Predictors of food insecurity among older persons in selected cash-grant communities in Ghana: application of social-ecological model

BackgroundFood insecurity among older persons is a public health concern, which has health implications for their well-being. Food availability, access, and utilization have influenced Ghana's nutritional situation and its relationship to disease burden and healthcare. Despite existing evidence and social protection programmes to improve household consumption, studies regarding food insecurity among Ghanaian older persons in cash-grant communities are scarce. This study investigates the antecedents of food insecurity among older persons in cash-grant communities guided by the social-ecological model.MethodsData were from the Ageing, Social Protection and Health Systems study, a cross-sectional household survey of 400 older persons(60 + years) between 2017 and 2018. Data were analysed using descriptive and logistic regression.ResultsFood insecurity prevalence was 33.5%. Our findings showed that some segments of older persons are more prone to food insecurity. These categories included males[AOR = 2.27, 95%CI = 1.05-4.90], having poor health status[AOR = 4.59,95%CI = 2.30-9.17], having no caregiver [AOR = 2.07,95%CI = 1.09-3.91], having household size 4 or more[AOR = 4.04,95%CI = 2.01-8.11], and belonging to a household without agricultural land[AOR = 2.02,95%CI = 1.07-3.80]. Household wealth index and the educational level attained were found to have a robust inverse relationship with food insecurity.ConclusionFood insecurity among older persons in cash-grant communities is a reality. Multidimensional and innovative approaches are needed to address health disparities, gender considerations and socio-economic conditions among older persons and their households in communities benefiting from social intervention programmes.