Past Food Insecurity Research Articles

The Design and Testing of a Text Message for Use as an Informational Nudge in a Novel Food Insecurity Intervention

Food insecurity is an ongoing problem in the U.S. with implications for health problems and social disadvantages. Past food insecurity intervention studies have targeted barriers to accessing healthy food. However, information barriers have not been adequately addressed by food insecurity interventions. This research included the first phase of a two-phase feasibility study that involved testing a text message as an informational nudge through interviews among a small, preliminary sample of adults in the southwest U.S. (n = 10). Interview questions focused on the message content, persuasiveness, relevancy, clarity, and details that participants liked and disliked. A qualitative content analysis of interview responses then highlighted any necessary modifications to the text message. Interview responses highlighted that the message conveyed details about how to access food assistance resources. The message was perceived as informative, clear, and friendly. Participants highlighted the need for better spacing in the message layout, more details about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and a better explanation for why SNAP is relevant. Text message readability, relevancy, and informativeness were common concerns raised during interviews. Participant-informed modifications to the text message were applied in preparation for using the message in a food insecurity intervention. This research is a novel contribution to the extant literature on nudges, as no known intervention study has used informational nudges to exclusively promote food security. Future food insecurity research efforts should similarly test novel interventions to ensure the intervention is acceptable and relevant for the target population.

Food Insecurity Measurement: Stakeholder Comparisons of the EU-SILC and HFSSM Indicators and Considerations Towards the Usefulness of a Headline Indicator

Prior to the February 2019 announcement that the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) will be used to estimate household food insecurity, there has not been a standardised measurement approach used in the United Kingdom (UK). Measurement has instead been somewhat inconsistent, and various indicators have been included in national and regional surveys. There remains a gap relating to the comparative usefulness of current and past food insecurity measures used in Northern Ireland (NI) (HFSSM; European Union-Survey of Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC) food deprivation questions), and the potential usefulness of a headline indicator similar to that used to measure fuel poverty. This study presents findings from Northern Ireland (NI) stakeholder interviews (n = 19), which examined their perspectives on food insecurity measures which have previously been or are currently, or could potentially, be used in the UK/NI (HFSSM; EU-SILC food deprivation questions; headline indicator). Interview transcripts were coded using QSR NVivo (v.12) and inductively analysed to identify relevant themes. Stakeholders preferred the HFSSM to the EU-SILC, reasoning that it is more relevant to the food insecurity experience. A headline indicator for food insecurity was considered useful by some; however, there was consensus that it would not fully encapsulate the food insecurity experience, particularly the social exclusion element, and that it would be a complex measure to construct, with a high degree of error. This research endorses the use of the HFSSM to measure food insecurity in the UK, and provides recommendations for consideration of any future modification of the HFSSM or EU-SILC measurement instruments.

Patient perceptions of the relationship between food insecurity and eating disorder treatment: A qualitative exploration.

Independently, food insecurity (FI) and binge-spectrum eating disorders (B-ED) are widespread problems; moreover, FI is associated with elevated binge-eating symptoms. However, extant research has not explored how FI may contribute to the development of B-ED symptoms, nor potential impacts of FI on eating disorder treatment. This study aimed to qualitatively examine (1) mechanisms by which FI impacts B-ED development and maintenance, (2) effects of past and/or present FI on ED treatment, and (3) participant recommendations for addressing FI in future B-ED treatment. Fourteen individuals who completed B-ED treatment and endorsed FI completed a 30-min interview about their experiences. Participants reported that FI contributed to binge eating by maintaining dietary restraint-binge-eating cycle and by leading them to use food as a coping mechanism or for emotional comfort, both in past and present situations. Present FI interfered with treatment, particularly with adhering to treatment recommendations and food purchasing choices, however, participants did not report any impact of past FI on B-ED treatment. Participants reported that rarely was FI addressed as part of treatment; most participants suggested that future treatments work to (1) assess and problem solve present FI to minimize interference and (2) assess and understand the influence of past FI on current symptoms to validate the function of behavior. These findings provide qualitative support that FI may reinforce B-ED symptoms and present FI may interfere with treatment. This study emphasizes the need for assessment and consideration of FI as a factor when treating individuals with B-EDs.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Anticipated Food Scarcity Scale (AFSS)

Mass media extensively inform societies about events threatening the global food supply (e.g., pandemics or Brexit). Consumers exposed to such communication may perceive food resources as becoming scarcer. In line with an evolutionary account, these perceptions can shift decision-making in domains such as food preferences or prosociality. However, existing literature has solely focused on actual and past food insecurity experiences threatening mostly low-income families, thus neglecting the future-oriented perceptions among the general population. This paper broadens the food insecurity research scope by developing a new construct—anticipated food scarcity (AFS)—which is defined as the perception that food resources are becoming less available (in the future). We have developed and psychometrically validated the 8-item Anticipated Food Scarcity Scale (AFSS) in eight studies (N = 1333). The 8-item AFSS is unidimensional and has good psychometric qualities. The scale is sensitive to food scarcity cues and, therefore, can be used in experimental research. Moreover, its relatively narrow set of items makes it an exceptionally potent tool for use in online surveys, field settings, and lab studies. Taken together, the AFSS presents an alternative approach to food scarcity measurement in affluent societies and, consequently, can foster novel research on food waste, prosocial behaviors, and other similar topic areas.

