The association between multimorbidity and food insecurity in Cyprus: An epidemiological study

Abstract

Background

Although multimorbidity is a public health problem, it's possible association with food insecurity is not well documented.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity and food insecurity in Cyprus.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between June 1, 2022, and May 28, 2023, in Cyprus using a representative sample of 1255 adults with mean age 43.4 ± 17.1 years. Participants were required to complete a self-report questionnaire on food insecurity, multimorbidity and sociodemographic factors. Men and women ≥18 years were eligible for inclusion in the study.

Results

The majority of the sample was married (66%), with higher education (68.7%) and had a yearly salary of €6500-€19,500 (44.3%). Food insecurity was significantly higher in individuals with multimorbidity. Participants with multimorbidity were 67% more likely to be food insecure, than those without multimorbidity in a basic model adjusted for age and sex, with women being 81% more likely to experience food insecurity within this group. However after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and anthropometric factors, the association was no longer statistically significant.

Conclusions

Despite the fact that people with multimorbidity are more likely to be food insecure compared to people without multimorbidity, other socio-demographic factors seem to influence the above association. Further, studies should be conducted in other European countries to clarify this association and the possible underlying mechanisms.