Relationship Of Food Insecurity Research Articles

308. Pandemic Effects: Stress and Food Insecurity in Relation to Maternal Cognitive Control Networks and Children’s Self-Regulation at 24 months

308. Pandemic Effects: Stress and Food Insecurity in Relation to Maternal Cognitive Control Networks and Children’s Self-Regulation at 24 months

The Relationship of Food Insecurity and Mental Health in Single-Parent Households: A Literature Review

The Relationship of Food Insecurity and Mental Health in Single-Parent Households: A Literature Review

Investigating the linkages between food insecurity, psychological distress, and poor sleep outcomes among U.S. college students.

Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that sleep is key to human health and wellbeing. Several factors likely contribute to sleep quality, including factors, such as food security and low income. In addition, exposure to structural inequalities early in life likely have downstream effects upon multiple dimensions of health. The objective of this study is to fill gaps in literature by specifically examining the associations between childhood food insecurity, current food insecurity, psychological distress, and sleep among college students. QR codes were randomly distributed to students, linking them to an online quantitative survey. The survey measured sociodemographic variables, food security (current and childhood), diet, mental distress, and sleep quality. A total of n = 134 completed the entire survey. Data were analyzed using binary and multiple linear regressions, as well as cross-tabulations. The findings revealed that psychological distress was the primary factor influencing sleep health (𝛽 = 1.51, p < .01). Students reporting higher childhood food insecurity were more likely to experience extreme psychological distress (OR = 4.61), food insecurity in college (OR = 8.41), and lack of stable housing (OR = 5.86). This study demonstrates that potential linkages exist between childhood food insecurity, poor sleep, and greater psychological distress. While acknowledging the contribution of other factors, the study highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity in relation to sleep health, considering the significant impact of sleep to overall health and wellbeing.

Examining neighborhood-level hot and cold spots of food insecurity in relation to social vulnerability in Houston, Texas.

Food insecurity is prevalent and associated with poor health outcomes, but little is known about its geographical nature. The aim of this study is to utilize geospatial modeling of individual-level food insecurity screening data ascertained in health care settings to test for neighborhood hot and cold spots of food insecurity in a large metropolitan area, and then compare these hot spot neighborhoods to cold spot neighborhoods in terms of the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index. In this cross-sectional secondary data analysis, we geocoded the home addresses of 6,749 unique participants screened for food insecurity at health care locations participating in CMS's Accountable Health Communities (AHC) Model, as implemented in Houston, TX. Next, we created census-tract level incidence profiles of positive food insecurity screens per 1,000 people. We used Anselin's Local Moran's I statistic to test for statistically significant census tract-level hot/cold spots of food insecurity. Finally, we utilized a Mann-Whitney-U test to compare hot spot tracts to cold spot tracts in relation to the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index. We found that hot spot tracts had higher overall social vulnerability index scores (P <0.001), higher subdomain scores, and higher percentages of individual variables like poverty (P <0.001), unemployment (P <0.001), limited English proficiency (P <0.001), and more. The combination of robust food insecurity screening data, geospatial modeling, and the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index offers a solid method to understand neighborhood food insecurity.

Food Security Status, WIC Participation, and Early Childhood Caries in a Nationally Representative Sample of Children.

Despite the potential role of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in mitigating the adverse effects of food insecurity on oral health, to our knowledge, no study has examined whether WIC participation could modify the association between food insecurity with caries in young children. Our aim was to investigate the impact of WIC participation in modifying the association between food insecurity and early childhood caries. This was a cross-sectional study. Using 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, children aged 2 through 5 years; with household income ≤185% of the Federal Poverty Level; and with data on WIC participation, food security, and dental examinations were included (n= 1,921). Food-security status and WIC participation were the study exposures. Total and untreated dental caries were the main outcome measures. Logistic regression examined associations of food security (household-level and child-level) and WIC participation with odds of caries. Interactions between food security and WIC participation were examined using multiplicative interaction terms. Marginal child food security was significantly related to higher odds of total caries in income-eligible WIC nonparticipants (odds ratio 1.92; 95% CI 1.07 to 3.46); however, this relationship was not observed in WIC participants. Furthermore, food insecurity was significantly associated with greater odds of untreated caries only among income-eligible WIC nonparticipants (odds ratio 1.79; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.85). In this sample of preschool-aged children, the relationship of food insecurity with caries differed by WIC participation status. Findings suggest that WIC participation could improve the oral health of income-eligible children with lower levels of food security.

