Understanding Household Food Insecurity: PLS-SEM Insights on Economic, Behavioral, and Demographic Factors

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing household food insecurity in peri-urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected from 326 households using a structured questionnaire based on the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The study focused on three main predictors of food security: economic status, food consumption behavior, and family size. Food security was measured as a multidimensional construct, including insufficient food quality and insufficient food intake. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used because it can handle both formative and reflective constructs, moderate sample sizes, and complex models. The results show that economic status did not directly affect food quality or intake. This suggests that higher income and education alone do not guarantee better diets. In contrast, food consumption behavior was found to have significant effects on both food quality and intake, highlighting the importance of household spending patterns for nutrition. Food quality and intake were found to strongly influence overall food security, confirming their key role in household vulnerability. The analysis of indirect effects showed that family size affected food security through its impact on food quality and intake. It indicates that larger households face special nutritional challenges. The study concludes that household consumption choices and demographic pressures have a stronger impact on food insecurity than income alone. These findings offer useful guidance for policymakers and development practitioners, and stress the need for targeted interventions in dietary behavior and family planning alongside broader economic reforms.