Prevalence, socioeconomic drivers, and protective impact of food assistance on household food insecurity during the conflict in Lebanon
1
Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
2
Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
3
Faculty of Medicine, Saint George University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
4
Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3457
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The recent conflict in Lebanon has intensified food insecurity among vulnerable households. This study estimated the prevalence of household food insecurity and identified socioeconomic determinants in conflict-affected governorates.
METHODS:
We performed a cross-sectional household assessment during the recent conflict in Lebanon (August 2024 - January 2025) using vulnerability-based chain-referral sampling. Trained social workers conducted face-to-face interviews including socioeconomic indicators. Household food insecurity was measured using the 9-item Household Food Insecurity Scale (1). Multivariable linear regression with stepwise selection (p < 0.20) produced adjusted β coefficients.
RESULTS:
Of the 2,164 households included, the most frequently reported experiences were eating unwanted food (52% ) and eating fewer meals due to shortage (45% ). Based on the scale, 74.8% of households were classified as severely food insecure. In the adjusted model, residing in precarious shelters was associated with higher insecurity (β = 1.86; 95% CI 1.05–2.67), and greater crowding index remained predictive (β = 1.49; 95% CI 0.88–2.11). Compared with households residing in privately owned homes, those who were hosted (β = 2.24; 95% CI 1.14–3.34) or paying rent (β = 2.30; 95% CI 1.33–3.28) had significantly higher insecurity scores. Lack of health insurance was associated with higher food insecurity (β = 1.65; 95% CI 1.05–2.26). A balanced or surplus income–expenditure profile was protective (β = −1.13; 95% CI −1.70 to −0.57). Receipt of food assistance was strongly protective: food parcels (β = −3.01; 95% CI −3.92 to −2.10) and vouchers/cash (β = −2.91; 95% CI −4.17 to −1.65) were each associated with markedly lower food insecurity compared with no assistance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Severe food insecurity is highly prevalent during the conflict, with financial instability and displacement identified as primary predictors. Crucially, food assistance programs demonstrated a significant protective effect, underscoring their essential role in mitigating hunger during this emergency.
The recent conflict in Lebanon has intensified food insecurity among vulnerable households. This study estimated the prevalence of household food insecurity and identified socioeconomic determinants in conflict-affected governorates.
METHODS:
We performed a cross-sectional household assessment during the recent conflict in Lebanon (August 2024 - January 2025) using vulnerability-based chain-referral sampling. Trained social workers conducted face-to-face interviews including socioeconomic indicators. Household food insecurity was measured using the 9-item Household Food Insecurity Scale (1). Multivariable linear regression with stepwise selection (p < 0.20) produced adjusted β coefficients.
RESULTS:
Of the 2,164 households included, the most frequently reported experiences were eating unwanted food (52% ) and eating fewer meals due to shortage (45% ). Based on the scale, 74.8% of households were classified as severely food insecure. In the adjusted model, residing in precarious shelters was associated with higher insecurity (β = 1.86; 95% CI 1.05–2.67), and greater crowding index remained predictive (β = 1.49; 95% CI 0.88–2.11). Compared with households residing in privately owned homes, those who were hosted (β = 2.24; 95% CI 1.14–3.34) or paying rent (β = 2.30; 95% CI 1.33–3.28) had significantly higher insecurity scores. Lack of health insurance was associated with higher food insecurity (β = 1.65; 95% CI 1.05–2.26). A balanced or surplus income–expenditure profile was protective (β = −1.13; 95% CI −1.70 to −0.57). Receipt of food assistance was strongly protective: food parcels (β = −3.01; 95% CI −3.92 to −2.10) and vouchers/cash (β = −2.91; 95% CI −4.17 to −1.65) were each associated with markedly lower food insecurity compared with no assistance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Severe food insecurity is highly prevalent during the conflict, with financial instability and displacement identified as primary predictors. Crucially, food assistance programs demonstrated a significant protective effect, underscoring their essential role in mitigating hunger during this emergency.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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