Food Insecurity and Prediabetes among Adolescents Taking a School-based Survey.

Objectives: Food insecurity (FI) is a correlate of poor health throughout the life course. This study examines relationships between FI and reported prediabetes among middle-high school students taking a school-based survey. Methods: Data are from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 125,375). Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between youth past month FI and reported prediabetes in analyses adjusting for demographics, low quality dietary intake (fast food and sugar sweetened beverage), and cardiometabolic indicators (physical activity, sleep duration, body mass index). Analyses were stratified by youth race-ethnic identification. Results: Almost one in 20 youth reported past month FI. In fully adjusted models, the associations between youth FI and prediabetes differed by race-ethnic identification, and were robust to sociodemographic, diet, and cardiometabolic correlates for some groups (eg, NH black, African, African-American students [AOR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.12-3.14]; Hispanic, Latino/a students [AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.14-2.97]; and NH white students [AOR: 2.83, 95% CI: 2.14-3.73]). Conclusions: FI was associated with race-ethnic disparities in youth prediabetes. Tailored approaches to address food quality, access and other social drivers may reduce youth risk of prediabetes.

Both Current and Previous Experiences of Food Insecurity Are Associated with Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Ideation

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to examine the impacts of current and previous experiences of food insecurity on depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. Methods Data from the 2011–2017 Korea Welfare Panel Study were used. A total of 10,706 adults who completed a 6-item food security measurement during all seven waves was included in the analysis. Sociodemographic characteristics and suicide ideation were measured and depressive symptom was assessed using CESD-11. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine associations with food insecurity experiences and depressive symptoms and mental health. Results After adjusting sociodemographic characteristics, people ever experienced food insecurity for the last seven years had significantly higher odds of having depressive symptoms and suicide ideation than those never experienced food insecurity. Both current and previous experiences of food insecurity were positively associated with the odds of having depressive symptoms and suicide ideation. Prior experience of depressive symptoms and suicide ideation attenuated these associations. Conclusions This study showed that both current and previous experiences of food insecurity have negative impacts on current mental health. Policies and programs need to include not only people with current food insecurity but also those with past food insecurity to alleviate the lasting impact of food insecurity on mental health. Funding Sources Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs

Household Food Insecurity is Associated with Obesity in Mexican Children

Food insecurity has been found to be prevalent in obese individuals in different populations, but the information has been inconsistent. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to assess the association between household food insecurity and mother's food insecurity during her childhood with the presence of obesity in school‐aged children living in a rural community of Queretaro, Mexico. Weight, height and body composition (DEXA) were measured in 300 children (8.4 y ±1.5). Food insecurity was measured with a modified 17‐item version of the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA) and a 6‐item maternal past food insecurity scale. Prevalence and OR from a multinomial regression model were estimated. Overall, 60% of the children lived in a household with some degree of food insecurity and 90% of the mothers had past food insecurity during her childhood. Prevalence of severe food insecurity was significantly higher in children with obesity (20%), compared with children with overweight (6%) or normal weight (5%) (p<0.05). Children with food insecurity were four times more at risk of obesity than secure children (p<0.05). In this population, no association was found between maternal past food insecurity and childhood obesity (p=0.930). In conclusion, household food insecurity, but not mother's past food insecurity, is associated with obesity in Mexican children. This study contributes to a better understanding of the impact food insecurity might have in the health and nutritional status of children, which is essential for policy makers and program designers attending vulnerable populations.

Food insecurity is not associated with childhood obesity in Queretaro, Mexico

Food insecurity has been found in some populations among obese individuals. A cross-sectional study was done to examine the association of food insecurity with overweight and obesity in children 6–10y from Queretaro, Mexico. 100 overweight or obese children and 100 children with normal weight participated. Food insecurity was measured with a modified 17-item version of the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (ELCSA) and a 7-item maternal past food insecurity scale. Households were grouped into 4 categories based on the temporal occurrence of food insecurity. Children's height and weight were measured to determine BMI-for-age. Food insecurity without hunger was highly prevalent and similar in normal weight children (47%) and in overweight children (36%). No association was found between maternal past food insecurity and childhood obesity (4.9±2, for both groups). Results from multinomial regression analyses indicated that there was no significant risk of childhood obesity in households with food insecurity compared to households without food insecurity. Although food insecurity was not associated with obesity in this population, food insecurity and overweight coexist among these children.

