Food Insecurity during the Gestational Period and Factors Associated with Maternal and Child Health

Abstract

Food security consists in granting everyone's right to regular and permanent access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences in order to lead to an active and healthy life. Studies that analyze aspects associated with food insecurity are important for the planning of programs and public policies in a preventive way and health promotion. The objective of this study is to review the factors associated with food insecurity during pregnancy. The prevalence of food insecurity in women during the gestational period ranged from 9.0% to 87.9%, with the lowest prevalence found in developed countries and the highest prevalence in underdeveloped or developing countries.