Risk Of Food Insecurity Research Articles

The Risk for Food Insecurity and Suicide Ideation among Young Adults in the United States: The Mediating Roles of Perceived Stress and Social Isolation

Young adults in the United States have the highest prevalence of suicidal thoughts of any adult age group. While limited, research indicates food insecurity heightens the risk of suicide ideation among young adults. However, research has not explored the pathways underlying the food insecurity—suicide ideation association among this population. Using 2008 data from Wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we fill this gap by testing for the mediating roles of perceived stress and social isolation in the association between the risk for food insecurity and suicide ideation among young adults ages 24–32 ( N = 14,897). Our findings reveal that perceived stress and social isolation account for almost half of this association. Given the eradication of food insecurity in the United States is unlikely imminent, our results indicate an exigent need for interventions and programs to address psychosocial risk factors associated with food insecurity.

Development of new measures to assess household nutrition security, and choice in dietary characteristics

The purpose of this study was to preliminarily develop novel self-administered measures to assess nutrition security and choice in dietary characteristics. Measures were piloted in a convenience sample of households at risk for food insecurity in the United States. The survey included the new measures, construct validation variables (household food security, self-reported general health, and dietary variables), and demographic questions. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess dimensionality, internal (Cronbach's alpha (CA)), and construct validity were assessed (Spearman's correlation). Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess added utility of the new measures beyond food security measurement. Finally, brief screener versions of the full measures were created. Participants in the analytic sample (n = 380) averaged 45 years old, 71% experiencing food insecurity, 42% with high school diploma or less, 78% were women, and racially/ethnically diverse. Scores for the Household Nutrition Security (CA = 0.85; Mean = 2.58 (SD = 0.87)), Household Healthfulness Choice (CA = 0.79; Mean = 2.47 (SD = 0.96)), and Household Dietary Choice (CA = 0.80; Mean = 2.57 (SD = 0.90)) were positively associated with food security (0.401–0.657), general health (0.194–0.290), fruit and vegetable intake frequency (0.240–0.280), and “scratch-cooked” meal intake (0.328–0.350), and negatively associated with “processed” meal intake (−0.162 to −0.234) and an external locus of nutrition control (−0.343 to −0.366). Further, findings show that the new measures are useful for assessing risk for poor dietary and health outcomes even after controlling for household food security status and sample characteristics. These findings are encouraging and support reliability, construct validity, and utility of these new measures. Following further testing, such as Confirmatory Factor Analysis in future samples, these measures may be used in various applications to contribute to a better understanding of households' limitations for accessing healthful foods and foods that meet their preferences.

Urban Amazonians use Fishing as a Strategy for Coping with Food Insecurity

Fishing provides livelihoods and food for millions of people in the Global South yet inland fisheries are under-researched and neglected in food and nutrition policy. This paper goes beyond the rural focus of existing research and examines how urban households may use fishing as a livelihood strategy for coping with food insecurity. Our study in Brazilian Amazonia is based on a random sample of households (n = 798) in four remote riverine towns. We quantitatively examine the inter-connections between fishing and food insecurity, and find that fishing is a widespread coping strategy among disadvantaged, food insecure households. Fisher households tend to be highly dependent on eating fish, and for these households, consuming fish more often is associated with a modest reduction in food insecurity risks. Fishing provides monthly non-monetary income worth ≤ USD54 (equivalent to ∼12% of mean monetary income), potentially reducing food insecurity risks almost as much as the conditional cash transfer Bolsa Família. We estimate that nearly half a million inhabitants of the region’s remote, riverine urban centres are directly dependent on a household member catching fish, a nutritious and culturally preferred food. Consequently, small-scale urban fishers must be recognised in policy debates around food and nutrition security and management of natural resources.

Breakfast and School-Related Outcomes in Children and Adolescents in the US: A Literature Review and its Implications for School Nutrition Policy.

