Social vulnerability and its association with food insecurity in the South African population: findings from a National Survey.

ABSTRACT

Social vulnerability refers to the attributes of society that make people and places susceptible to natural disasters, adverse health outcomes, and social inequalities. Using a social vulnerability index (SVI), we investigated social vulnerability prevalence and its relationship with food insecurity in South Africa (SA). In this nationally representative cross-sectional survey, we calculated SVI scores from 3402 respondents (median age, 35 (26-46) years) using an SVI developed by the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) adapted for a South African context. We measured food insecurity using a modified Community Childhood Hunger Identification Project. Findings classified 20.6% and 20.4% of adults as socially vulnerable and food insecure, respectively. The risk of food insecurity was almost threefold higher in the social vulnerability group (OR 2.76, 95% CI 2.76-2.77, p < 0.001) compared to their counterparts. The SVI could be a useful tool to guide government and policymakers in the facilitation of social relief initiatives for those most vulnerable.