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Stahacz C, Alwan NA, Taylor E, Smith D, Ziauddeen N. The impact of food aid interventions on food insecurity, diet quality and mental health in households with children in high-income countries: a systematic review. Public Health Nutr 2024; 27:e195. [PMID: 39364557 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980024001769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Households with children accessing food aid in high-income countries are often food insecure. We aimed to review the evidence on food aid interventions in households with children and impact on food insecurity, diet quality and mental health. DESIGN A systematic search was conducted using Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. Articles published from January 2008 to July 2022 including cross-sectional, cohort and interventional studies in high-income countries were eligible. SETTING Food aid is defined as the use of interventions providing free food items by community and/or charitable organisations. PARTICIPANTS Two-parent, lone parent or households with a primary caregiver with at least one child ≤ 18 years. RESULTS From a total of 10 394 articles, nine were included. Food banks, mobile pantry combined with a free meal for children, backpack provision during school term and food parcel home delivery interventions were evaluated. Food bank models offering additional support such as community programmes, health and social services, cooking classes and free meals for children, client-choice-based models and programmes providing convenient access were associated with improved food security and diet quality (increased intake of wholegrains, fruit and vegetables). One study reported an improvement in mental health and food bank access at the end of 18 months but not at earlier timepoints and one study reported no change in parents' mental health. CONCLUSIONS Accessing food aid was linked to improved diet quality and reduced food insecurity in some studies. Allowing clients to choose food items and providing support services were most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Stahacz
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nisreen A Alwan
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Elizabeth Taylor
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Dianna Smith
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
- School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Nida Ziauddeen
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, UK
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Chatmon J, Kuo T, Plunkett SW, Besnilian A, Robles B. Food insecurity and the consumption of plant-centered meals and high sodium foods among students at three large state universities. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-11. [PMID: 39303084 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2400568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Objective: To examine the associations between food insecurity and plant-centered meal consumption and other sodium-related dietary behaviors among university students. Methods: A web-based survey of students at three California state universities was conducted between August 2018 to May 2019. Multivariable logistic regressions examined the associations between food insecurity and four sodium-related dietary behaviors. Interaction terms were introduced to assess if race/ethnicity moderated these associations. Results: High food insecurity was associated with increased odds of reporting 'likely to order' plant-centered meals (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.16-2.05). Moderate food insecurity was associated with increased odds of frequently eating processed foods (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.13-1.74). No moderation effects were found for race/ethnicity. Conclusions: University students with high food insecurity appeared receptive to ordering plant-centered meals, whereas those with moderate food insecurity consumed more processed foods. State universities should encourage and offer more low-sodium, plant-centered meal options in their food venues, on- and off-campus, to promote student health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janae Chatmon
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Medical Education Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Tony Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Population Health Program, UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Scott W Plunkett
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Annette Besnilian
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Marilyn Magaram Center for Food Science, Nutrition, and Dietetics, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, California, USA
| | - Brenda Robles
- Department of Economics, University of Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Garratt EA, Jackson-Taylor C. Navigating household food insecurity and environmental sustainability on a low income: An exploration of Sheffield mothers. NUTR BULL 2024. [PMID: 39258404 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12706] [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] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
In 2023, 25% of adults in England, Wales and Northern Ireland experienced food insecurity. The concentration of food insecurity in both socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and households containing children raises concerns about its uneven nutritional and health impacts across different groups. In parallel with rising food insecurity over the past decade, concerns about the environmental consequences of human diets are intensifying, where urgent changes are needed to people's diets to avoid irreversible environmental damage. It is generally assumed that cost has a significant impact on people's ability to adopt more environmentally sustainable food practices. This UK Research Council-funded project seeks to gain insights into the ways in which low-income mothers (are able to) engage with environmentally sustainable food practices. RQ1 will examine the day-to-day food practices that mothers undertake for their families to offer insights into everyday food insecurity and the relevance of environmentally sustainable food practices. RQ2 will explore biographical experiences to highlight how mothers' life histories influence their familial food practices, including their current household food security and engagement with environmentally sustainable food practices. Finally, RQ3 will explore mothers' upcoming prospects of food insecurity and environmentally sustainable food practices. These research questions will be explored through a qualitative longitudinal, feminist study of 15 low-income mothers in Sheffield, UK, combining in-depth interviews with ethnographic elements. Gaining improved knowledge of mothers' food practices on a low income will be valuable to influence realistic, effective and meaningful philosophies, policies and practical action that prioritises equity, good nutrition and environmentally sustainable food practices.
