Chile
| Article
High prevalence of food insecurity and factors associated with Haitian immigrants in Southern Chile
Alta prevalencia de inseguridad alimentaria y factores asociados con inmigrantes haitianos en el sur de Chile
Registro en:
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health (2019) 21:1436–1439
1557-1912
Autor
Maury‑Sintjago, Eduard
Rodríguez‑Fernández, Alejandra
García, Danny E.
Parra‑Flores, Julio
Resumen
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.