Food insecurity: A formidable barrier to medication adherence in a vulnerable population with chronic diseases

AbstractBackground Food insecurity is a global challenge with profound implications for health, particularly among individuals with chronic diseases. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with medication adherence in a rural Indian population with chronic diseases. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 individuals aged 30–70 years with chronic diseases in Moinabad, India. Food insecurity was assessed using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and medication adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with low medication adherence. Results The prevalence of food insecurity was 48.75 %, with 22 % experiencing severe and 26.75 % experiencing moderate food insecurity. Participants aged 30–49 years, unmarried individuals, those with low household income and socioeconomic status (SES), and those with addiction had significantly higher odds of low medication adherence. Severe food insecurity (OR = 16.56, 95 % CI: 7.97–32.61) and moderate food insecurity (OR = 5.76, 95 % CI: 3.65–10.06) were strongly associated with low medication adherence, even after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion Food insecurity is prevalent among individuals with chronic diseases in rural India and is strongly associated with low medication adherence. Interventions addressing food insecurity and medication adherence barriers are urgently needed to improve health outcomes in this population. Longitudinal studies are warranted to explore the temporal relationships between food insecurity, medication adherence, and health outcomes.