Material Needs Security and Food Security Among Lebanese Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a growing public health concern, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where prevalence rates continue to rise. Social determinants of health, including material needs security and food security, play a critical role in diabetes management, yet their interrelated effects remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the relationship between material needs security and food security among Lebanese adults with T2DM of low socioeconomic status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 299 Lebanese adults with T2DM recruited from three primary health care centers. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing sociodemographic factors and food security. Material needs security score was computed based on ownership and access for certain house utilities, as well as car ownership. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were conducted to evaluate associations between material needs security and food security. RESULTS: Higher material needs security was significantly associated with food security in both the unadjusted and adjusted regression models (odds ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.49, p = 0.007). Food and material needs insecurities were more prevalent among females and individuals with lower income, lower education, and lack of health insurance. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the strong association between material needs security and food security in Lebanese adults with T2DM, emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants in diabetes management. Policies targeting financial stability, food security interventions, and access to health care are essential to improving health outcomes in vulnerable populations.