Determinants of household food insecurity and associated coping strategies in 2 health zones of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, during and after 1996--2002 war periods

From 1996 to 2002, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced numerous outbreaks of war. Kinshasa, the Capital, was isolated from its main sources of local food supply which led to a sharp deterioration of the life quality. In 2003, with the Sun City Accord signed formally ending the protracted war, the political and economic situation of the country seemed better. Yet, the household food situation did not seem to improve.;This study aimed to increase the general understanding of food insecurity at the household level. The objectives were to determine households' food-insecure based on household socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, to identify coping strategies used by households to manage the food crisis, and to assess differences between the two time periods.;A total of 1,591 households from two selected health zones of Kinshasa were surveyed in 2001 and 2004 using a multiple stage-cluster design. A 16-question measure was developed using a summative scale to capture the food security status. Two binary logistic regressions were run to predict food insecurity and identify coping strategies. Interactions were tested in the models to assess differences between the two time periods. Comparisons of proportions and odds ratio were also computed.;Households whose chief had none, primary or secondary levels of education, and households with little crafts or jobs as main source of incomes were food-insecure. Change of meal composition, food aid from nutritional centers, and reduction of persons in charge were the main coping strategies used by households food-insecure. No interaction tested in the two models was significant. Households were more likely to be food-insecure during the war period, and the prevalence of determinants and that of coping strategies were also higher during the war period.;These research findings provided a better and in-depth understanding of household food insecurity regarding determinants and coping strategies. The relationships between determinants as well as coping strategies and food insecurity were consistent across time, although the observed differences between the two contexts. Political and economic stability of the country should be ensured, salaries paid regularly, post primary education promoted, and food program interventions implemented for sustainable development.