Purpose of ReviewTo identify and review the latest research on the connections between breakfast and school-related outcomes in children and adolescents in the US, and to explore the implications of this research on US school nutrition policy, particularly as it applies to students experiencing or at risk for food insecurity.Recent FindingsAlthough school personnel, parents, and students have positive attitudes about breakfast and its benefits for learning, recent research finds mixed evidence for the role of breakfast in improving objectively measured grades and test scores. Few recent studies examined behavioral outcomes, limiting the ability to draw clear conclusions about breakfast and school behavior. Several studies observed improved attendance with increased school breakfast access and participation, especially when schools offered breakfast at no cost to all students.SummaryThere are many challenges to studying the connections between breakfast and learning. The recent research on breakfast and academic outcomes is mixed, but there is a growing body of evidence that eliminating fees for both school breakfast and lunch has promise for improving school-related outcomes.

A latent class analysis to identify socio-economic and health risk profiles among mothers of young children predicting longitudinal risk of food insecurity.

BackgroundThe purpose of the current study was to use a social determinants of health (SDOH) framework and latent class analysis (LCA) to identify risk classes among mothers with young children. The risk classes were then used to predict food insecurity severity and stability/change of food insecurity over time.MethodThe secondary data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (n = 2,368; oversampled for non-marital births) was used in this study. Household food insecurity was assessed using the 18-items USDA Food Security Survey. A seventeen-item inventory of educational, economic stability, incarceration (i.e. social context), neighborhood safety (i.e. neighborhood and built environment), health and health care, and substance use behaviors at baseline/Year-1 were included to identify SDOH risk indicators in the LCA. Covariate-adjusted multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the relation between risk classes at Year-1 and the severity of food insecurity at Year-3 and stability/change of food insecurity between Year-3 and Year -5.ResultsLCA identified five risk classes: High utility and medical hardship (Class 1), high housing and employment hardship, high substance use, and incarceration (Class 2), high housing and medical hardship, poor health, and health care (Class 3), high employment hardship and low-income (Class 4) and low-risk (Class 5). The Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 had greater odds of low food security and very low food security at Year-3 compared to Class 4. In addition, compared to Class 4, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 had greater odds unstable food insecurity and persistent food insecurity over time.ConclusionsLCA could be used to identify distinctive family system risk profiles predictive of food insecurity. The generated risk profiles could be used by health care providers as an additional tool to identify families in need for resources to ensure household food security.

Evaluation of safety criteria for the total amount of volatiles in foam food containers in Ho Chi Minh City

Disposable plastic utensils such as plastic boxes and foam boxes are becoming more and more popular with significant output in Vietnam. These products are mainly made from polystyrene, which should be strictly controlled to reduce the risk of food insecurity, due to the leaching of certain substances into food. Therefore, conducting a study to determine the toxic substances remaining in the styrofoam box is necessary, with objective is to determine the percentage of foam food container products with total volatiles (through the determination of substances: styrene, ethylbenzene, toluene, n-propylbenzene) exceeding the allowable limit according to QCVN 12-1:2011/BYT. The study conducted on 138 samples of foam boxes randomly collected at 46 markets in 23 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, with analytical method being GC-MS technical method for the determination of volatile compounds from foam boxes. Results showed that all 138 foam samples had amount of each styrene, ethylbenzene below 1 mg/g, total styrene and ethylbenzene less than 1 mg/g, total volatiles (styrene, toluene, ethylbenzene, n-propylbenzene) are all below 5 mg/g. Conclusion: There should be stricter control regulations on the quality of disposable food containers and the use of foam boxes should be limited to reduce the impact on the environment.  