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Hutchinson JM, Tarasuk V. Prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy differs by severity of food insecurity among adults living in Canada in 2015. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:1025-1034. [PMID: 38603809 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Household food insecurity is generally associated with poorer quality diets in Canada, but whether household food insecurity heightens the probability of inadequate micronutrient intakes is unknown. The objective of this research was to investigate how prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy differed by severity of household food insecurity among adults in Canada. Using the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey Nutrition, this study included participants aged 19-64 years who completed up to two 24 h dietary recalls and provided details about household food insecurity (n = 9486). Children and older adults were not included due to sample size limitations. Usual micronutrient intake distributions were estimated by a four-level measure of food insecurity status using the National Cancer Institute method. Welch's t tests assessed differences in prevalence of inadequacy for selected micronutrients. Prevalence differed for some micronutrients among those living in marginally and moderately food insecure compared to food-secure households. The greatest differences in prevalence of inadequacy were observed between severely food-insecure and food-secure households: vitamin A (60.0%, SE = 11.9 vs. 40.6%, SE = 2.7, p < 0.0001), vitamin B6 (42.7%, SE = 9.1 vs. 12.8%, SE = 2.5, p < 0.0001), folate (39.4%, SE = 10.0 vs. 15.9%, SE = 2.2, p < 0.0001), vitamin C (63.3%, SE = 5.2 vs. 29.1%, SE = 2.8, p < 0.0001), calcium (78.6%, SE = 6.4 vs. 58.7%, SE = 1.3, p < 0.0001), magnesium (75.6%, SE = 9.5 vs. 48.7%, SE = 1.2, p < 0.0001), and zinc (34.9%, SE = 10.0 vs. 23.2%, SE = 2.4, p = 0.0009). Apparent underreporting also differed by severity of food insecurity, with increased underreporting observed with worsening food insecurity. The probability of inadequate micronutrient intakes among adults rises sharply with more severe household food insecurity in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy M Hutchinson
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Valerie Tarasuk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Basiry M, Surkan PJ, Ghosn B, Esmaillzadeh A, Azadbakht L. Associations between nutritional deficiencies and food insecurity among adolescent girls: A cross-sectional study. Food Sci Nutr 2024; 12:4623-4636. [PMID: 39055178 PMCID: PMC11266893 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4065] [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: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
There is a research gap in understanding the relationship between nutrient deficiency and food insecurity among adolescent girls in Afghanistan. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between nutrient deficiencies and food insecurity among middle and high school-aged girls in Kabul. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 380 randomly selected 11-18-year-old girls attending public schools in grades 6-12. We assessed girls' food insecurity, food and nutrient intake, socioeconomic status, and physical activity. Nutrient consumption was calculated using Nutritionist IV software. Statistical analyses, including one-way analysis of variance, Chi-square tests, and t-tests, were used to assess the association between dietary intake and food insecurity. More than half (52.9%) of the participants were food insecure, with 35.8% experiencing hunger and 17.1% without hunger. Vitamin B3, C, selenium, and iron had the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy and were the best indicators of food insecurity with and without hunger. The most prevalent nutrient deficiencies were vitamin B9 and E, calcium, magnesium, and zinc inadequacies. Food security was positively associated with fruit, vitamins E and K, dairy products (e.g., milk, yogurt, and cheese), meat products (e.g., chicken, meat, red meat, and egg), and nut intake. Our findings suggest that adolescent girls in Kabul may benefit from food programs that enrich nutrients such as B9 and E, calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which were found to be the most prevalent nutrient deficiencies. These findings highlight the importance of addressing food insecurity and nutrient deficiencies among adolescent girls in Afghanistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mursal Basiry
- Department of NutritionGhazanfar Institute of Health and Science, Ministry of Public HealthKabulAfghanistan
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and DieteticsTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Pamela J. Surkan
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Batoul Ghosn
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and DieteticsTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ahmad Esmaillzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and DieteticsTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Diabetes Research CenterEndocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Leila Azadbakht
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and DieteticsTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Diabetes Research CenterEndocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Reeder NK, Reneker JC. Food insecurity is associated with metabolic syndrome among US adults: NHANES 2005-2016. Nutr Res 2024; 126:159-166. [PMID: 38718433 PMCID: PMC11179963 DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2024.03.014] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to examine the association between food security status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using a nationally representative dataset. We hypothesized that food insecurity would be associated with an increased odds of having MetS. This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2005-2006 to 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data collection cycles. Food security was measured using the US Food Security Survey Module. Presence of MetS was determined using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The association between food insecurity and MetS was examined using logistic regression models stratified by sex and adjusted for poverty to income ratio, age, race, marital status, educational attainment, smoking status, and body mass index. After adjusting for covariates, men with marginal (odds ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-2.20) and low (odds ratio, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02-1.73) food security had a higher odds of having MetS than men with full food security; however, this association was lost among men with very low food security. For women, very low food security was associated with a 1.61 times greater odds of having MetS (95% CI, 1.16-2.25). These results suggest that food insecurity is generally associated with an increased prevalence of MetS for women, but not necessarily for men. These findings highlight the need to address rising food insecurity rates, while also highlighting the need for further research to fully elucidate the role of gender and sex in food insecurity and chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Reeder
- Department of Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA.
