Mixed method study on food insecurity and associated coping strategies among high school adolescents in Northwest Ethiopia

Adolescents, representing over 16% of the global population, face significant food and nutrition security challenges, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. These challenges arise from socio-economic factors, limited access to nutritious food, educational gaps, cultural influences, and environmental conditions. This study focused on food insecurity and coping strategies among high school students in Northwest Ethiopia. We used mixed-method study with repeated observations of the same cohort across pre- and post-harvest periods. The qualitative data collection involved interviews ( n = 33) and focus group discussions ( n = 6), while the quantitative aspect utilized the food insecurity access scale to gather data from 410 students. Descriptive statistics, Chi-squared test, and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank tests were applied for analysis of quantitative data. MAX QDA Pro 20 and STATA 17 software used for qualitative and quantitative data analysis respectively. Results showed a significant level of food insecurity before harvest, which improved after the harvesting season. During the pre-harvest season, 26.8% were food secure, while 54.4%, 17.1%, and 1.7% mildly, moderately and severely food insecure respectively. During the post-harvest season, 61.9% were food secure whereas 31.7%, 5.4%, and 0.9% experienced mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity, respectively. Socio-economic factors, such as living arrangements, school distance, and parents’ education, and the household socio-economic status were associated with food insecurity levels of adolescents. Coping strategies practiced by adolescents were community support, borrowing, resources sharing and even extreme actions like engaging in transactional sex and gambling. The study showed seasonal and socio-economic disparities in food security status among adolescents. A year-round, multi-sectoral, and contextualized strategies are essential to ensure consistent food access, address socio-economic challenges, improve adolescents’ resilience and long-term health outcomes.