Effect of COVID-19 outbreak on the diet, body weight and food security status of students of higher education: a systematic review.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted college students' lifestyles and placed them at a greater risk of obesity and food insecurity. The purpose of the systematic review was to consolidate evidence for the effect of Covid-19 on students' dietary quality, dietary habits, body weight and food security status. A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilising various databases including Google Scholar, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Embase and Scopus to identify relevant studies. To be incorporated in this review, studies had to include higher education students, measure the prevalence of food insecurity and assess the dietary and body weight changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The studies showed that the diet quality of college students was compromised during the pandemic in many nations due to the decrease in the intake of whole grains, dairy products, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables and the increase in consumption of alcohol, confectionery products and refined grains. There was an increase in the frequency of cooking, binge eating, breakfast skipping and unhealthy snacking. These modifications, in return, were associated with body weight changes, with no less than 20 to 30 % of students gaining weight during the pandemic. The pandemic also impacted food security status of students, with over 30% being food insecure worldwide. The COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated the students' diet quality and dietary habits and placed them under high risk of weight gain and food insecurity. Higher education institutions and governments should improve students' access to nutritious foods and incorporate nutrition education interventions in the curricula.

Repeated Cross-Sectional Surveys of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Demonstrate Rapid Practice Changes to Address Food Insecurity During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic had worldwide economic impact, exacerbating food insecurity risk for vulnerable populations. ObjectiveTo describe changes in practice and challenges and areas of need related to addressing food insecurity during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic for registered dietitian nutritionist survey respondents. DesignA cross-sectional, anonymous, online survey distributed via the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics e-mail communication platform and social media accounts from April through May 2020 (Wave 1 [W1]) and December 2020-February 2021 (Wave 2 [W2]). Participants and settingParticipants were US-based registered dietitian nutritionists practicing in community-based settings to address food insecurity (W1: n = 454; W2: n = 331). Statistical analysesResponses were descriptively summarized using means ± SD, medians and interquartile ranges, or number of observations and percentages. Open-ended responses were manually reviewed and organized into major themes. ResultsRespondents had about 10 years of experience in addressing food insecurity and were most commonly involved with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, federal school nutrition programs, or food banks. Participants described increased demand for food security assistance (W1: 68%; W2: 60%). Among respondents involved in food preparation and handling (W1: n = 183; W2: n = 110), supply chain (W1: 61%; W2: 56%) and staffing (W1: 37%; W2: 50%) challenges were commonly reported. Child nutrition program professionals (W1: n = 143; W2: n = 84) reported widespread implementation of optional program waivers, with the most commonly implemented waivers allowing noncongregate meal service (W1: 83%; W2: 81%), caregivers to pick up meals (W1: 69%; W2: 85%), and flexibility in mealservice times (W1: 75%; W2: 87%). ConclusionsRespondents quickly adapted programs to ensure staff and client safety while continuing to provide essential food security services. They identified the need for ongoing nutrition program policy advocacy and timely access to best practice resources during public health emergencies.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Changes in Food Choice, Purchase, and Consumption Patterns in the World: A Review Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious disruption to food security in the world. Declining incomes, purchasing power, and food production and rising prices in the food supply and consumption chain have affected and increased the risk of food insecurity, the most important consequence of which is the worsening of world hunger and malnutrition. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic since December 2019 in Wuhan, and its spread around the world has caused major changes in people's lives; one of the most important affected areas is the food and nutrition sector. This study aims to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in food choice, purchase, and consumption.
 Methods: Keywords "food", "nutrition", "choice or select", "buy or purchase", "consumption" and "behavior" in combination with the word "COVID-19" were used to search for English articles in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. All articles from the beginning of the pandemic to the end of May 2021 were included in this study. After deleting some studies due to non-English language, duplication, inconsistency with the intended purpose, and being reviewed, 25 articles entered the final phase.
 Results: The results indicate that forced quarantine and travel restrictions with the formation of new nutritional behaviors have affected the quality of nutrition of different populations. It has positive consequences, such as reducing ready meals and fast foods, increasing attention to nutrients to promote and maintain health and reduce food waste. The negative consequences include increased intake of snacks, high-calorie foods, canned foods, and processed meats in some countries.
 Conclusion: Decreased nutritional quality from this pandemic can have adverse effects on public health. More detailed studies are needed to examine the impact of quarantine on food choice, purchase, and consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Risk of Food Insecurity in Young Adulthood and Longitudinal Changes in Cardiometabolic Health: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health