| | - Jennifer C Reneker
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
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Qasrawi R, Sgahir S, Nemer M, Halaikah M, Badrasawi M, Amro M, Vicuna Polo S, Abu Al-Halawa D, Mujahed D, Nasreddine L, Elmadfa I, Atari S, Al-Jawaldeh A. Investigating the Association between Nutrient Intake and Food Insecurity among Children and Adolescents in Palestine Using Machine Learning Techniques. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:625. [PMID: 38929205 PMCID: PMC11202236 DOI: 10.3390/children11060625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Food insecurity is a public health concern that affects children worldwide, yet it represents a particular burden for low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to utilize machine learning to identify the associations between food insecurity and nutrient intake among children aged 5 to 18 years. The study's sample encompassed 1040 participants selected from a 2022 food insecurity household conducted in the West Bank, Palestine. The results indicated that food insecurity was significantly associated with dietary nutrient intake and sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, income, and location. Indeed, 18.2% of the children were found to be food-insecure. A significant correlation was evidenced between inadequate consumption of various nutrients below the recommended dietary allowance and food insecurity. Specifically, insufficient protein, vitamin C, fiber, vitamin B12, vitamin B5, vitamin A, vitamin B1, manganese, and copper intake were found to have the highest rates of food insecurity. In addition, children residing in refugee camps experienced significantly higher rates of food insecurity. The findings emphasize the multilayered nature of food insecurity and its impact on children, emphasizing the need for personalized interventions addressing nutrient deficiencies and socioeconomic factors to improve children's health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwan Qasrawi
- Department of Computer Sciences, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine
- Department of Computer Engineering, Istinye University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey
| | - Sabri Sgahir
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, College of Agriculture, Hebron University, Hebron P.O. Box 40, Palestine
| | - Maysaa Nemer
- Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University, Ramallah P.O. Box 14, Palestine
| | - Mousa Halaikah
- Nutrition Department, Ministry of Health, Ramallah P.O. Box 4284, Palestine
| | - Manal Badrasawi
- Nutrition and Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, An-Najah National University, Nablus P.O. Box 7, Palestine
| | - Malak Amro
- Department of Computer Sciences, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine
| | - Stephanny Vicuna Polo
- Department of Computer Sciences, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine
| | - Diala Abu Al-Halawa
- Faculty of Medicine, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine
| | - Doa’a Mujahed
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, College of Agriculture, Hebron University, Hebron P.O. Box 40, Palestine
| | - Lara Nasreddine
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ibrahim Elmadfa
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Siham Atari
- Department of Computer Sciences, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem P.O. Box 20002, Palestine
| | - Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
- Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, World Health Organization, Cairo 7608, Egypt
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Hammad NM, Wolfson JA, de Ferranti SD, Willett WC, Leung CW. Food Insecurity and Ideal Cardiovascular Health Risk Factors Among US Adolescents. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e033323. [PMID: 38591328 PMCID: PMC11262504 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.033323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity, a social and economic condition of limited availability of healthy food, is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular health outcomes among adults; few studies have been conducted in adolescents. This study explores the association between food insecurity and cardiovascular health risk factors among a nationally representative sample of US adolescents, adopting the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 metric. METHODS AND RESULTS We analyzed data from 2534 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years from the 2013 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. In the sample, 24.8% of adolescents lived in food-insecure households. After multivariable adjustment, food insecurity was associated with a 3.23-unit lower total Life's Essential 8 score (95% CI, -6.32, -0.15) and lower scores on diet quality (β=-5.39 [95% CI, -8.91, -1.87]) and nicotine exposure (β=-4.85 [95% CI, -9.24, -0.45]). Regarding diet, food insecurity was associated with 5% lower Healthy Eating Index-2015 scores [95% CI, -7%, -2%], particularly lower intakes of whole grains and seafood/plant proteins and marginally higher intake of added sugar. Regarding nicotine exposure, food insecurity was associated with ever use of a tobacco product among m (odds ratio, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.20-2.53]). Compared with their food-secure counterparts, food-insecure male (odds ratio, 1.98 [95% CI, 1.07-3.65]) and female (odds ratio, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.60-6.45]) adolescents had higher odds of living with a current indoor smoker. CONCLUSIONS In this nationally representative sample of adolescents, food insecurity was associated with multiple indicators of cardiovascular health risk. These findings underscore the need for public health interventions and policies to reduce food insecurity and improve cardioprotective behaviors during adolescence, with particular efforts targeting diet quality and nicotine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour M. Hammad
- Department of NutritionHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMA
| | - Julia A. Wolfson
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD
- Department of International HealthJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMD
| | | | - Walter C. Willett
- Department of NutritionHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMA
- Department of EpidemiologyHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMA
| | - Cindy W. Leung
- Department of NutritionHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMA
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Aktary ML, Dunn S, Sajobi T, O'Hara H, Leblanc P, McCormack GR, Caron-Roy S, Lee YY, Reimer RA, Minaker LM, Raine KD, Godley J, Downs S, Nykiforuk CIJ, Olstad DL. The British Columbia Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program Reduces Short-Term Household Food Insecurity Among Adults With Low Incomes: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024; 124:466-480.e16. [PMID: 37806435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.10.001] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The British Columbia Farmers' Market Nutrition Coupon Program (BC FMNCP) provides households with low incomes with coupons to purchase healthy foods from farmers' markets. OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of the BC FMNCP on the short-term household food insecurity, malnutrition risk, mental well-being, sense of community (secondary outcomes), and subjective social status (exploratory outcome) of adults with low incomes post-intervention and 16 weeks post-intervention. DESIGN Secondary analyses from a pragmatic randomized controlled trial conducted in 2019 that collected data at baseline, post-intervention, and 16 weeks post-intervention. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING Adults ≥18 years with low incomes were randomized to an FMNCP group (n = 143) or a no-intervention control group (n = 142). INTERVENTION Participants in the FMNCP group received 16 coupon sheets valued at $21 Canadian dollars (CAD)/sheet over 10 to 15 weeks to purchase healthy foods from farmers' markets and were eligible to participate in nutrition skill-building activities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Outcomes included short-term household food insecurity (modified version of Health Canada's 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module), malnutrition risk (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool), mental well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale), sense of community (Brief Sense of Community Scale), and subjective social status (MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status community scale). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Mixed-effects linear regression and multinomial logistic regression examined between-group differences in outcomes post-intervention and 16 weeks post-intervention. RESULTS The risk of marginal and severe short-term household food insecurity was lower among those in the FMNCP group compared with those in the control group (relative risk ratio [RRR] 0.15, P = 0.01 and RRR 0.16, P = 0.02) post-intervention, with sustained reductions in severe household food insecurity 16 weeks post-intervention (RRR 0.11, P = 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed in malnutrition risk, mental well-being, sense of community, or subjective social status post-intervention or 16 weeks post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS The BC FMNCP reduced short-term household food insecurity but was not found to improve malnutrition risk or psychosocial well-being among adults with low incomes compared with a no-intervention control group.