Binge-Spectrum Eating Disorders, Mood, and Food Insecurity in Young Adults With Obesity.

Disordered eating is common but underrecognized in people with obesity and the relationship of food insecurity, mood, and binge-spectrum eating disorders has not been well addressed in samples with higher weight. Young adults are particularly vulnerable to developing disordered eating. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of food insecurity, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and loneliness among young adults (aged 18-35 years) who screened positive for binge-spectrum eating disorders (i.e., binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa), those with subthreshold forms of these disorders, and individuals who did not screen positive for these conditions. This was a cross-sectional study of young adults with a self-reported body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 from the United States who were recruited online. Participants (N = 1,331; M ± SD age = 28.0 ± 3.4 years; body mass index [BMI] = 36.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2; 73.9% male; 56.3% White) completed surveys that evaluated disordered eating behaviors, food insecurity, mood, and lifestyle factors. In the sample, 8.0% of participants screened positive for binge-spectrum eating disorder and 16.0% had probable subthreshold symptoms. Higher depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.03, 1.20], p = .01), perceived stress (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = [1.07, 1.19], p < .001), and food insecurity scores (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = [1.03, 1.21], p = .01) were associated with an increased likelihood of threshold binge-spectrum eating disorders. People with disordered eating should also be evaluated for mood disorders and food insecurity and vice versa. Further research is needed to evaluate interventions that address food insecurity and mood disorders, which may help to decrease disordered eating.

Hunger for change: Student food insecurity in Australia

Student food insecurity has been a major social problem across the world. Building on interview-based research, this paper examines students’ experiences of food insecurity in Melbourne during the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns. It places particular emphasis on young people’s agency and students’ ‘relational’ understanding of food insecurity. Students experienced food insecurity in relation to other domains of life, such as work and health. In addition, students understood food insecurity in relation to how they are positioned with respect to axes of social inequality and in relation to a wider food system. In developing these points, we offer reflection on ground-level social action and relationality relevant to geographical and wider social science understanding of progressive food activism.

Caregiver-reported household food insecurity and child-reported food insecurity in relation to eating disorder risk factors and symptoms among preadolescent children.

To examine the relation of caregiver-reported household food insecurity (FI) and child-reported FI with eating disorder (ED) risk factors and symptoms, including effect modification by gender, in preadolescent children. Data were from the Family Food Study, a cross-sectional study of households with incomes ≤200% of the federal poverty line in southeastern Michigan. Children aged 8-10 years (n= 194) and their female primary caregivers reported separately on FI status. Children reported ED risk factors/symptoms via the 24-item Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT-24), with higher scores indicating more ED risk factors/symptoms. Linear mixed models were used to examine associations between FI measures with the ChEAT-24 total score, plus subscale scores for dieting, food preoccupation, weight preoccupation, vomiting, and social pressure to eat/gain weight. Models were adjusted for child age, child gender, caregiver race/ethnicity, caregiver education, and household income. Among all children, child-reported FI, but not caregiver-reported household FI, was associated with more ED risk factors/symptoms. Child-reported FI (vs. no FI) was associated with higher average ChEAT-24 total score (β=2.41, 95% CI: 0.57, 4.25). Child-reported FI was also associated with more food preoccupation, more weight preoccupation, and more social pressure to eat. Caregiver-reported household FI was marginally associated with less dieting in girls, and child-reported FI was associated with more dieting in boys. Child-reported FI may be more salient than caregiver-reported household FI as a risk factor for ED-related outcomes in preadolescent children. Gender may modify the association between FI and dieting behavior. More child-reported food insecurity, but not parent-reported household food insecurity, was associated with more eating disorder risk factors and symptoms among preadolescent boys and girls. These findings emphasize the need for future studies that investigate the role of food insecurity in the development of eating disorders, especially studies that measure child-reported experience of food insecurity.