BackgroundStudies have demonstrated relations between food insecurity, the lack of access to enough nutritious food, and greater risk of diet-sensitive chronic diseases. However, most prior evidence relies on cross-sectional studies and self-reported disease. ObjectivesThe objective was to assess the longitudinal relation between risk of food insecurity in young adulthood and changes in diet-sensitive cardiometabolic health outcomes across 10 y among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic adults. MethodsData from the fourth and fifth waves (n = 3992) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were used. Measures included risk of food insecurity, body weight, diabetes, and sociodemographic characteristics. Body weight and diabetes were assessed with direct measures. Mixed-effects models assessed the association of risk of food insecurity with BMI, obesity, and diabetes while accounting for sociodemographic characteristics and the complex survey design. ResultsRisk of food insecurity was associated with increases in BMI as well as incidence of obesity and diabetes from young to middle adulthood in unadjusted and adjusted models (all P < 0.01). In models stratified by race and ethnicity, the relations of risk of food insecurity with body weight outcomes and diabetes varied. ConclusionsRisk of food insecurity in young adulthood was related to BMI and obesity during young and middle adulthood but not in changes over time. Risk of food insecurity in young adulthood related to an increased incidence of diabetes in middle adulthood. However, the relations among specific racial and ethnic groups were unclear. Estimates of the relation between food insecurity and cardiometabolic health outcomes within racial and ethnic groups experiencing the highest prevalence of these conditions should be refined.

Risk of Food Insecurity and Cardiometabolic Health—What Can Be Done?

Risk of Food Insecurity and Cardiometabolic Health—What Can Be Done?

İktisatın Unutulmuş Çocuğu: Tarım Sektörü ve Tarımın Orta Doğu’daki Geleceği

Amaç: Bu yazıda, gün geçtikçe daha fazla önem kazanan gıda güvencesi ve tarım sektöründe sürdürülebilirlik konularını Orta Doğu bölgesi üzerinden inceleyerek ele alıyoruz. Tasarım/Metodoloji/Yaklaşım: Çalışmamızda Mısır, Lübnan ve Türkiye’nin tarım sektöründeki kırılganlıklar ve gıda güvencesi risklerini incelerken, tarım politikalarına ve bu politikaların ekonomi açısından ne gibi etkilere sebep olduğunu kısaca ele almaya çalışıyoruz. Bulgular: 1980’lerde başlayan liberalizm akımıyla uluslararası ekonomik ilişkilerde ve ülkelerin bireysel politikalarında değişimler görülmüş, ekonomide kamu sektörünün rolü ve devlet müdahaleciliği oldukça azaltılmış, piyasa odaklı bir düzen mekanizması izlenmiştir. Neoliberalist düşünürlerin iddialarının aksine, bu durum gelişmekte olan ülkelerin tarım sektörleri ve üretimleri üstünde pozitif etkilere yol açmamıştır. Ticarette de liberalleşme ile gıda ürünlerinde ve/veya tarımsal girdilerde ithalata bağımlılık ortaya çıkmıştır. Mısır’da tarımsal üretimin yurt içi talebi karşılamakta yetersiz kalması, ekonominin bu talebi ithalatla karşılamak için yeterince güçlü olmaması, politik dengesizliklerin beraberinde getirdiği verimsiz tarım politikaları gıda güvencesini tehlikeye sokmaktadır. Lübnan’ın da iklimsel ve coğrafik kısıtlamalar sonucu yaşadığı tarımsal üretim sıkıntıları, ekonomik yetersizlik, çarpık kentleşme ve etkin olmayan devlet politikaları, ülkenin gıda güvencesi açısından sorun yaşamasına sebep olmaktadır. Türkiye’de ise özellikle son yıllarda devletin önemli tarım kurumlarını özelleştirmeye gitmesi, çiftçilere verilen desteklerin ve tarımsal politikalarının yetersizliği sonucunda potansiyelinin altında performans gösterdiğini görüyoruz. Dünyanın yaşadığı zor dönemi de göz önüne aldığımızda Mısır, Lübnan ve Türkiye’de gıda güvencesinin ve tarımsal üretimin, kapsamlı tarımsal politikalar aracılığıyla iyileştirilmesi bir zorunluluk olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Özgünlük/Değer: Bu çalışmamızda Mısır, Lübnan ve Türkiye’nin tarım sektörlerinin karşılaştırmalı analizini yaparak özellikle Orta Doğu’da önemi gittikçe artan gıda güvencesi meselesine dikkat çekmeyi amaçlamaktayız.

