Evaluating Level of Awareness and Food Security of Vulnerable Populations in Selected Barangays: A Nutrition Advocating Program

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of food security and awareness of Department of Health (DOH) nutritional programs among vulnerable households with children aged 6 months to 5 years in selected barangays in Tondo, Manila, explored how demographic factors, socioeconomic status, nutritional awareness contribute to household food security and child nutrition outcomes, and to propose a nutrition advocacy program in accordance to the DOH Nutritional Programs to address identified gaps.
Background: Food insecurity remains a pressing public health issue in the Philippines, especially in poor communities where many families struggle to access healthy and affordable food. Despite existing DOH nutritional Programs, many vulnerable families continue to experience malnutrition and limited access to nutritious food. This study explores the relationship and differences between demographic factors, maternal awareness, and food security of the targeted population.
Methods: A descriptive-comparative correlational quantitative research design was used, utilizing a validated survey instrument administered to 100 biological mothers of children six (6) months to five (5) years old. Children’s anthropometric data (age, sex, height, weight, and BMI percentile) were also gathered to determine their nutritional status. Food security was analyzed through four key pillars: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. Awareness was measured based on familiarity with key DOH initiatives, such as Pinggang Pinoy, the Expanded Garantisadong Pambata Program, Micronutrient Supplementation, Food Fortification, and the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) program. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency distributions, weighted means, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation.
Findings: Findings revealed a significant prevalence of food insecurity in low-income households, with many families demonstrating mild to moderate food insecurity, and exhibiting 84% of underweight children. Despite moderate awareness of DOH programs, barriers such as a lack of understanding, lack of access, and poor nutritional practices impede effective engagement. Statistical analysis indicated significant relationships between food security levels and children’s profiles, as well as between mothers' awareness and their demographic characteristics. Awareness of DOH programs was positively associated with better food utilization and nutritional outcomes.
Conclusions: Socioeconomic factors significantly impact food security, and while awareness of DOH programs exists, deeper understanding and utilization are limited. There is a need for enhanced community-based education, economic support, and integrated nutrition programs to improve food security and nutritional outcomes in vulnerable populations.