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Clemens KK, Le B, Anderson KK, Comeau J, Tarasuk V, Shariff SZ. The association between household food insecurity and healthcare costs among Canadian children. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2024; 115:89-98. [PMID: 37610612 PMCID: PMC10868558 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00812-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between household food insecurity and healthcare costs in children living in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based study using four cycles of the Canadian Community Health Survey (2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014) linked with administrative health databases (ICES). We included Ontario children aged 1-17 years with a measure of household food insecurity (Household Food Security Survey Module) over the previous 12 months. Our primary outcome was the direct public-payer healthcare costs per child over the same time period (in Canadian dollars, standardized to year 2020). We used gamma-log-transformed generalized estimating equations accounting for the clustering of children to examine this relationship, and adjusted models for important sociodemographic covariates. As a secondary outcome, we examined healthcare usage of specific services and associated costs (e.g. visits to hospitals, surgeries). RESULTS We found that adjusted healthcare costs were higher in children from food-insecure than from food-secure households ($676.79 [95% CI: $535.26, $855.74] vs. $563.98 [$457.00, $695.99], p = 0.047). Compared with children living in food-secure households, those in insecure households more often accessed hospitals, emergency departments, day surgeries, and home care, and used prescription medications. Children from food-secure households had higher usage of non-physician healthcare (e.g. optometry) and family physician rostering services. CONCLUSION Even after adjusting for measurable social determinants of health, household food insecurity was associated with higher public-payer health services costs and utilization among children and youth. Efforts to mitigate food insecurity could lessen child healthcare needs, as well as associated costs to our healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin K Clemens
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
- ICES, London, Ontario, Canada.
- St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Kelly K Anderson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jinette Comeau
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Sociology, King's University College at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valerie Tarasuk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Salimah Z Shariff
- ICES, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Arthur Labatt School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Chambers S, Machray K, Fergie G. Food insecurity in children and young people in Scotland. Proc Nutr Soc 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38250796 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665124000090] [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: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to highlight the key issues in relation to food insecurity among children and young people living in Scotland. It provides an overview of the current context of food insecurity more generally within the UK and specifically in Scotland. Food insecurity has risen in Scotland evidenced through responses to national surveys and the dramatic increase in households relying on emergency food provision. Food insecurity is highest among young people, single parent families and single men. The key drivers of food insecurity include insufficient income, welfare reform, food inflation and geo-political events. Evidence suggests that food insecurity is negatively related to sufficient nutritional intake, and the implications for physical and mental health are profound. Policy actions implemented to mitigate the impact of food insecurity on children and young people include the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, food voucher schemes, free school meals, and holiday food provision. Further evidence is required to evaluate the success of these policies in reducing or mitigating food insecurity. The review concludes by considering the ways in which a rights-based approach to food might benefit children and young people living in Scotland, and argues that wider systemic change is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chambers
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, 28 Bute Gardens, GlasgowG12 8RS, Scotland
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Kathryn Machray
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Gillian Fergie
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
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Hoteit M, Khadra R, Fadlallah Z, Mourad Y, Chahine M, Skaiki F, Al Manasfi E, Chahine A, Poh OBJ, Tzenios N. Prevalence and Time Trends of Low Serum B12 Levels and Inadequate B12 Dietary Intake in Lebanese Adults amidst the Food Insecurity Situation: Findings from a Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:226. [PMID: 38257119 PMCID: PMC10818865 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rising food insecurity (FI) and the increased prices of animal-based foods could compromise vitamin B12 (B12) intake and serum levels in food-insecure people. Our study aims to determine the prevalence of low levels of serum B12 and its inadequate dietary intake among a nationally representative sample of Lebanese adults aged 18 to 64 years, while exploring the impact of FI and identifying other potential predictors. The B12 intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and the mean of two non-consecutive 24 h recalls. The B12 serum levels were also examined. To examine the time trends in the B12 serum levels and dietary intake, the data from a large representative digitized database of 6290 participants were collected, along with the examination of FAOSTAT food consumption data both before and during the economic crisis period. Our findings revealed that 47.3% of households in Lebanon experienced FI. The inadequate intake of B12 food sources was prevalent in 52.5% of participants, and 61.1% presented with low (23%) or intermediate (38.1%) levels of serum B12. The food-secure households had a higher proportion of B12 intake from meats (p = 0.004), while traditional foods contributed more to food-insecure households (p = 0.000). The participants who were female, unemployed, food-insecure, and had low dietary diversity were about two to three times more likely to have inadequate B12 intake. The predictors of low levels of serum B12 included residing in Beqaa (OR = 2.856 and 95% CI = 1.018-8.01) and having inadequate B12 intake (OR = 1.788 and 95% CI = 1.2-2.65). The findings from observing the time trends in the consumption and the serum levels of B12 indicate a considerable decline in the consumption of most animal-based foods compared to the pre-crisis period, associated with a decline in the serum levels of B12. In conclusion, an alarming prevalence of low dietary intake and low serum levels of B12 was revealed among Lebanese adults, and the indirect effect of FI on B12 serum levels mediated through B12 intake was inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Hoteit
- Food Sciences Unit, National Council for Scientific Research-Lebanon (CNRS-L), Beirut P.O. Box 11-8281, Lebanon (Z.F.)