The color and gender of hunger: analysis of food insecurity from an intersectional gaze

The aim of this study is to analyze home food (in)security via intersectionality. The data are from the cross-sectional study Quality of the Urban Environment of Salvador - QUALISalvador, conducted from 2018 to 2020 in Salvador, Bahia State, Brazil. A structured questionnaire and the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale were used. A total of 14,713 households were analyzed. The outcome variable was the situation of food security: mild, moderate, or severe food insecurity. The exposure of interest variable was the intersection of the variables self-declared race/color and gender: white man, white woman, black man, black woman. Multinominal logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between exposure of interest and outcome, adjusted for socioeconomic variables and stratified according to education level and per capita family income. Households lead by black women had a higher chance of experiencing mild (OR = 1.39; 95%CI: 1.15-1.68; p = 0.001) and moderate or severe (OR = 1.94; 95%CI: 1.49-2.52; p < 0.001) food insecurity in relation to households lead by white men. They also had a higher chance of experiencing moderate or severe food insecurity in all levels of education and in the ranges of up to 1/2 minimum wage and > 1 minimum wage. When the person responsible for the household was a black man, the greatest chance for this condition was in the > 1 minimum wage. Food insecurity in households lead by black women, even in socioeconomically favorable conditions, is revealed as one of the consequences of the structural interaction of racism and sexism.

A developmental lens on food insecurity: the role of children in the household and age groups on food insecurity impacting mental health

Objectives: The current study investigates the differential coping strategies and mental health consequences of food insecurity in relation to period of the lifespan (middle vs. late adulthood) and household composition (living with vs. without children). Method: Using a cross-sectional design, food-related coping strategies, anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (WHO-5) were compared among the following groups: middle adults with vs. without children, and middle adults without children vs. late adults without children. Predictive models using hierarchical linear regression examined the main effects of age and household composition with food insecurity predicting mental health; additionally, the interaction of food insecurity with age and household composition was tested in a separate model. Results: Middle-adults with and without children share similar frequencies in levels of food insecurity and coping strategies, which were significantly higher than late adults. Conclusion: The link between food insecurity and depression was stronger for middle-adults without children than late adults. Food insecurity was a stronger predictor of anxiety for middle-adults with children than those without.

Household food insecurity and children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the United States: the Healthy Communities Study.

To examine associations between household food insecurity and children's physical activity and sedentary behaviours. Secondary analysis was conducted on the Healthy Communities Study, an observational study from 2013 to 2015. Household food insecurity was assessed by two items from the US Department of Agriculture's 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module. Physical activity was measured using the 7-d Physical Activity Behaviour Recall instrument. Data were analysed using multilevel statistical modelling. A total of 130 communities in the USA. In sum, 5138 US children aged 4-15 years. No associations were found for the relationship between household food insecurity and child physical activity. A significant interaction between household food insecurity and child sex for sedentary behaviours was observed (P = 0·03). Additional research capturing a more detailed assessment of children's experiences of food insecurity in relation to physical activity is warranted. Future studies may consider adopting qualitative study designs or utilising food insecurity measures that specifically target child-level food insecurity. Subsequent research may also seek to further explore sub-group analyses by sex.

Prevalence of food security in the UK measured by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale.

