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Logie CH, Lys C, Sokolovic N, Malama K, Mackay KI, McNamee C, Lad A, Kanbari A. Examining Pathways from Food Insecurity to Safer Sex Efficacy Among Northern and Indigenous Adolescents in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Int J Behav Med 2024; 31:582-594. [PMID: 37410271 DOI: 10.1007/s12529-023-10195-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is a social determinant of health linked with elevated HIV exposure. Safer sex efficacy (SSE), the ability to navigate sexual decision-making and condom use, is an important marker of sexual wellbeing. Pathways from food insecurity to SSE are understudied, particularly among adolescents in Arctic regions who are at the nexus of food insecurity and sexual health disparities. We examined pathways from food insecurity to SSE among adolescents in the Northwest Territories (NWT), Canada. METHODS We implemented cross-sectional surveys with adolescents aged 13-18 recruited through venue-based sampling in 17 NWT communities. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to assess socio-demographic factors associated with food insecurity. We then conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) using maximum likelihood estimation to assess direct effects of food insecurity on SSE and indirect effects via resilience, depression, and relationship power inequity. We assessed both condom use SSE (e.g., confidence in using condoms) and situational SSE (e.g., SSE under partner pressure). RESULTS Most participants (n = 410) identified as Indigenous (79%) and 45% reported experiencing food insecurity. In SEM, we did not find a significant direct effect from food insecurity to SSE; however, we found indirect effects from food insecurity to condom use SSE through resilience and depression and from food insecurity to situational SSE through resilience. CONCLUSIONS Findings call for structural interventions to address food insecurity, alongside resilience-focused strategies that address the intersection of sexual and mental health. Sexual health strategies focused on individual behavior change are insufficient to address larger contexts of poverty among Northern youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen H Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment & Health, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Center for Gender &, Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Candice Lys
- Fostering Open eXpression among Youth (FOXY), 5029 57th Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Nina Sokolovic
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kalonde Malama
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kayley Inuksuk Mackay
- Fostering Open eXpression among Youth (FOXY), 5029 57th Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
| | - Clara McNamee
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anoushka Lad
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, 246 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda Kanbari
- Fostering Open eXpression among Youth (FOXY), 5029 57th Street, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada
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Green CD, Martinez AC, Becker SP. Examining ADHD and Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome Symptoms in Relation to Food Insecurity in Early Adolescents. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024:10.1007/s10802-024-01226-5. [PMID: 38967900 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-024-01226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 13.8 million U.S. households face food insecurity, which severely affects child development, with more than half of these households including children. Research links food insecurity to cognitive deficits and mental health challenges, highlighting the need for thorough understanding and intervention. Although existing studies have explored the association between food insecurity and internalizing symptomatology, less research has examined food insecurity in relation to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Further, no studies have explored the connection between food insecurity and cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS) symptoms, closely related to ADHD symptoms. Despite extant research linking CDS to environmental factors, empirical attention to its potential association with food insecurity is notably lacking. Additionally, adolescents, almost twice as likely as younger children to experience household food insecurity, are likely more aware and respond differently to challenges during this developmental period. Accordingly, this study investigated the unique associations of parent-, teacher-, and youth self-reported ADHD dimensions and CDS symptoms in relation to parent-reported food insecurity in early adolescents (N = 136, ages 10-12). Controlling for age, sex, race, and medication use, no informant's ratings of ADHD symptom dimensions were uniquely related to food insecurity. In contrast, higher parent-, teacher-, and youth self-reported CDS symptoms were uniquely associated with greater food insecurity. This finding was robust to additional control of family income for teacher- and youth self-reported CDS symptoms. These findings highlight the complex link between food insecurity and mental health, suggest a connection with CDS symptoms, and stress the need to address food insecurity as a public health priority, especially in early adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrin D Green
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA.
