Face Validity of the Core Food Security Module with Asians and Pacific Islanders

Abstract

The 18-question Core Food Security Module (CFSM) measures the extent and severity of food insecurity among households. Our objectives were to (1) provide face validation of the CFSM among Asian and Pacific Islanders in Hawaii and (2) explore predictors of food security status. Participants included 61 food gatekeepers of Caucasian, Hawaiian or part-Hawaiian, Filipino, or Samoan ethnicity reached through nine focus groups. Focus group questions included participants’ perceptions of (1) definitions of hunger, (2) causal factors, (3) mediating factors, and (4) consequences of hunger. Participants completed the CFSM in a group and were then debriefed. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative analysis between ethnic groups and with the operationalized framework of food insecurity. Findings confirmed the conceptual framework of the CFSM. Differences between ethnic groups did not appear to affect results of the CFSM, but validation with other ethnic groups is recommended. Qualitative findings suggest that indices of resource augmentation, low vegetable intake, and various economic indices may be predictors of food security status. Educational programs to enhance food and nutrition security could consider measurement of food security status for needs assessment and program evaluation.