BackgroundMeasurement of UK food insecurity has historically been inconsistent, making it difficult to understand trends. This study contributes by reporting and analysing data from a national survey conducted in line with UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommendations and standard methods, providing an internationally comparable pre-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) snapshot of food insecurity.MethodsData came from a nationally representative 2019 UK sample (N = 2000) surveyed by Ipsos-Mori. Prevalence of food insecurity was assessed using the UN FAO Food Insecurity Experience Scale. Logistic regression was used to model food insecurity in relation to geographic and socio-demographic variables.ResultsSevere food insecurity was reported by 3% of the sample, an increase of 66.7% over the last directly comparable UK analysis (Gallup World Poll data from 2016 to 2018). Indication of some degree of food insecurity was reported by 14.2% of the sample and tended to be higher amongst younger age groups, those on lower incomes, and home renters (as opposed to owners). No geographic variables were significantly associated with food insecurity prevalence.ConclusionsThe finding that prevalence of severe food insecurity was already increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic, across all areas of the UK, is cause for concern. Our results provide an important benchmark for assessing the impact of COVID-19 on food insecurity.

Female sex and food insecurity in relation to self-reported poor or fair mental health in Canadian adults: a cross-sectional study using national survey data.

Background:Women with food insecurity are at higher risk for mental health disorders. This study examined the joint effect of female sex and food insecurity on self-reported poor or fair mental health in Canadian adults.Methods:The analysis was based on data from adults (age ≥ 18 yr) who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 2015–2016. We determined past-year food security level (secure, moderately insecure or severely insecure) based on 18 questions. We used log-binomial regression to explore associations of sex and food insecurity with self-reported poor or fair mental health. We measured additive interaction between female sex and food insecurity using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).Results:The overall response rate for the CCHS was 59.5%. Data for 61 446 respondents were analyzed. Poor or fair mental health was reported by 4107 participants (6.1% when weighted to the Canadian population). Increased risk of poor or fair mental health was associated with female sex (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 1.31), and moderate (PR 2.50, 95% CI 2.21 to 2.82) and severe (PR 4.03, 95% CI 3.59 to 4.52) food insecurity. Significant additive interaction between female sex and severe food insecurity was found for those aged 40–64 years (RERI 1.38, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.47), and the PR for poor or fair mental health for severely food-insecure women was 5.55 (95% CI 4.48 to 6.89) compared to food-secure men of the same age group.Interpretation:Poor or fair mental health is common in the food-insecure population, and there exists synergism between female sex and severe food insecurity among middle-aged people. This suggests the need to develop targeted mental health support strategies for food-insecure people, specifically middle-aged women.

Food insecurity in relation to governance in Uganda

Aim: The study aimed to analyze the causes of food insecurity in relation to governance citing possible solutions to combat it and improve the population’s livelihood.Method: This exploratory study adopts qualitative research methods through documentary review to elicit relevant information from the existing laws in Uganda that solve food insecurity and governance issue through relevant government institutions. The study uses interpretive analysis and analytical methods to analyze data.Findings: The governing institutions have not effectively solved issues that contribute to food insecurity through deforestation and land disputes, among others. A few individuals in these relevant institutions gain from Instabilities that increase refugee movement at the national expense. All these issues can be resolved through alternative financing that will create employment for families and improve food security in a healthy, nutritious way. This is one of the studies that suggest incorporating alternative banking and finance models suitably to reduce food insecurity and ethically improve governance in Uganda.Implications/Novel Contribution: This study contributes to the literature on how government revenue can be increased, governance improved, and food security combated and reducing unemployment through partnerships.

Food Insecurity, Diet Quality, Home Food Availability, and Health Risk Behaviors Among Emerging Adults: Findings From the EAT 2010-2018 Study.

Objectives. To examine emerging adults' experiences of food insecurity in relation to measures of diet quality, food literacy, home food availability, and health behaviors.Methods. We used EAT 2010-2018 (Eating and Activity over Time) study data on 1568 participants who completed surveys as adolescents in 2009 to 2010 and follow-up surveys in 2017 to 2018 (mean age = 22.0 ±2.0 years; 58% female). At baseline, participants were recruited from 20 urban schools in Minneapolis-St Paul, Minnesota. Food insecurity was defined by emerging adult report of both eating less than they thought they should and not eating when hungry because of lack of money.Results. The prevalence at follow up of experiencing food insecurity in the past year was 23.3% among emerging adults. Food insecurity was associated with poorer diet quality (e.g., less vegetables and whole grains, more sugar-sweetened drinks and added sugars), lower home availability of healthy foods, skipping breakfast, frequently eating at fast-food restaurants, binge eating, binge drinking, and substance use (all P < .01).Conclusions. Assistance programs and policies are needed to address food insecurity among emerging adults and should be coordinated with other services to protect health.

