Food insecurity during COVID-19 pandemic: A genuine concern for people from disadvantaged community and low-income families in Province 2 of Nepal

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254954
• Publication Date: 2021-07-21T17:47:48Z
• Authors: Devendra Raj Singh; Dev Ram Sunuwar; Sunil Kumar Shah; Lalita Kumari Sah; Kshitij Karki; Rajeeb Kumar Sah
• Keywords: Disadvantaged; Thematic Analysis; Pandemic

Food insecurity is a serious social and public health problem which exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic especially in resource-poor countries such as Nepal. However, there paucity of evidence at local levels. This study aims to explore food among people from disadvantaged community low-income families during Province-2 Nepal.The semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted virtually purposively selected participants (n = 41) both urban rural areas eight districts Province 2 All language between July August 2020. The data analysis was performed using thematic network Nvivo 12 Pro software.The results this are grouped into four global themes: i) Impact on security; ii) coping strategies pandemic, iii) relief emergency support iv) wellbeing. Most expressed that low socioeconomic backgrounds communities those working daily wages who rely remittance had experienced increased pandemic. Participants used different forms meet their requirements Community members favouritism, nepotism, partiality politicians authorities distribution relief. has affected wellbeing making them increasingly vulnerable infection.Food found be suggests plan policies should focused implementation immediate sustainable security prevent hunger, malnutrition, mental problems most groups community.