The relationship of food security with malnutrition among households in northwest syria

Background: The study examined, for the first time in Northwest Syria where an official crisis phase due to conflict has been occurring for 13 years, whether food insecurity at a household level is linked to the nutritional status of children between the ages of 6 and 59 months. The study also intends to determine the burden of food insecurity on child malnutrition, specifically stunting, wasting and underweight. Methods: A cross-sectional study in two governorates of Idleb and Aleppo, northwest Syria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression to assess the prevalence of food insecurity among four districts, and the socioeconomic impact on the nutritional status of children (stunting, wasting, and underweight). Results: The study identified a high burden of food insecurity in Idleb and Aleppo governorates, with the levels increasing especially in areas such as Afrin and Jenderis. A significant positive relationship was also observed between household food insecurity and poor nutritional outcomes, including elevated levels of stunting (38,1 %), underweight (28%), and wasting (23,8%). Additionally, breastfeeding and access to clean water were found to have a statistically significant association with the nutritional status of children. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between nutritional status and family size. In conclusion, the study highlights a critical issue of food insecurity in the Idleb and Aleppo governorates. The findings indicate a strong link between food insecurity and adverse nutritional outcomes, evidenced by alarming rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children. Furthermore, the analysis emphasizes the value of breastfeeding and access to clean water in improving child nutrition, while revealing that family size does not significantly impact nutritional status. These results emphasize the pressing need to alleviate food insecurity through focused interventions and enhance nutritional support in these regions.