Economic Status and Financial Hardship in Food Insecurity among Single Parents: Evidence from Ghana

Background: Not much research has been done to understand the association between economic factors and food insecurity among single parents in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, this study investigated these associations among single parents in Ghana. Methods: Data on 627 single parents were obtained through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Food insecurity was assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organization Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Three self-reported response options were available for measuring wealth/economic status: 1 – Rich, 2 – Middle class, and 3 – Poor. Financial hardship comprised seven items about different areas of hardship. A hierarchical multivariable linear regression model was performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations. Results: The mean age (SD) was 45.0 (14.7) years (range:14–85); 67.3% females. After full adjustment for potential confounding variables, the results revealed a significant positive association between low economic status (vs. high economic status) (β = 2.65, SE = 0.37, p < 0.001) and food insecurity among single parents. Furthermore, financial hardship was independently and positively associated with food insecurity (β = 0.25, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001). The positive association between lower economic status and food insecurity was more pronounced among females than males, and among young adults than older adults. Conclusions: Poor economic status and financial hardship were positively associated with higher levels of food insecurity. Efforts focused on increasing income opportunities and strengthening social safety nets can help alleviate food insecurity among single parents, pending future longitudinal research.