Summary
This prospective cohort study followed 353 Syrian refugees at baseline (1 year post-resettlement) and 132 at follow-up (4 years post-resettlement) in Norway to track changes in food insecurity over time. Food insecurity prevalence remained relatively stable between 1 and 4 years after arrival (18% to 23%; OR 1·3, 95% CI 0·8–2·0). Solo migration emerged as a significant risk factor for persisting food insecurity, whilst socio-demographic factors including gender, age, education, partnership status, number of children, pre-displacement work status, trauma exposure and baseline mental health did not significantly modify the trajectory of food insecurity.
Regional applicability
Whilst conducted in Norway, the findings are relevant to United Kingdom refugee resettlement policy and practice, particularly regarding the food security outcomes of Syrian refugees in the UK and the potential protective value of family-based migration strategies. However, direct transferability may be limited by differences in Norway's welfare system, housing support and employment landscape compared to the UK.
Key measures
Proportion reporting food insecurity (worry that food would run out or food not lasting); odds ratios comparing food insecurity prevalence at 1 year versus 4 years post-resettlement; stratified analyses by solo versus family migration, gender, age, education, cohabitation, number of children, work status, trauma exposure and mental health status
Outcomes reported
The study measured prevalence of food insecurity among Syrian refugees at 1 year and 4 years post-resettlement to Norway using the Seattle short form of the Household Food Security Survey Module, examining changes over time and associated socio-demographic, migration-related and health factors.
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