Food Security, Dietary Diversity, Coping Strategies and Wash Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Internally Displaced Households Settled In Sululta Sub City, Oromia Region
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Date
2023-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP) often struggle to meet basic needs such as food, water, and sanitation. This study assessed the food security, coping strategies, dietary diversity, and knowledge, attitude, and practice of water, sanitation, and hygiene among internally displaced households in Sululta Sub city. Data were collected through surveys with a total of 226 randomly selected IDPs households, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using descriptive statistics in STATA for Windows 13. In addition, food security status was analyzed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), household dietary diversity scale (HDDS), coping strategies, and Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) knowledge, attitude and practice. The study found that the majority of respondents (79%) were female heads of households responsible for food preparation and water-related activities. The HFIAS result indicated that only 8% of households were food secure, while 56% faced severe food insecurity, implying. the prevalence of food insecurity in the study area. Furthermore, the HDDS result showed low dietary diversity among the study households with 52% of households consuming fewer than three food groups. Common coping strategies included skipping meals, reducing portion sizes, and relying on cheaper or less-preferred food items. The study further revealed low WASH knowledge, attitudes and practices; only 24.2% had adequate sanitation knowledge, 30.3% had a positive attitude towards WASH, and 33.6% practiced proper hygiene. The findings revealed that awareness of critical times for handwashing and the causes of diarrhea was limited, with only 26% of respondents knowing the correct preparation of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). Although 57% of the respondents perceived the water quality as good, only 21% were satisfied with the drainage system. The findings highlight the severe food insecurity and low dietary diversity among IDPs. Recommendations include stabilizing food markets, developing strategies to address urban household food insecurity, and creating job opportunities. Enhancing WASH knowledge and practices, particularly regarding handwashing and diarrhea prevention, is also crucial.
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Food security status, coping mechanism, Dietary diversity, IDP household, WASH, KAP