| | - Andrew C Martinez
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
| | - Stephen P Becker
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45229-3039, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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3
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Cho S. Child meal support program, food and nutrition insecurity, and health among Korean children. Nutr Health 2024:2601060241261437. [PMID: 38887061 DOI: 10.1177/02601060241261437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Korea's child meal support program (CMSP) aims to reduce food and nutrition insecurity (FNI) and improve health among children from low-income households. AIM We examined the impact of different types of CMSP on children's FNI and health in Korea, analyzing meal frequency and healthful food consumption (FNI), and general health and depression (health) among child meal card (CMC) and facility meal service (FMS) participants compared with nonparticipants. METHODS The 2018 Comprehensive Survey on Korean Children data were analyzed. Precisely, 847 children from low-income households aged 9-17 were categorized into CMC (n = 331), FMS (n = 209), and income-eligible nonparticipants (n = 307). Propensity score-weighted generalized linear models assessed CMSP's impact on FNI and health. Stratified generalized linear models examined heterogeneity in FNI-health associations by CMSP status. RESULTS CMC participants reported more frequent breakfast consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 0.662, p < 0.05) but poorer self-rated general health (OR = 1.890, p < 0.05); FMS participants were less likely to have three meals (OR = 1.814, p < 0.05), fruits and vegetables (OR = 2.194, p < 0.001), and protein-rich foods daily (OR = 1.695, p < 0.05) than nonparticipants. Health risks associated with healthful food consumption and meal frequency were more pronounced among CMC and FMS/nonparticipants, respectively. CONCLUSION CMSP had a limited impact on reducing FNI and improving health among children from low-income households. CMC appeared more effective than FMS in alleviating FNI, notwithstanding potential health concerns. Food assistance programs should seek comprehensive enhancements in children's food and nutrition security and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongha Cho
- Department of Social Welfare, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Social Welfare, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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4
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Chai L. Food insecurity as a mediator and moderator in the association between residential mobility and suicidal ideation among Indigenous adults in Canada. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:1073-1085. [PMID: 37907713 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite a growing body of literature on the link between residential mobility and suicidal ideation, research into potential mediating or moderating factors, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, is sparse. This study explores the mediating and moderating roles of food insecurity in the relationship between residential mobility and suicidal ideation in Indigenous Canadian adults. METHODS Data from the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, which represent a national sample of off-reserve First Nations peoples, Métis, and Inuit in Canada (N = 16,214), were analyzed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Food insecurity partially mediated the association between residential mobility in the past 5 years and increased suicidal ideation risk among Indigenous adults. Moreover, food insecurity intensified the adverse link between residential mobility during this same timeframe and suicidal ideation. Yet, while food insecurity did mediate the adverse relationship between residential mobility in the past year and suicidal ideation, it did not function as a moderator. CONCLUSION The results emphasize that food insecurity, as a systemic challenge, acts as both a partial mediator and, in some circumstances, an amplifier of the detrimental impacts of residential mobility on suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chai
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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5
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Pitcho S, Heller O, Chun Y, Schwartz-Tayri TM, Grinstein-Weiss M. Optimism in dire times: The buffering role of optimism in the relationship between food insecurity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30385. [PMID: 38720755 PMCID: PMC11076958 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the need to gain a deeper understanding of the protective factors associated with coping with food insecurity, specifically in times of severe prolonged stress, the current longitudinal study seeks to examine the role of optimism in the relationship between food insecurity and adverse mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A three-wave longitudinal study involving 1921 Israeli adults was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed questionnaires assessing food insecurity, anxiety, depression, optimism, and socio-demographic characteristics. To explore the relationship between food insecurity and symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as the moderating role of optimism in this relationship, we employed a set of panel regression models with individual fixed effects. Our results indicate that the degree and change in food insecurity over time were positively associated with both anxiety and depression symptoms, whereas the degree and change in optimism were negatively correlated. Optimism was found to moderate the association between food insecurity and anxiety symptoms over time, but not the association between food insecurity and depression symptoms. A subgroup analysis revealed that optimism moderated the relationship between food insecurity and anxiety and depression for women, but not for men; for married/coupled individuals but not for singles; for non-parents with regard to anxiety, and for parents with regard to depression. Our results highlight the need to practice and enhance optimism in times of great despair, uncertainty, and hardship, especially in situations of food insecurity where tangible change may take time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oren Heller
