Food insecurity and its association with the quality of life of older individuals: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The population of Mexico is ageing rapidly. Older adults in marginalised areas may be particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, with potential impacts on quality of life (QoL). We examined the association between food insecurity and QoL among older adults who reside in marginalised areas in Guanajuato, Mexico. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,030 participants aged ≥ 60 years, who were selected using a probabilistic stratified sampling design. Data regarding activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, as well as the results of the Latin American and Caribbean Scale of Food Security, World Health Organization Quality of Life: Brief Version, and Mini Nutritional Assessment, were collected. Statistical analyses comprised descriptive statistics (mean ± SD or median and ranges) to determine the characteristics of the study population, χ² tests, and a binary logistic regression. Results: The food insecurity rate was the highest among individuals living in areas with high marginalisation rates (67.8%), versus in areas with medium (61.9%) and low (65.1%) marginalisation rates (p = 0.038). Households facing food insecurity that had children showed a greater decline in QoL (p < 0.001) compared with those without children. Reporting only one complete meal/day was linked to markedly lower QoL (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Food insecurity affects 6 out of every 10 older adults in central Mexico, is associated with a lower QoL, and may contribute to nutritional deficits and reduced functional capacity. The association persists even after adjusting for socioeconomic and contextual vulnerabilities.