High prevalence of food insecurity and factors associated with Haitian immigrants in Southern Chile

Abstract

The objective was to determine the association between sociodemographic factors and food insecurity (FI) in Haitian immigrants in southern Chile. An analytical cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of Haitian immigrants residing in Southern Chile, who were recruited from community centers and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Latin-American and Caribbean Food Security Scale. Multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with FI. FI prevalence in the 234 participants was 78%; 60% had severe FI. Having children (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.6–7.4), limited Spanish profciency (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.8–7.3), no access to basic services (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.2–6.4), and not being a legal permanent resident (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–6.1) were associated with signifcantly higher odds of FI. Over three-quarters of Haitian immigrants in southern Chile sufer from FI. Tailored intervention strategies are needed to address this major public-health issue, with a special focus on those at highest risk, including families with children, and those with limited Spanish profciency, no access to basic services, and without legal permanent resident status.