Abstract 11527: A Pilot of Food Insecurity and Its Sequelae on Health (FISH)

Abstract

Introduction: Health outcomes data on community interventions addressing food insecurity is scarce. Hypothesis: The FISH Research study measures the effects of an 8 week Geaux Get Healthy Clinical Program (GGH), a program that provides food insecure community members with access to local resources including cooking classes, nutrition classes and grocery store tours. We proposed that addressing food insecurity with the GGH program can improve food insecurity and metabolic health. Methods: Eligible participants included patients who qualified for the GGH Program ages 18-65, were English-speaking and without audiovisual deficits. Upon enrollment, participants met with the Health Specialist and then at 8-12 weeks, and again at 6 months. Participants completed validated surveys regarding access to healthy foods, knowledge of a healthy diet, and motivation to prepare healthy meals; and the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) survey. At each visit, vital signs (including weight, height and waist circumference) and laboratory measurements (Hemoglobin A1C, lipid panel) were obtained. Patient data related to chronic disease and ER/hospital utilization was abstracted from the medical record. Results: At the time of this analysis, a total of 53 participants were enrolled. Participants’ average BMI was 34 ( SD =9.06), 64% had diabetes/pre-diabetes and 55% had hypertension at time of enrollment. In the first 6 months, we had 11 (21%) FISH participants complete all assessments. The mean USDA Food Insecurity Scores were 6.9 (very low food security) at initial visit; 4 (low food security) at 8-12 weeks; and 2.7 (low food security) at 6 months. A non-parametric Friedman test of differences among the repeated measures of food security was conducted and resulted in a significant Chi-square value of 9.69 ( p =0.008). Conclusions: We are encouraged that participating in the GGH program may lead to sustainable improvements in food insecurity, at least among those interested in signing up for the FISH research study. We are eager to see the future results of the GGH program’s effects on metabolic health.