DIET QUALITY AND FOOD INSECURITY AMONG NON-INSTITUTIONALIZED OLDER ADULTS IN ONDO, NIGERIA.

Food insecurity and diet quality are critical issues for older adults globally, especially in low-income regions like Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and its relationship with diet quality among older adults in Ondo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 299 participants aged 50 years and above, randomly selected from major markets and landlord associations in Ondo North Local Government Area. Data included socio-demographic characteristics, food insecurity (measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale), dietary diversity, lifestyle habits, and anthropometric measurements. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 29.0. Participants had a mean age of 70.77 ± 13.117 years, with 53.2% male and 46.8% female. Most were self-employed (52.5%), Christians (61.6%), and Yoruba (60.9%). Food insecurity was prevalent, with 70% experiencing some form of insecurity, and 42.8% facing severe food insecurity. Factors linked with food insecurity included worries about insufficient food (76.4%), limited access to healthy food (76.1%), and restricted dietary diversity (86.5%). Despite these challenges, 60% reported having a diversified diet. The study also found that 35.7% of respondents were underweight, and 19.2% were obese. There was no significant statistical relationship between dietary quality and food insecurity (χ² = 0.874, p = 0.350). Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, occupation, religion, ethnicity, education level, and income did not significantly influence food insecurity. This highlights the multifaceted nature of food insecurity in this population and underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve food access and nutritional outcomes among older adults in low-income regions. KEYWORDS: Food Insecurity, Diet Quality, Older Adults, Ondo State, Dietary Diversity. WORD COUNTS: 262