), access to land (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5), home gardening practices (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.8) and use of labour-saving and time-saving technologies (AOR 5.5; 95% CI 3.6 to 8.4) were identified as key potential predictors of food insecurity. Conclusions The study concluded that the prevalence of food insecurity among lactating women was relatively higher compared with previous study findings in the nation. Key local food system-related predictors of food security included maternal occupational status, access to land, home gardening practices and the use of labour-saving and time-saving technologies. All responsible bodies need to implement community-based interventions to address local food system-related predictors affecting food security.
Source: BMJ Open
Language: English
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,839
Funder: Salale University
Award: G9001302968
OpenAlex ID: W7222246237