Factors Associated with Food Insecurity among One-person Households

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of and the factors associated with food insecurity among people living alone. To this end, the study used a binary logistic regression analysis, employing data from the 8th Wave of Korea Welfare Panel Study. The findings are as follows. First, 7.1 percent of the one-person households experienced food insecurity, which was relatively higher than the general food insecurity prevalence (2.6 percent) in Korea nationwide. Second, gender, marital status, home ownership and income were significantly associated with food insecurity among one-person households. Labor force participation was insignificantly associated with food insecurity, while age was only marginally associated. The findings show that people who are of low income, do not own house, and are currently unemployed are most likely to be severely food-insecure; people who experienced divorce or separation from their spouse are suffering not only psycho-emotional distresses but food insecurity, one of the human basic needs. Findings further indicate that men living alone are at a greater risk of food insecurity, which could worsen when they are in economic hardships. Based on the findings, we suggest that the present food support programs need to extend outreach efforts to the non-elderly one-person households who are in economic difficulties.