Determinants Of Household Vulnerability To Food Insecurity During Covid-19 Lockdown In A Mid-Term Period In Iran

Objective:This study aimed to identify and rank the different aspects of households' vulnerability to food insecurity.Design:The data were collected by a standard online questionnaire. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was used to assess food insecurity levels, and first-order structural equation modelling was applied to determine factors that affect food insecurity. Seven dimensions of vulnerability were measured: economic, social, cultural, human, physical, psychology and information, using thirty-seven items extracted from the related literature review.Setting:This study was implemented in Tehran province in Iran.Participants:The sample included 392 families residing in Tehran province which was determined using random sampling.Results:About 61 % of the total sample faced food insecurity, at marginal, moderate and severe levels. Economic, psychological and human aspects of vulnerability had the highest effect on food insecurity during the initial COVID-19 lockdown.Conclusions:Authorities and policymakers must provide economic and financial support to vulnerable households. Abolition of US economic and financial sanctions imposed on Iran must be implemented to battle with COVID-19 in this country.