Abstract

This study aims to assess and compare food security and its socio-demographic correlates in 18 Middle East and North African (MENA) countries that fall under the auspices of the World Health Organization Regional Office of the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO). This cross-sectional study is based on data from the 2016 Gallup World Poll. The study sample included an average of 1000 individuals per country (n=18,079). Food security status of individuals was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). Various statistical analyses such as descriptive, bivariate, and binary logistic regression were conducted. Countries were categorized into three clusters based on frequency of moderate to severe food insecurity, as well as political stability index and per capita income. The frequency of severe food insecurity was significantly lower in countries in cluster 1 (rich, stable) (5.0%) compared to the second (middle-low income, less stable) (13.6%), and third (middle-low income, unstable) (26.7%) clusters (P0.001). Based on logistic regression analyses, income quintile per capita, personal health index and education levels were the main predictors of food insecurity in all three clusters. The results provide insight into the diversity of the MENA countries studied and the different policy options needed to improve their food security.