Healthy eating among families at risk of food insecurity: A qualitative study

Food security refers to the continuous and uninterrupted access, both economically and physically, to sufficient, nutritious, reliable, and healthy food necessary for individuals to maintain a healthy life. A decline in socioeconomic status is associated with a decrease in diet quality, which negatively impacts the nutritional status of families experiencing food insecurity. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between food insecurity and diet quality among families at risk of food insecurity. The study was conducted between February 2025 and May 2025 in Sultangazi, involving 10 volunteer women aged 18 to 65 who are at risk of food insecurity. The Household Food Security Survey, 3-day dietary intake record, sociodemographic form, anthropometric measurements, and structured interview form were administered to volunteers through face-to-face interviews. The Diet Quality Index-International and the Household Dietary Diversity Score were used to analyze the dietary intake records. It was found that 40% of the participants had low diet quality, and those with low diet quality also had lower household dietary diversity scores. A negative correlation was found between the Diet Quality Index and total fat intake, fat percentage, and monounsaturated fat intake. Additionally, household dietary diversity was negatively correlated with fat intake, fat percentage, and vitamin E, while a positive correlation was found with carbohydrate consumption. As a result of the qualitative analysis, four main themes emerged: financial impacts, health-related issues, social and cultural impacts, and physical environmental impacts. In the theme of financial impacts, which has the highest frequency, it was revealed that economic insufficiencies not only limit access to food but also create psychological stress and reduce quality of life. Participants' coping strategies with financial constraints constitute an important part of this theme.In conclusion, social policies should include nutrition and support programs targeting low-income groups and planning efforts to improve access to food.