Psychosocial Risk Factors of Food Insecurity in Puerto Ricans Living in the U.S. from Baseline to 5-year Follow Up (P04-041-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesFood insecurity is prevalent among Puerto Ricans (PR) in the U.S. and is associated with worse mental health problems. However, the direction of the association cannot be determined from previous cross-sectional studies. In this study, we aim to explore the longitudinal associations between a group of psychosocial factors and changes in food insecurity status over 5 years among PR population. MethodsA total of 923 participants from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study Cohort who completed both the baseline and 5-year interviews were included. Food insecurity (FI) was accessed by the 10-item USDA food-security/hunger scale. Acculturation was indicated by the constructed scale obtained from 7 questions on the use of English and/or Spanish for daily activities. Depression was measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Social support from participant’s network was characterized by type (emotional and tangible support), duration, and frequency of the support. Social and community support and assistance were accessed by reported numbers of social services used and social activities engaged in. Th number of good and bad major life events were calculated by counting affirmed events on a researcher-provided list. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the association between psychosocial factors and becoming FI over 5 years, adjusting for age, gender, education level, and household income. ResultsThe prevalence of FI at baseline and 5-y was 27.4% and 16.5%, respectively. Over the 5 years, 11.5% of subjects became FI and 65.9% had no change in FI status. In the adjusted model, we observed that depression [OR = 1.04 (1.00, 1.08)] and stress score at baseline [OR = 1.07 (1.01, 1.13)] and their increment scores from baseline to 5-year [Depression: OR = 1.03 (1.00, 1.06); stress score: OR = 1.06 (1.02,1.10)] significantly increased the odds of becoming FI. ConclusionsThe onset of and worsened depression and stress may increase the risk of food insecurity among Puerto Ricans. There is likely a vicious cycle between adverse psychosocial environment, poor mental health and food insecurity in vulnerable minorities in the U.S. Funding SourcesThe Summer 2018 Undergraduate Research Award from the College of Health and Human Development, Penn State.