Food and nutrition insecurity: Experiences that differ for some and independently predict diet-related disease, Los Angeles County, 2022

Abstract

BackgroundNational surveillance shows that food insecurity affects at least one-in-ten Americans each year. Recently, experts have been advocating for surveillance of nutrition insecurity alongside food insecurity. Nutrition security refers to the nutritional adequacy of accessible food and factors that impact one’s ability to meet food preferences. ObjectiveThis study presents representative estimates of food insecurity and nutrition insecurity for Los Angeles County, CA, USA; compares predictors of these constructs; and examines whether they independently predict diet-related health outcomes. MethodsIn December 2022, a representative sample of Los Angeles County adults participating in the Understanding America Study (N=1071) was surveyed about household food insecurity and nutrition insecurity over the past 12 months. Data were analyzed in 2023. ResultsReported rates were similar for food insecurity (24%) and nutrition insecurity (25%), but the overlap of these subgroups was less than 60%. Logistic regression models indicated that non-Hispanic Asian individuals had higher odds of nutrition insecurity but not food insecurity. Moreover, nutrition insecurity was a stronger predictor of diabetes compared to food insecurity, and both constructs independently predicted poor mental health. ConclusionsFood and nutrition insecurity affect somewhat different populations. Both constructs are valuable predictors of diet-related health outcomes. Monitoring nutrition insecurity in addition to food insecurity can provide new information about populations with barriers to healthy diets.