Gender-based implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on household diet diversity and nutritional security in Pakistan

Shahbaz P., Ul Haq S., Bin Khalid U., Boz İ.

BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL, cilt.124, sa.3, ss.951-967, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 124 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2022
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1108/bfj-05-2021-0464
  • Dergi Adı: BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Hospitality & Tourism Complete, Index Islamicus, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.951-967
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Female, Energy intake, Male, Nutrients, Nonperishable, Perishable, RURAL-AREAS, VARIETY
  • Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has profound implications on the food and nutritional security of millions of households. The study assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on diet diversity, calorie consumption and intake of essential nutrients based on the gender of the households. Design/methodology/approach Mixed-design ANOVA and logistic regression were used to analyze the collected data from 260 female- and 463 male-headed households through an online survey in Pakistan. Findings The outcomes revealed that the diet diversity of female households was affected more due to the COVID-19 compared to male households. The decline in daily nutrients' (protein, phosphorus, zinc, iron and iodine) intake during the COVID-19 was also greater for female-headed households than male-headed households. The share of all food groups in daily calorie and nutrient provision decreased significantly during the COVID-19 for both types of households. The share of meat and meat products declined more for female-headed households compared to male-headed households. The share of perishable commodities in calorie provision to female and male households decreased 2% during the COVID-19 compared to the normal period. Small- and medium-sized female and male households were less likely to experience worsened diet diversity than large-sized households during the COVID-19. Low-income compared to medium- and high-income female and male households were more likely to report declined food diversity during the COVID-19. Research limitations/implications The data used in this study were collected through an online survey due to public health measures imposed in the country. Originality/value Despite the emergence of literature on the implications of the pandemic on food security, the studies related to the gender-based impacts of COVID-19 on diet diversity and nutritional intakes of necessary nutrients are still non-existent. The current study will add to the literature by filling this gap.