- Social Policy Institute (SPI) Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Yung Chun
- Social Policy Institute (SPI) Washington University in St. Louis, USA
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Chai L. Exploring the Impact of Length of Residence and Food Insecurity on Weight Status Among Canadian Immigrants. Am J Health Promot 2024:8901171241246842. [PMID: 38621955 DOI: 10.1177/08901171241246842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE While the individual impacts of long-term residence and food insecurity on overweight/obesity are well-documented, their combined effect on immigrants' weight status is less understood. This study examines the interaction between length of residence and food insecurity in predicting overweight/obesity among immigrants and investigates whether this relationship is gender-specific. DESIGN A national cross-sectional survey. SETTING The 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey. SUBJECTS Immigrants aged 18 and older (N = 13 680). MEASURES All focal variables were self-reported. ANALYSIS Logistic regression models were employed. RESULTS Long-term immigrants were more likely to report overweight/obesity than their short-term counterparts (OR = 1.39; P < .001). Moreover, immigrants from food-insecure households were at a higher risk of reporting overweight/obesity (OR = 1.27; P < .05) compared to those from food-secure households. The analysis further revealed that food insecurity exacerbated the detrimental association between length of residence and overweight/obesity in men (OR = 2.63; P < .01) but not in women (OR = .66; P > .05). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that long-term immigrant men may be especially susceptible to the compounded chronic stressors of extended residence and food insecurity. Health professionals and policymakers should advocate for psychosocial resources to help mitigate these adverse effects and support the well-being of immigrant populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chai
- Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
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7
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Al-Amin NS, McBryde-Redzovic A, Gutierrez-Kapheim M, Mitchell UA. COVID-Related Stressors and Psychological Distress Among Chicago Residents: the Moderating Role of Race. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:598-610. [PMID: 36877378 PMCID: PMC9987389 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and have experienced greater financial loss, housing instability, and food insecurity due to COVID-related restrictions. As a result, Black and Hispanic communities may be at greater risk of experiencing psychological distress (PD). METHODS Using data collected between October 2020 and January 2021from 906 Black (39%), White (50%), and Hispanic (11%) adults, we assessed racial/ethnic differences in the effect of three COVID-related stressors-employment stress, housing instability, and food insecurity-on PD using ordinary least square regression. RESULTS Black adults reported lower PD levels compared to White adults (β = - 0.23, P < 0.001), but Hispanic adults did not differ significantly from White adults. COVID-related housing instability (β = 0.46, P < 0.001), food insecurity (β = 0.27, P < 0.001), and employment stress (β = 0.29, P < 0.001) were associated with higher PD. Employment stress was the only stressor to differentially affect PD by race/ethnicity. Among those that reported employment stress, Black adults had lower levels of distress compared to Whites (β = - 0.54, P < 0.001) and Hispanics (β = - 0.04, P = 0.85). CONCLUSION Despite relatively high exposure to COVID-related stressors, Black respondents had lower levels of PD compared to Whites and Hispanics which may reflect differences in race-specific coping mechanisms. Future research is needed to elucidate the nuances of these relationships and identify policies and interventions that prevent and minimize the impact of employment, food, and housing-related stressors and support coping mechanisms that promote mental health among minority populations, such as policies that support easier access to mental health and financial and housing assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia S Al-Amin
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Aminah McBryde-Redzovic
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melissa Gutierrez-Kapheim
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Uchechi A Mitchell
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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8
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Liebe RA, Porter KJ, Adams LM, Hedrick VE, Serrano EL, Cook N, Misyak SA. "I'm Doing the Best that I Can": Mothers Lived Experience with Food Insecurity, Coping Strategies, and Mental Health Implications. Curr Dev Nutr 2024; 8:102136. [PMID: 38645883 PMCID: PMC11031732 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Food insecurity can have lasting physical and mental health consequences. The experience of food insecurity within a household may disproportionately impact mothers because they tend to manage the household food environment. Objective This study sought to understand the stresses faced by United States mothers experiencing food insecurity, related coping mechanisms, and the impacts of these stressors on their mental health. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted in May and June 2022 with a purposive sample of Virginia mothers who reported experiences of food insecurity. Participants were recruited from a related survey and university and community LISTSERVs. