Food insecurity and depression predict change in fruit and vegetable intake in Latinos with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

We examined the association of food insecurity (FI) and depression (D) with changes in fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) over 12‐mos in Latino patients with T2D (n=211). Demographics, FI (US Household Food Security Survey Measurement Module), and D (CES‐D scale) were assessed at baseline and FVI was also measured at 12‐mos with a FFQ. Participants' inclusion criteria were: ≥21y, HbA1c≥7, residents of Hartford county attending a diabetes clinic. Participants had low income (63% had <$500 monthly/capita), were 56.4±11.8 y old, had a BMI of 33.7±7.8 kg/m2, had FI=1.8±1.9, D=22.4±12.9, and 73.5% were women. FI was correlated with D (r=0.25, p≤0.01). Repeated measures analysis revealed that 1) those who were more Food Insecure (FI≥2) had lower FVI at both times (p≤0.02), 2) those who were more depressed (CESD>=21) had lower FVI at both times (p≤0.05), 3) those who had greater interaction of FI and D had lower FVI at both times, and 4) D was associated with greater FVI decline (p≤0.05). FI and D may play a role in decline in FVI over time. Interventions addressing FI and D may help improve diet among Latinos with T2D. Funding: CT NIH Export Center of Excellence for Eliminating Health Disparities among Latinos (NIH‐NCMHD grant #P20MD001765).