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut P.O. Box 6573, Lebanon
| | - Razan Khadra
- Food Sciences Unit, National Council for Scientific Research-Lebanon (CNRS-L), Beirut P.O. Box 11-8281, Lebanon (Z.F.)
| | - Zahraa Fadlallah
- Food Sciences Unit, National Council for Scientific Research-Lebanon (CNRS-L), Beirut P.O. Box 11-8281, Lebanon (Z.F.)
| | - Youmna Mourad
- Al Hadi Laboratory and IVF Center, Beirut 1103, Lebanon;
| | - Mohamad Chahine
- Biological and Chemical Technology, Kursk State Medical University, 305000 Kursk, Russia;
| | - Farouk Skaiki
- Department of Molecular Biology, General Management, Al Karim Medical Laboratories, Saida 1600, Lebanon;
| | | | | | | | - Nikolaos Tzenios
- Faculty of Public Health, Charisma University, London EC1V 7QE, UK
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So JTH, Nambiar S, Byrne R, Gallegos D, Baxter KA. Dads at Mealtimes: Associations between Food Security, Household and Work Chaos, and Paternal Feeding Practices among Australian Fathers Living with Disadvantage. Nutrients 2024; 16:205. [PMID: 38257098 PMCID: PMC10820457 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020205] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding how fathers engage in feeding while experiencing disadvantage is important for family-focused interventions. A cross-sectional online survey involving 264 Australian fathers was conducted to explore feeding involvement and the relationships between feeding practices, food insecurity, and household and work chaos. Practices related to coercive control, structure, and autonomy support were measured for two age groups (<2 years and 2-5 years). Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the associations for each practice. Three-quarters of the sample were food insecure, impacting adults more than children, and correlated with household chaos. Food insecurity was associated with increased 'persuasive feeding' and 'parent-led feeding' in younger children. Household chaos was positively associated with coercive control practices in both younger and older child groups, with the strongest associations for 'using food to calm' and 'overt restriction', respectively. In older child groups, household chaos was negatively associated with 'offer new foods' and 'repeated presentation of new foods'. Structure practices had no significant relationships with any factors, and work chaos did not predict any feeding practices. These findings emphasize a need for societal and structural support to address food insecurity and household chaos. Tailored strategies are crucial to support fathers in responsive feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey T. H. So
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; (S.N.); (R.B.); (D.G.); (K.A.B.)
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Smita Nambiar
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; (S.N.); (R.B.); (D.G.); (K.A.B.)
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Rebecca Byrne
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; (S.N.); (R.B.); (D.G.); (K.A.B.)
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Danielle Gallegos
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; (S.N.); (R.B.); (D.G.); (K.A.B.)
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Kimberley A. Baxter
- Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, 62 Graham Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; (S.N.); (R.B.); (D.G.); (K.A.B.)