Transitions into and out of food insecurity: A probabilistic approach with panel data evidence from 15 countries

Recent advances in food insecurity classification have made analytical approaches to predict and inform response to food crises possible. This paper develops a predictive, statistical framework to identify drivers of food insecurity risk with simulation capabilities for scenario analyses, risk assessment and forecasting purposes. It utilizes a panel vector-autoregression to model food insecurity distributions of 15 countries between October 2009 and February 2019. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) methods are employed to identify the most important agronomic, weather, conflict and economic variables. The paper finds that food insecurity dynamics are asymmetric and past-dependent, with low insecurity states more likely to transition to high insecurity states than vice versa. Conflict variables are more relevant for highly critical states, while agronomic and weather variables are more important for less critical states. Food prices are predictive for all cases. A Bayesian extension is introduced to incorporate expert opinions through the use of priors, which can lead to significant improvements in model performance.

Quantitative Assessment of Climate Change Impact and Anthropogenic Influence on Crop Production and Food Security in Shandong, Eastern China

Food security plays an important role in maintaining national stability and sustainable development of human society, and its research has become a hot issue at present. Shandong is the main grain producing area in China, and its grain production plays an important role in national food security. Accordingly, this paper is based on the county climate change, grain yield, sown area, fertilizer use, total power of rural machinery, and total population data in Shandong Province from 1995 to 2020. The evolution process of the food security pattern was studied by the methods of spatial analysis and comprehensive evaluation, the influencing factors of food security were quantitatively analyzed, and the adaptive countermeasures to alleviate the food security risks in this region were discussed. The results show that: Grain production increased by 30.62% from 1995 to 2020. The total population and per capita food availability also increased. Since 2000, more than a quarter of counties have experienced a high risk of food insecurity. The spatial agglomeration of grain production was enhanced, and the local agglomeration characteristics were significantly different. The average temperature in the growing season, the sown area, and the total power of agricultural machinery had a significant positive impact on grain production, while the annual average temperature had a significant negative impact on grain production. Improving the food supply system, strengthening the protection of cultivated land, improving the efficiency of fertilizer utilization, and increasing investment in agricultural science and technology can effectively alleviate food security risks.

The Boko Haram Conflict and Food Insecurity: Does Resilience Capacity Matter?

Abstract Drawing from a robust identification strategy and household panel data collected before and after households were exposed to the Boko Haram conflict, this paper addresses the question of whether resilience capacity is an important factor in mitigating household risks of food insecurity due to conflict shocks. Using the non-parametric difference-in-differences framework, the paper identifies that the shocks negatively affect food security, but resilience capacity attenuates the effects. While resilience actively protects households from the adverse stressors, the paper observes that the pillars of resilience were also significantly decimated by the conflict, thereby weakening households’ long-run capacity to withstand future shocks. The results are prescriptively unchanged after adjusting the operating spatial distance of exposure or switching the measure of conflict exposure to conflict intensity represented as battle fatalities. These estimates align well with the various hypotheses of the resilience approach to sustainable development. It is, therefore, recommended that conflict intervention programs incorporate rebuilding resilience, which might help restore households’ ability to overcome future shocks.

