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.