FOOD INSECURITY AMONG LGBTQIA+ POPULATIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF ASSOCIATED SOCIAL DETERMINANTS

Abstract

Food insecurity is characterized by the absence or uncertainty of regular and permanent access to food in sufficient quantity and quality to meet individuals’ nutritional needs. It is a multidimensional phenomenon strongly associated with the social determinants of health, including poverty, unemployment, low educational attainment, and structural inequalities. Among socially vulnerable groups, the LGBTQIA+ population stands out, as it is frequently exposed to discrimination, social exclusion, and precarious labor conditions, factors that may increase vulnerability to food insecurity. This study aimed to analyze the scientific literature on food insecurity among LGBTQIA+ populations and to identify the main social factors associated with this condition. An integrative literature review was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) databases, including publications produced between 2019 and 2024 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The selected studies were analyzed using descriptive and thematic approaches. The findings indicate that food insecurity among sexual and gender minorities is mainly associated with socioeconomic vulnerability, income instability, institutional discrimination, family rejection, and fragile social support networks. The results highlight that food insecurity among LGBTQIA+ populations is closely linked to structural inequalities and processes of social exclusion. The study also reveals a limited number of publications on this topic, particularly in Brazil, reinforcing the need for further research and the development of inclusive public policies aimed at promoting food and nutrition security for this population.