Food insecurity during COVID-19 in children with end-stage kidney disease: a pilot study

BackgroundFood insecurity, an important social determinant of health among children, has become more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with chronic diseases including end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are at higher risk of food insecurity due to their complex care needs, medication burden, and dietary restrictions. No data exists describing food insecurity prevalence in pediatric ESKD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsFood insecurity was assessed among families of children (age 0–18 years) with ESKD on chronic dialysis at two pediatric academic medical centers. Families were screened in April 2020 using the Hunger Vital Sign, a validated 2-question screening tool. We assessed impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity. We compared serum phosphorus “pre-COVID” (January/February 2020) to “during COVID” (April/May 2020).ResultsA total of 29 families enrolled in this study. 62% (18/29) of children with ESKD lived in food insecure households, and of those, 72% (13/18) reported that COVID-19 had worsened their food insecurity status. During the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecure patients experienced greater rise in their serum phosphorus levels (1.1 mg/dL vs. 0 mg/dL, p = 0.03) and decreased likelihood of having adequate phosphorus control (50% vs. 11%, p = 0.03).ConclusionFood insecurity was common among children with ESKD on chronic dialysis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with food insecurity had a greater increase in their phosphorus levels during the pandemic than did food secure children. Further exploration into how food resources such as an onsite food pantry impacts food insecurity and phosphorus control in children with ESKD is essential.

P128 We've Lost So Much: Older African American Adult Perceptions of Nutrition Education Needs

<h3>Background</h3> African Americans experience greater rates of obesity and food insecurity compared to White Americans, and older African Americans may be at particular risk of food insecurity. Nutrition education provided to this group should be carefully evaluated to assess whether it meet their needs. <h3>Objective</h3> This study aimed to assess older African Americans perceived nutrition education needs and suggestions for improvement of an existing nutrition education curriculum through qualitative focus group discussions. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Three trained African American facilitators conducted five focus group discussions (FGD) with 25 African American participants in SNAP-Ed. Participants were majority retired (n = 28, 72%) and over 60 (n = 18, 72%). Focus groups were conducted both via zoom and in person according to participant preferences. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> FGD guides asked participants about their general perceptions of nutrition education and suggestions for improving service provided to African Americans. Transcripts of FGDs were coded inductively using Dedoose software. <h3>Results</h3> Though the discussion guide did not ask participants about their backgrounds or history with food, participants in all discussions brought up their own personal experiences with food and how they perceived their diets to be healthier when they were younger. Participants described an existing nutrition education curriculum as race-neutral and said that lessons needed to address African American history and culture. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Nutrition education programs serving older African American adults should acknowledge their personal histories with food and agriculture and incorporate elements of African American food history and food culture. <h3>Funding</h3> Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education

P072 Developing a Nutrition Security Action Plan for a University

<h3>Objective</h3> To develop a Nutrition Security Plan to be implemented within a large public university <h3>Use of Theory/Research</h3> Prior research suggests that college students struggle with food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the health disparities that are exacerbated by an unhealthy diet. Highlighting the need for university students to not only have food security but also nutrition security. <h3>Target Audience</h3> University students particularly insecure students and those at risk for food insecurity <h3>Program Description</h3> University partners such as university administration, students, food service contract staff, county health department nutrition staff, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human services nutrition staff worked together to develop a Nutrition Security Plan for our University. Plan development focused on three areas. First, food purchasing behaviors and barriers to nutrition security on campus were assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Second, existing nutrition supporting services on campus (e.g. food pantry, Swipe out Hunger, student garden) were documented and reviewed. Third, nutrition support programs and initiatives in operation at other universities were researched and considered for implementation. <h3>Evaluation Methods</h3> Review of the peer-reviewed, the grey literature, and university student services websites to see what strategies other universities used to address the food needs of students <h3>Results</h3> The Nutrition Security Plan was submitted to University leadership in Fall 2021. To date, 3 of 12 University Nutrition Security Plan recommendations have been implemented . These are a centralized resource center for student nutrition needs was created and posted on the university student support website; a university bus route that stops at a grocery store was implemented; and a SNAP Eligibility Screener for Students was developed and disseminated among student financial aid and student support services. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Universities can generate a Nutrition Security Plan for students by building an interdisciplinary team, reviewing the current services on campus reviewing the literature and services offered at other universities to generate ideas, then working together to expand successful existing programs and proposing promising interventions. <h3>Funding</h3> Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Burden of and risk factors for sexual violence among women with and without disabilities in two sub-Saharan African countries

