Household Food Security During COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangkok

Authors

  • Chonlada Piromkraipak Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Patcharanee Pavadhgul Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Rewadee Chongsuwat Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand

Keywords:

Household food security, Food selection behavior, COVID-19, Bangkok

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted urban economic systems, exacerbating household food insecurity. This study aims to investigate food security levels, selection behaviors, and associated factors among households in Bangkok. This cross-sectional study surveyed 424 households in Phaya Thai, Bang Khae, and Don Mueang districts (June–August 2025). Food security was assessed using the 18-item HFSSM. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Multiple Linear Regression. Most households (56.13%) experienced moderate food insecurity (Mean = 4.46, SD = 1.38). Diverse food sourcing was positively associated with food security (β = 0.162, p < 0.001). Conversely, prioritizing nutritional value was significantly negatively correlated with food security (β = -0.522, p < 0.001), suggesting that maintaining high dietary standards imposes a substantial financial burden during crises. Households were forced into "Nutritional Trade-offs," compromising food quality to maintain quantity. Government interventions should focus on price controls and enhancing the affordability of nutritious food for vulnerable urban populations.

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Published

2026-05-15

How to Cite

Piromkraipak, C., Pavadhgul, P., & Chongsuwat, R. (2026). Household Food Security During COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangkok. Journal of Nutrition Association of Thailand (Online), 61(1), 55–65. retrieved from https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JNAT/article/view/286653

Issue

Section

Research article