Hunger Level and Factors Associated with Household Food Security in Nepal: Analysis of Finding from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016

Introduction: A major issue the world faces today is ensuring that households residing in different countries have access to enough food to maintain a healthy life. Food insecurity is highly prevalent in middle and low income countries. Malnutrition is the most serious consequence of food insecurity and poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, impaired physical and mental development and reduced productivity. This study examines the hunger level and factors associated with household food security in Nepal. Methods: This study used data from NDHS 2016. Total of 11,040 households were studied in this cross-sectional study. Food security and Hunger level were measured by using HFIAS and HHS, respectively. The association between Background characteristics and household food security was identified, using chi-square test and Binary logistic regression (Bivariate and multivariate). Results: This study revealed that 4.6% of households suffered from moderate to severe household hunger. After adjusting for background characteristics, ethnicity, family size, Household head's education, household wealth, Development region and province wise residence were significantly associated with household food security. However, sex of the household head, current marital status, presence of U-5 children at home, place of residence and ecological zone did not affect the household's food security significantly. Conclusion: The present study found that there is high food insecurity and which varies according to different socio-demographic characteristics. To improve food security in Nepal, intervention should focus on improving wealth and education especially for Dalit and those residing in the Karnali province, Sudurpaschim province and province 2