Gender-based differentials in food insecurity and wellbeing in Arab countries

Women in the Arab region are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity (FI). Nevertheless, limited studies examine the gender-based differentials and determinants of FI and its associations with measures of wellbeing within Arab countries. Compare the prevalence of FI within and across Arab countries between men and women; explore potential interactions between gender and socio-demographic determinants of FI; and examine associations between FI and wellbeing, by gender. Data for the present study were drawn from four waves of the Gallup World Poll (GWP) surveys, covering 18 Arab countries (n = 65,903; 2014–2017). GWP surveys included questions about FI, socio-demographics, and well-being (daily experience index score (DEI), personal health index score (PHI), and global wellbeing index (thriving vs. non-thriving). Individual FI was assessed using the FI experience scale (FIES) and categorized into 4 categories: food secure, mild FI, moderate FI, and severe FI. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations of FI with DEI, PHI, and global wellbeing index, considering gender-based interactions and controlling for country and year effects. The prevalence of FI in the Arab world was reported to be on average 43% (95%CI: 42.4,43.18) with 25% experiencing moderate to severe FI, using the GWP 2014–2017 data. Overall, females experienced higher levels of FI compared to males in all Arab countries with few exceptions. Significant interactions between gender and sociodemographic variables in relation to levels of FI were also noted in the present study (e.g., age, education, and employment; p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression models showed dose-responsive and significant associations between FI (at all levels) with lower DEI and PHI scores among females compared to their male counterparts. The lowest DEI and PHI scores were observed amongst severely food insecure females compared to food secure males (adjusted β: −18.45; 95%CI: −19.36, −17.55 and adjusted β: −24.12; 95%CI: −25.11, −23.13, respectively). In addition, females experiencing mild, moderate, and severe FI had significantly lower odds of reporting a thriving global well-being compared to food secure males [adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 0.50 (0.43,0.57); 0.36(0.30,0.43); and 0.38 (0.30,0.47), respectively]. Females in the Arab region experience different forms of FI and have significantly lower subjective wellbeing measures compared to males. Findings highlight the need for developing policies and programs that address gender disparities in employment, education, and economic participation in the workforce to alleviate FI and improve overall wellbeing of women in the Arab world.