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed by trained coders. A thematic analysis was conducted to describe themes that emerged from the data. Virtual interviews were 20-60 min in duration. Mothers with children living in their household, having experienced food insecurity, and living in Virginia were eligible. Results The following 3 themes emerged from the interviews with the mothers (n = 15): 1) food insecurity added stress to mothers' lives in multiple ways (e.g. worry about obtaining the "right" foods and internalized or experienced stigma), 2) mothers used positive and negative coping strategies to address the impacts of these stressors (e.g. use of community resources and reduced personal food intake), and 3) the stressors and coping strategies had varying impacts on mothers' mental health (e.g. added to existing mental health challenges or reduced their mental capacity to make changes). Conclusions Study findings suggest that a multilevel and tailored approach to address diverse stressors is warranted. Future research should explore emotional coping strategies that comprehensively empower mothers to manage stressors, leverage resources, and reduce social stigma associated with food insecurity and accessing nutrition and mental health assistance. This may improve their household food security and mitigate the burden of stressors on their mental health because system-level solutions to food insecurity are pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Liebe
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Kathleen J Porter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Christiansburg, VA, United States
| | - Leah M Adams
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Valisa E Hedrick
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Elena L Serrano
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- The Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Nutrition Program, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Natalie Cook
- Department of Population Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Sarah A Misyak
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- The Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Nutrition Program, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Poor diet and food insecurity contribute to the dramatic rise in diet-related chronic disease and increasing cost of healthcare. The Food as Medicine (FAM) framework describes food-based interventions designed to prevent, manage, and treat diet-related diseases. However, FAM interventions have not been widely implemented or evaluated in pediatric populations, so critical questions remain about their optimal delivery and design, efficacy, and funding opportunities. We have reviewed the recent literature and offer insights into potential funding and implementation strategies for pediatric healthcare providers. RECENT FINDINGS Data from adult and population-level interventions provide evidence that FAM interventions positively impact diet quality, food security, health outcomes, and healthcare utilization and cost in adults and households with children. Evidence from recent pediatric-based FAM interventions and population data from recent changes to federal nutrition programs support the use of food-based interventions to improve child diet quality, food insecurity, and potentially impact long-term health and healthcare utilization and cost. SUMMARY Applying the entire spectrum of evidence-based FAM interventions in pediatric settings from prenatal to adolescent stages will offer the greatest opportunity to ensure all children have access to enough healthful food so they can achieve their highest potential in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fischer
- Children's National Hospital, General and Community Pediatrics, Washington, DC
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Hemen Muleta
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Pediatric Hospital Medicine
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Bronx, New York
| | - Kofi Essel
- Children's National Hospital, General and Community Pediatrics, Washington, DC
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia
- Elevance Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Pike Moore S, Gunzler DD, Spears CA, Shaikh NI, Kim-Mozeleski JE. Longitudinal experience of food insecurity & cigarette use in the early COVID-19 Pandemic, United States. Prev Med Rep 2024; 38:102624. [PMID: 38375176 PMCID: PMC10874846 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity is associated with cigarette smoking, yet little is known about how variability in the experience of food insecurity may relate to patterns of cigarette use. We sought to examine patterns of food insecurity and cigarette use during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020-March 2021). We analyzed longitudinal survey data from a nationally representative panel of adults in the United States (N = 7,880) from the Understanding Coronavirus in America Study. The primary independent variable was ten trajectories of food insecurity. Our dependent variable was past 7-day cigarette use (count of days used cigarettes). Poisson regression using generalized estimating equations was run controlling for key covariates. The prevalence of cigarette use on at least one day in the past week was lowest (17.5 %) for those who Remained Food Secure, and highest (57.9 %) among those who Became Fully Food Insecure, a group characterized by having high probability of becoming food insecure during the study period. Among those who reported at least one day of cigarette use in the past week, fewer than half (40.1 %) reported sustained use across all waves of the study. Those who Became Fully Food Insecure had an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.73 (95 % CI: 1.18, 2.54) compared to those who Remained Food Secure with respect to number of smoking days. While different patterns of food insecurity are related to cigarette smoking at the population level, these results highlight that food insecurity, a key social need, may represent a novel strategy for informing reduction of tobacco use disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pike Moore
- Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Douglas D. Gunzler
- Center for Health Care Research and Policy, Case Western Reserve University at MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Claire A. Spears
- Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nida I. Shaikh
- Department of Nutrition, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing & Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jin E. Kim-Mozeleski
- Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Lee Y, Yoon H, Kim T, Jung H. Food Insecurity during the Pandemic in South Korea: The Effects of University Students' Perceived Food Insecurity on Psychological Well-Being, Self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction. Foods 2023; 12:3429. [PMID: 37761140 PMCID: PMC10528267 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the impact of university students' perceptions of food insecurity on psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction and observed that the students' gender plays a moderating role in this causal relationship, based on a total of 491 university students who participated in this empirical study. This study used SPSS (Version 22.0) and AMOS (Version 20.0) for the analyses. This study examines the structural relationship of this causal model. Our findings suggest that students' perceived food insecurity negatively affects the status of their psychological well-being and self-efficacy. However, contrary to expectations, perceived food insecurity has no negative effects on students' life satisfaction. In addition, the level of students' psychological well-being positively influences their life satisfaction, while self-efficacy does not. The moderating effects of gender differences in this research were also disclosed. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoojin Lee
- Smart Education Platform, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (Y.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Hyehyun Yoon
- Department of Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management, College of Hotel & Tourism Management, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Taehee Kim
- Smart Education Platform, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (Y.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Hyosun Jung
- Center for Converging Humanities, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Lu I, Welle E, Sadeghzadeh CJ, Harnack LJ, Perez-Velazco X, De Marco M, Pratt R, Caspi C. Experiences of Parents Earning Low Wages in Raleigh, North Carolina: Compounding Effects of Caretaker Responsibility, Piecemeal Resources, and Lack of Economic Opportunities. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2023; 19:600-618. [PMID: 39081553 PMCID: PMC11286216 DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2023.2195578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
We conducted interviews with parents earning low wages to understand their experiences related to financial responsibilities and use of government and informal resources in Raleigh, North Carolina. Inadequate economic opportunities and assistance programs, and high costs of living, compounded into cycles of playing catch up on expenses. Assistance programs aimed at alleviating hardships related to poverty were described as piecemeal. We found that social and economic systems failed to support parents earning low wages. Our findings suggest that ordinances that assure a livable minimum wage paired with expansions of safety net programs could better meet the needs these parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Lu
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Emily Welle
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Claire Jon Sadeghzadeh
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Lisa J Harnack
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Ximena Perez-Velazco
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Molly De Marco
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Rebekah Pratt
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Caitlin Caspi
- Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, University of Connecticut, United States; Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, United States
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Story CR, Smith EA, Harvey IS, Thareja G, Hayes J. Exploration of how emotional social support predicts food insecurity among college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022:1-5. [PMID: 36191557 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2128680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity has broad detrimental impacts on college students, including failing grades, depression, and social disconnection. Social disconnection is concerning as students often use various support resources to manage food insecurity. Racial disparities in food insecurity are well documented in the literature. The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between constructs of emotional support and food insecurity among African American and White students. A validated electronic survey based on the Sense of Support Scale and the U.S. Food Security Scale was utilized for the study. Results indicated that specific constructs of emotional social support were associated with food insecurity (OR: 3.778; p = .011); (OR: -2.116; p = .036). Students who reported strong emotional ties were more likely to experience food insecurity (OR = - 3.837, p = .044). Findings implicate further campus outreach to all students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra R Story
- Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ann Smith
- Nutrition and Food Science, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Garvita Thareja
- Health Professions, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Jasmine Hayes
- Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
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