DEMOGRAPHIC, HEALTH, AND SOCIOECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF FOOD INSECURITY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

Abstract This study systematically evaluates the co-occurrence of food insecurity and osteoporosis within Ajloun Governorate, Jordan, employing a quantitative approach to delineate the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of osteoporosis risk. Utilizing a structured questionnaire to quantify food insecurity and osteoporosis among the participant cohort, the collected data were subjected to rigorous statistical analysis via SAS software. The resultant demographic profile of the study population reveals a predominance of middle-aged, female individuals with relatively high educational attainment, alongside a significant prevalence of moderate obesity. Characterization of household attributes indicates that the majority of families are of medium size, characterized by constrained food expenditures, and experience moderate levels of food insecurity, manifested through behaviors such as meal omission and diminished food consumption. Furthermore, the population exhibits a high rate of tobacco usage, juxtaposed with lower engagement in regular physical activity and dietary supplement consumption. Regression analysis demonstrates a statistically significant association between food insecurity and osteoporosis, explaining approximately 77% of the variability in osteoporosis prevalence. Consequently, the study advocates for the implementation of targeted public health interventions aimed at mitigating obesity, ameliorating food insecurity, and fostering healthier lifestyle practices, with a specific focus on the middle-aged demographic. Additionally, longitudinal investigations are recommended to elucidate the protracted effects of food insecurity on osteoporosis, particularly within households constrained by limited food budgets.