ABSTRACT Background Available data suggest that women with disabilities have an increased risk of sexual violence, but little is known about the situation of those women living in resource-limited settings. Objectives To assess the burden and examine the drivers of sexual violence among women with disabilities. Methods This is a pooled analysis of two population-based surveys conducted in Cameroon and Burundi. Adults with and without disabilities were randomly recruited from the general population. Structured interviews were conducted at both sites to collect data on participants’ functional limitations, life-course history of sexual violence, education, employment, and resources. Only women with disabilities whose impairments started before the age of 10 years (n = 359) and women without disabilities (n = 720) are included in this analysis. The age-adjusted prevalence of violence was computed, and risk factors were assessed using a discrete survival regression and mediation analysis. Results At both sites, the participants with disabilities had a lower education level and had an increased risk of food insecurity. The pooled age-adjusted prevalence of lifetime sexual violence was 19.8% (95%CI:15.3–24.3) among women with disabilities and 11.7% (95%CI:9.3–14.1) among those without disabilities (ORap: 2.0, 95%CI:1.4–2.8). Women with cognitive limitations and those with visual impairments had the highest risk of sexual violence (ORap: 3.5 (95%CI:2.0–6.3) and 2.7 (95%CI:1.4–5.0), respectively). Over the life course, the risk of sexual violence was especially high among women with disabilities who had lived with an intimate partner before the age of 25 years (p < 0.001). Education level mediated approximately one-third of the total association between disability and sexual violence (p = 0.001). There was no evidence of an indirect effect through food insecurity. Conclusion This study provides evidence of the high burden of sexual violence among women with disabilities who live in urban African contexts. The social environment and access to education may be key contributors to this vulnerability.

High occurrence of food insecurity in young people attending a youth mental health service in regional Australia.

AimDespite the relationship between food insecurity and poor mental health, food insecurity in young people attending mental health services in Australia remains understudied. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and predictors of food insecurity, and the relationship with dietary factors in young people attending a mental health service.MethodsA cross‐sectional online survey was conducted in a sample of young people (15–25 years) who attended a mental health service in Launceston, Australia. The survey utilised a single‐item food insecurity screening tool and eight demographic, health and service use questions. Five questions determined self‐reported intake of fruit, vegetables, breakfast, water, sugar‐sweetened beverages and takeaway foods. Binary logistic regression determined predictors of food insecurity. Cross‐tabulations determined differences in dietary intake according to food security.ResultsOf survey respondents (n = 48; 68% female), 40% (n = 19) were food insecure. Respondents living out of home or in unstable accommodation were at significantly higher risk of food insecurity (odds ratio [OR]: 4.43; SE: 0.696; 95% CI: 1.13–17.34; p = 0.032) compared to those living with their parents. Those receiving government financial assistance (OR: 5.00; SE: 0.676; 95% CI: 1.33–18.81; p = 0.017) were also at significantly higher risk of food insecurity. Regardless of food security status, self‐reported intake of fruits, vegetables and breakfast were low, and respondents regularly consumed takeaway foods and sugar‐sweetened beverages.ConclusionsThere was a high occurrence of food insecurity and poor dietary intake in young people attending a youth mental health service demonstrating that initiatives to support access to healthy food in this group should be a priority, with potential benefits for mental health outcomes.