Food and nutrition status of households with women living with HIV in Uganda

This study utilised a national dataset collected from women living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda to understand the Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) status among their households. Descriptive analytical methods were employed to characterise the households in relation to selected domains of FNS- access and utilization. Overall, results indicate that majority (69.3%) of the women in the sample had a normal BMI which could imply good food utilization and thus good FNS and; 22.1% were above the normal range, which could imply they were overweight. However, this may not be entirely true as one could have a normal BMI but have a “hidden hunger” which relates to micronutrient deficiencies. Given the status of the women under study especially those on antiretroviral drugs side effects of weight gain may be experience which could be misconceived as “good nutrition”. Female headed households were reported to be more vulnerable to FNS given the registered low dietary and higher shares of food expenditure on incomes. Similarly, households in the central and western regions reported better physical food access but poor economic food access while the reverse was true for the households in the Northern region. Ironically, urban households registered a low food insecurity in relation to share of food expenditure. As such, it is recommended that intervention strategies for improving food and nutrition security among vulnerable groups should not be a “blanket” or uniform but some categories should be given priority; for instance, HIV+ headed households and urban households.

FOOD INSECURITY AND COST-RELATED MEDICATION NON-ADHERENCE IN OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Food insecurity (FI) is defined as having limited access to nutritional and safe foods due to lack of financial resources and is believed to negatively influence health outcomes. Older adults, in particular, face rising healthcare costs and may be forced to choose between purchasing prescribed medications and using their limited financial resources for basic needs, such as food. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the relationship of food insecurity (FI) and cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) in older adults living in the community setting. A comprehensive, electronic review of the literature was performed. Criteria for inclusion were original quantitative or qualitative research, written in English, human participants ≥60 years, and published from January 2000 through January 2019. The total number of studies included was six. Main findings from the studies largely indicate that FI and CRN are significantly and positively correlated in older adults living in American communities. Further, CRN increases with the severity of FI. Most participants in these six studies were female, non-Hispanic white, with an annual household income <20k, and with less than a high school education. Although preliminary evidence is promising, research with more rigorous design is warranted to better understand the relationship of FI and CRN in older adults, and to develop appropriate interventions and programs for this growing public health concern.

Assessment of ecosystem services in the Wildlife Reserve of Togodo (South East of Togo, West Africa) and vulnerability-adaptation of surrounding communities to climate variability and change effects

This study aims at contributing to the vulnerability and adaptation to climate changes (CC) analysis of bordering communities of Togodo Reserve, in order to enhance their resilience. Specifically, the present study attempted to (i) identify the climatic hazards of the WRT; (ii) determine the impacts of climate variability and change on their livelihoods; (iii) assess the socio-economic vulnerability of these communities to food insecurity in relation to CC; and (iv) identify indigenous adaptation strategies to control the effects of CC. The methodological approach used is based on a factual research and a field investigation. The investigation is conducted in two villages around the reserve, namely Deve and Gbohoule. The results showed that climate variability and change were appreciated in different indicators by the local communities living around the WRT: Droughts, flooding, high winds and temperature increase with severe consequences on the communities (famine, destruction of tangible and intangible properties, loss of human life, populations’ migration). The communities are aware that humans are responsible for these events that have become recurrent from 2007 and occur almost every year. According to them, the causes of climate changes are deforestation (due to overexploitation of timber, fuelwood and shifting agriculture), bush fires, rapid increase in population, anger of gods due to irregularities of sacrifices and violations of customs. The communities are vulnerable to main climatic hazards and suffered from food insecurity. The factorial correspondence analysis (FCA)) carried out shows that the perception of the degree of exposure of households to risks depends on their standard of livelihood. Facing these climate events, the populations develop many adaptive strategies of which most are consistent with the national orientations and strategies. These adaptive strategies must be reinforced and supported in order to reduce the vulnerability of these populations to climate changes. Key words: Climate variability and change, communities, livelihood, vulnerability and adaptation, Wildlife Reserve of Togodo.

