FOOD INSECURITY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: LONGITUDINAL EVIDENCE FROM PDHS 2013-2018

Abstract

Both food insecurity and domestic violence are two of the most prevalent social issues that disproportionately affect marginalized populations globally. We seek to investigate the longitudinal association between food insecurity and DV over time, using data from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2013-18. Food insufficiency, which is characterized by insufficient food access and poor food quality, is theorized to elevate levels of domestic violence. The aims of this study are twofold: (i) to know the impact from food insecurity on domestic violence and (ii) to analyze how socio-economic variables mediate on that relation. This is a mixed-method study that merges quantitative data analysis and qualitative findings from in-depth interviews. The analysis applies machine learning algorithms and statistical models to pinpoint patterns and correlations from PDHS data. Main results We found a strong relationship between food insecurity and adjusted higher likelihood of domestic violence, in particular for low-income households and women. The findings highlight that holistic policy responses are required for food security and domestic violence prevention. This research is informative about the overlapping nature of socio-economic environments and implications for public policy, health and social services.

Keywords: Food insecurity, domestic violence, PDHS, longitudinal study, socio-economic variables, public health, policy interventions.