Bwala, D.G.; Otekunrin, O.A.; Adebowale, O.O.; Fasina, M.M.; Odetokun, I.A.; Fasina, F.O. COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Food Security and Caused Psychosocial Stress in Selected States of Nigeria. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2023, 20, 4016.
Bwala, D.G.; Otekunrin, O.A.; Adebowale, O.O.; Fasina, M.M.; Odetokun, I.A.; Fasina, F.O. COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Food Security and Caused Psychosocial Stress in Selected States of Nigeria. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 4016.
Bwala, D.G.; Otekunrin, O.A.; Adebowale, O.O.; Fasina, M.M.; Odetokun, I.A.; Fasina, F.O. COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Food Security and Caused Psychosocial Stress in Selected States of Nigeria. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health2023, 20, 4016.
Bwala, D.G.; Otekunrin, O.A.; Adebowale, O.O.; Fasina, M.M.; Odetokun, I.A.; Fasina, F.O. COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Food Security and Caused Psychosocial Stress in Selected States of Nigeria. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 4016.
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease has infected many countries with generalised impacts on the different income categories. To test this hypothesis, we carried out a survey among households (n = 412) representing different income groups in Nigeria. We used validated food insecurity experience and socio-psychologic tools. We analysed the data obtained using descriptive and inferential statistics. The earning capacities of the respondents range from US$145/month for the low-income earners to US$1945/month for high-income earners. A total of 173 households (42%) ran out of food during the COVID-19 pandemic. All categories of households have experienced increasing dependency from the general public and perception of increasing insecurity, with the high-income earners having the greatest shift. In addition, increasing levels of anger and irritations have been experienced with all categories. Of the socio-demographic variables, only gender (p = 0.012), level of education of household head (p = 0.000), work hours per day (p = 0.006), and family income based on society class (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with food security and hunger due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Household heads with medium (OR: 4.36, 95% CI: 2.64 – 7.21, p < 0.001) and high (OR: 30.27, 95% CI: 3.99 – 229.90, p < 0.001) family income based on society class were more likely to have satisfactory experience on food security and hunger than respondents with low family income. Irrespective of the social class of the respondents, some respondents had negative experiences such as movement/change of location within the same city (17.68%), begin a new relationship (14.43%), recent change of job/loss of job (11.55%), movement to another city (10.81%), and separation from spouse or long-term relationship (10.07%). However, 231 (60.16%) reported satisfaction with their jobs despite the pandemic. Psychological stress due to impact of COVID-19 was observed to be more in the low income earning group than others. It is recommended that socio-economic groups should be mapped and support systems should target each group as per the needed support in terms of health, social, economic, and mental wellness; the government should show political commitments and transparency in food security and counselling supports. National authorities should prioritize empirical-based interventions on resources allocation during crises.
Copyright:
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