Child Food Insecurity and Neighborhood Food Environment in Relation to Academic Performance and Behavior Problems Among a National Sample of Kindergarten Children (OR02-04-19)

Abstract Objectives This study assessed food insecurity in relation to academic performance and behavior problems among kindergarten children from low-income families and the moderating effect of neighborhood food access (NFE). Methods Dataset of ECLS-K:2011, a nationally representative sample of kindergarten children attending elementary schools in 2010–2011 is linked to the 2010 Food Access Research Atlas based on census tract identifier. The analysis was restricted to 6460 children participating in the spring kindergarten assessment in families at or below 200% federal poverty level (FPL). Based on the USDA-validated Food Security Scale in the parent interview, food insecurity (FI) was defined as &gt;3 affirmative responses to child-specific questions. Direct assessments of academic performance were administered; scaled scores were based on item response theory. Teachers reported internalizing/externalizing behavior problems with the Social Skills Rating System. Food desert was defined as a low-income census tract with at least 500 people and/or 33% of the population living &gt;1 mile (urban) or &gt;10 miles (rural) from the nearest supermarket. Survey regression analyses accounted for complex sampling design. Results 11.6% of low-income children were food insecure. 19% lived in food deserts. Children with FI had lower scores for reading (b = −1.23, SE = 0.59, P = 0.039) and math (b = −1.43, SE = 0.56, P = 0.011), than children without FI, with no moderating effect of NFE. No differences existed in behavior problems by FI status, accounting for demographic variables. NFE significantly moderated the relation between FI and externalizing behavior (b = 0.16, SE = 0.07, P = 0.033). Among children living in food deserts, those with FI had higher externalizing behaviors (b = 1.04, SE = 0.06, P = 0.024) than those without FI. FI was not related to externalizing behavior among children not living in food deserts. Conclusions Child food insecurity among kindergartners is associated with low academic performance regardless of food access, and externalizing behaviors among children in food deserts. Efforts to reduce food insecurity among families of young children may promote academic performance, and strategies to incorporate healthy food into convenience stores in food deserts may prevent behavior problems. Funding Sources NICHD.

Food insecurity in relation to obesity in peri-urban Cape Town, South Africa: Implications for diet-related non-communicable disease

In urban informal areas of South Africa, obesity and hunger represent two sides of food insecurity. Despite this, public health and clinical obesity interventions focus on nutrition education, implying dietary choice and thereby overlooking food insecurity. The objective of this paper is to explore peri-urban residents' perspectives of changing food environments, framed by the Food Aid Organization (FAO) definition of food security and demonstrating the interconnectedness of dimensions of food security. We conducted three-part in-depth interviews with 21 participants and nine focus group discussions with a total of 57 participants, consisting primarily of women aged 20–84, in a peri-urban township and informal settlement outside of Cape Town, South Africa. Participants' encounters in clinical settings framed choice as a driver of diet-related non-communicable disease (NCD). Yet participants lacked economic access to food, particularly at the end of the month. Diets consisted of fewer green leafy vegetables relative to their diets in rural areas, despite affirming a preference for these foods. They described consuming more meat, which was also perceived as unhealthy. Based on self-report, residents within this peri-urban area of South Africa were food insecure: they lacked access to food at specific times of the month, they were unable to consume foods they preferred, and they felt that their diets were neither nutritious nor enabled an active and healthy life. When viewed in terms of multiple facets of food security, participants’ concurrent experiences of hunger and obesity were unsurprising. Health interventions related to diet should incorporate an understanding of food security as shaped by the interactions of access, availability, utilization and stability.