Relationship between Household Structure and Food Security of Older Persons

Nutnicha Loyfah, Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand
Sirinya Phulkerd, Mahidol University

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between household structure and food security of the older persons in Thailand. Methods: This study used nationally representative survey data in population aged 60 years or older. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze socioeconomic-demographic characteristics, household structure, and eating behaviors among Thai older persons. Binary logistic regression was applied to investigate correlations between household structure and food security. Results: Only 26.5% of older persons reported having food security. Logistic regression analysis indicates that respondents living with other older persons, children, and/or adolescents were more likely to be food secure compared to those living with working-age adults. Respondents with primary school education or lower (OR = 3.262, 95%CI = 1.789-5.945), and living in rural area (OR=1.568, 95%CI=1.294-1.899) were more likely to have food security. Respondents who were responsible for providing food tend to experience food security (OR=1.872, 95%CI=1.521-2.304). Conclusion: The study highlights the impacts of household structure and food provision role on food security among older persons. These findings suggest the need for government assistance for older persons to help them manage their food security more effectively, taking into account household structure and role in the household

Keywords: Population Ageing, Older Adults and Intergenerational Relations

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