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
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14
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Pulvera R, Jackson K, Gosliner W, Hamad R, Fernald LCH. The association of safety-net program participation with government perceptions, welfare stigma, and discrimination. HEALTH AFFAIRS SCHOLAR 2024; 2:qxad084. [PMID: 38756395 PMCID: PMC10986270 DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxad084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Safety-net programs in the United States offered critical support to counter food insecurity and poverty during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are both means-tested programs with significant benefits. Take-up of SNAP and EITC is lower in California than nationwide and reasons for this difference are unclear. We examined associations of participation in SNAP and receipt of the EITC and perceptions of the US government, 2 types of welfare stigma (program stigma and social stigma), and perceived discrimination. We interviewed a sample of 497 caregivers of young children from families with low income in California during the COVID-19 pandemic (August 2020-May 2021). We found that participation in SNAP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24 [1.05, 1.47]) and receiving the EITC (OR = 1.39 [1.05, 1.84]) were both associated with greater reported perceptions of social stigma, but not with perceptions of government, program stigma, or discrimination. Among food-insecure respondents, we found that participation in SNAP was additionally associated with program stigma and discrimination. These findings suggest that perceived social stigma may be a reason that people with low income may not participate in programs for which they are eligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Pulvera
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute,Oakland, CA 94607, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Jackson
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University,Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Wendi Gosliner
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Nutrition Policy Institute,Oakland, CA 94607, United States
| | - Rita Hamad
- T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University,Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley,Berkeley, CA 94704, United States
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15
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Jacobs M, McDade TR, Chaparro MV, Corea M. Sick, Hungry, and Vulnerable: Federal Stimulus and Food Security on Marginalized Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2685-2703. [PMID: 36378487 PMCID: PMC9666987 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01447-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In addition to the threat of serious illness, COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions had devastating economic consequences for many US citizens. This study examines the evolution of food security over the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic testing whether the initial economic stimulus payment improved the nutritional well-being of vulnerable populations. We use data from phase 1 of the Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey among a nationally representative sample of adults and the 2017-2018 Current Population Survey Food Security Supplement. Using an ordered logistic regression, we assess differences in the incidence and severity of food security across demographic, income, geographic, and employment status cohorts and assess the effects of the first economic stimulus payment. Our results show that marginalized groups faced greater food insecurity and had food-related outcomes worsen over time. Blacks, Hispanics, and individuals living in rural areas became less food secure as the pandemic progressed. However, receipt of a stimulus payment appears to have improved conditions. Rising food prices and persistent high unemployment have the potential to exacerbate food insecurity among marginalized and at-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Jacobs
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, 3118 HPNP, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32603, USA.
| | - Timothy R McDade
- Department of Political Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Michelle Corea
- Department of Political Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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16
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Dubois L, Bédard B, Goulet D, Prud'homme D, Tremblay RE, Boivin M. Experiencing food insecurity in childhood: influences on eating habits and body weight in young adulthood. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2396-2406. [PMID: 37665116 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023001854] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine how food insecurity in childhood up to adolescence relates to eating habits and weight status in young adulthood. DESIGN A longitudinal study design was used to derive trajectories of household food insecurity from age 4·5 to 13 years. Multivariable linear and logistical regression analyses were performed to model associations between being at high risk of food insecurity from age 4·5 to 13 years and both dietary and weight outcomes at age 22 years. SETTING A birth cohort study conducted in the Province of Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS In total, 698 young adults participating in the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. RESULTS After adjusting for sex, maternal education and immigrant status, household income and type of family, being at high risk (compared with low risk) of food insecurity in childhood up to adolescence was associated with consuming higher quantities of sugar-sweetened beverages (ßadj: 0·64; 95 % CI (0·27, 1·00)), non-whole-grain cereal products (ßadj: 0·32; 95 % CI (0·07, 0·56)) and processed meat (ßadj: 0·14; 95 % CI (0·02, 0·25)), with skipping breakfast (ORadj: 1·97; 95 % CI (1·08, 3·53)), with eating meals prepared out of home (ORadj: 3·38; 95 % CI (1·52, 9·02)), with experiencing food insecurity (ORadj: 3·03; 95 % CI (1·91, 4·76)) and with being obese (ORadj: 2·01; 95 % CI (1·12, 3·64)), once reaching young adulthood. CONCLUSION Growing up in families experiencing food insecurity may negatively influence eating habits and weight status later in life. Our findings reinforce the importance of public health policies and programmes tackling poverty and food insecurity, particularly for families with young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Dubois
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Ottawa, ONK1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Brigitte Bédard
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Ottawa, ONK1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Danick Goulet
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand, Ottawa, ONK1G 5Z3, Canada
| | | | - Richard E Tremblay
- Research Unit on Children's Psychosocial Maladjustment (GRIP), Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michel Boivin