Does Food Insecurity Influence Child Feeding Practices?

To determine whether food insecurity influences child feeding practices, a structured interview was conducted in a convenience sample of 87 low-income Latino and non-Latino white mothers of preschoolers in California. Current food insecurity, occurring in 34% of the families, was not associated with any child feeding practice. Greater past food insecurity was associated with less monitoring of sweets and snack foods (r = −0.27, P < 0.05). In a multiple regression model including past food insecurity, current household income, and mother's education, only the influence of mother's education remained marginally related to monitoring of sweets and snacks (β = +0.08, SE = 0.04, F-value = 4.4, P < 0.01, Adj R2 = 0.10).

Sex differences in fat storage, fat metabolism, and the health risks from obesity: possible evolutionary origins

Human beings are susceptible to sustained weight gain in the modern environment. Although both men and women can get fat, they get fat in different ways, and suffer different consequences. We review differences between men and women in the incidence of obesity, fat deposition patterns, fat metabolism, and the health consequences of obesity, and examine potential evolutionary explanations for these differences. Women generally have a larger proportion of body mass as fat, and are more likely to deposit fat subcutaneously and on their lower extremities; men are more likely to deposit fat in the abdominal region. Excess adipose tissue in the abdominal region, especially visceral fat, is associated with more health risks. Women have higher rates of reuptake of NEFA into adipose tissue; however, they also have higher rates of fat oxidation during prolonged exercise. Oestrogen appears to underlie many of these differences. Women bear higher nutrient costs during reproduction. Fat and fertility are linked in women, through leptin. Low leptin levels reduce fertility. Ovarian function of adult women is associated with their fatness at birth. In our evolutionary past food insecurity was a frequent occurrence. Women would have benefited from an increased ability to store fat in easily metabolisable depots. We suggest that the pattern of central obesity, more commonly seen in men, is not adaptive, but rather reflects the genetic drift hypothesis of human susceptibility to obesity. Female obesity, with excess adiposity in the lower extremities, reflects an exaggeration of an adaptation for female reproductive success.

Seasonal food insecurity and perceived social support in rural Tanzania

To examine whether the occurrence of seasonal food insecurity was related to ethnicity, household wealth and perceived social support, and to assess whether social support was more efficacious in protecting against food insecurity in wealthier households. Secondary objectives were to assess the association between past food insecurity, current dietary intake and perceived health. A sample of 208 randomly selected mothers from two ethnic groups living in the same villages in rural Tanzania participated in a cross-sectional survey. Food insecurity was highly prevalent in this area, particularly among the poorer ethnic group. Half of ethnically Sukuma households fell into the most food-secure category, compared with only 20% of ethnically Pimbwe households. Among both groups, measures of household wealth and social support were strongly associated with food security. Interestingly, social support appeared to be more effective among the wealthier ethnic group/community. Past food insecurity was also related to current indicators of dietary intake and women's self-perceptions of health. Greater social support is associated with food security, suggesting that it may protect against the occurrence of seasonal food insecurity. Social support also interacts with wealth to offer greater protection against food insecurity, suggesting that increasing wealth at the community level may influence food insecurity through both direct and indirect means. Seasonal food insecurity also appears to have lasting effects that likely create and reinforce poverty.

Development of a Tool to Assess Past Food Insecurity of Immigrant Latino Mothers

Objective The purpose is to describe the development and validation of a tool to measure the degree of past food insecurity in an immigrant US population. Design Focus group discussions and a structured interview. As a first step, focus group discussions were conducted among immigrant Latino mothers. Based on these discussions, an 8-item tool was developed and pilot-tested in a convenience sample of mothers. Setting California. Participants Twenty-two low-income Latino mothers with children, ages 4 to 5 years, in the focus groups and 85 low-income Latino and white mothers of young children in the structured interviews. Analyses Constant comparative analysis, Cronbach α, Spearman correlations, Chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results Internal consistency of the remaining 7 items was good (Cronbach α = 0.84). Evidence of convergent validity included significant correlations between past food insecurity and maternal education (r = -0.45, p<.0001), crowding in the mother’s childhood household (r = +0.30, p<.006), and past food insufficiency (r = +0.74, p<.0001). Foreign-born Latino mothers reported significantly greater levels of past food insecurity than US-born mothers, demonstrating discriminant validity (p<.01). Conclusions and Implications This tool may be useful to determine how past deprivation influences current food choices and other nutrition-related behaviors in low-income Latino immigrants.