SANTIAGO, Chile, 2026-01-24 04:31:00 — Older adults and those facing economic hardship in Santiago, Chile, were disproportionately affected by food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new analysis of eating habits. This finding underscores the critical need for targeted public policies to address inequalities in food access during times of crisis.
Pandemic Exacerbated Food Access Issues
A recent study revealed that pre-existing health conditions, poverty, age, and education level significantly impacted how people in Santiago perceived their ability to obtain sufficient, quality food during the pandemic.
- The study focused on changes in eating habits within Santiago, Chile, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Individuals with diabetes, dyslipidemia, or high blood pressure were more likely to report difficulties accessing food.
- Multidimensional poverty played a significant role in the perception of food insufficiency.
- Older adults experienced a higher rate of reported food insecurity compared to younger populations.
- The research highlights the importance of tailored public policies to improve food security for vulnerable groups.
The research, originally presented as a thesis to qualify for the professional title of Physical Anthropologist, utilized a multinomial logistic regression model to evaluate the sociodemographic, health, and economic factors linked to perceived food insufficiency. The results clearly demonstrate that individuals with lower educational attainment and those living in conditions of greater economic vulnerability were more frequently impacted by food insecurity.
Health Conditions and Food Access
Pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), and high blood pressure, were also significantly associated with the perception of limited access to quality food. This suggests a complex interplay between health status and the ability to maintain a healthy diet, particularly during a public health crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
What factors contributed to food insecurity in Santiago during the pandemic? Age, educational level, multidimensional poverty, and pre-existing health conditions—specifically diabetes, dyslipidemia, and high blood pressure—all significantly influenced the perception of access and quality of food.
The study’s findings emphasize the need for public policies that specifically address these inequalities to bolster food security, especially during times of crisis. While the research provides valuable insights, it acknowledges a key limitation: its exclusive focus on Santiago. This restricts the generalizability of the results to the national level, particularly in rural areas where food access challenges may differ significantly.
Future research should adopt a regional and comparative approach to gain a more comprehensive understanding of variations in eating habits and food security across different contexts within Chile. This broader perspective will be crucial for developing effective and equitable food policies that address the diverse needs of the population.