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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17
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Lee YY, Caron-Roy S, Turko B, Shearer J, Campbell DJ, Elliott C, Barker D, Raine KD, Tyminski S, Olstad DL. Experiences and perceived outcomes of a grocery gift card programme for households at risk of food insecurity. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2460-2469. [PMID: 37528809 DOI: 10.1017/s136898002300157x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored programme recipients' and deliverers' experiences and perceived outcomes of accessing or facilitating a grocery gift card (GGC) programme from I Can for Kids (iCAN), a community-based programme that provides GGC to low-income families with children. DESIGN This qualitative descriptive study used Freedman et al's framework of nutritious food access to guide data generation and analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August and November 2020. Data were analysed using directed content analysis with a deductive-inductive approach. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-four participants were purposively recruited, including thirty-seven programme recipients who accessed iCAN's GGC programme and seventeen programme deliverers who facilitated it. SETTING Calgary, Alberta, Canada. RESULTS Three themes were generated from the data. First, iCAN's GGC programme promoted a sense of autonomy and dignity among programme recipients as they appreciated receiving financial support, the flexibility and convenience of using GGC, and the freedom to select foods they desired. Recipients perceived these benefits improved their social and emotional well-being. Second, recipients reported that the use of GGC improved their households' dietary patterns and food skills. Third, both participant groups identified programmatic strengths and limitations. CONCLUSION Programme recipients reported that iCAN's GGC programme provided them with dignified access to nutritious food and improved their households' finances, dietary patterns, and social and emotional well-being. Increasing the number of GGC provided to households on each occasion, establishing clear and consistent criteria for distributing GGC to recipients, and increasing potential donors' awareness of iCAN's GGC programme may augment the amount of support iCAN could provide to households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yun Lee
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Caron-Roy
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Bobbi Turko
- I Can for Kids, 26 Riverview Park SE, Calgary, ABT2C 3Z7, Canada
| | - Jane Shearer
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - David Jt Campbell
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Charlene Elliott
- Department of Communication, Media and Film, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Donald Barker
- I Can for Kids, 26 Riverview Park SE, Calgary, ABT2C 3Z7, Canada
| | - Kim D Raine
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Ave Edmonton, ABT6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Sheila Tyminski
- Nutrition Services, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Dana Lee Olstad
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, ABT2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, ABT2N 4Z6, Canada
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18
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Yung TKC, Tsang SYT, Tam DDS. Exacerbation of household food insecurity among low-income families in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nutr Diet 2023; 80:484-493. [PMID: 36250772 PMCID: PMC9874379 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM The economic depression and reduced physical mobility associated with COVID-19 potentially affected the food security status of the poor. This study aimed to assess the possible worsening of perceived food insecurity among low-income families in Hong Kong. METHODS Families either receiving government subsidies or living in a subdivided flat referred by local non-governmental organisations were invited to participate in a telephone survey. Food security status before (by recalling) and during the pandemic were assessed using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Chi-square analysis and ANOVA were used to test the difference between the percentage of participants who responded affirmatively to survey questions and various categories of food insecurity. Paired t-test was used to examine the reported change in food insecurity score before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Association between socio-demographic factors and change in food insecurity score was then assessed by multiple linear regression using backward stepwise elimination. RESULTS Findings from the 212 households revealed that, for all nine questions concerning food insecurity, there was a significantly higher percentage of affirmative responses during versus before the pandemic. The proportion of food-secure households dropped from 16.5% to 7.1% amidst the pandemic. By contrast, households with severe food insecurity increased from 19.3% to 33.5%. Regression analysis showed that those households who were living in subdivided flats and with high monthly housing expenses, were likely to experience an exacerbation of food insecurity. Meanwhile, households with divorced parents (probably due to consistent social subsidy) and high household incomes, showed resilience toward food insecurity. Concurrently, about one fifth of children in these households had an experience of starvation for a whole day due to financial constraints. CONCLUSION The exacerbation of food insecurity among low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates timely assessments and the implementation of appropriate measures to prevent them from experiencing physiological harm. These initiatives can be guided by the identified at-risk socio-economic characteristics in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony K. C. Yung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - Sabina Y. T. Tsang
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary CareThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinNew TerritoriesHong Kong
| | - Daisy D. S. Tam
- Department of Humanities and Creative WritingHong Kong Baptist UniversityKowloon TongHong Kong
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19
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Bateson M, Pepper GV. Food insecurity as a cause of adiposity: evolutionary and mechanistic hypotheses. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220228. [PMID: 37661744 PMCID: PMC10475876 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) is associated with obesity among women in high-income countries. This seemingly paradoxical association can be explained by the insurance hypothesis, which states that humans possess evolved mechanisms that increase fat storage to buffer against energy shortfall when access to food is unpredictable. The evolutionary logic underlying the insurance hypothesis is well established and experiments on animals confirm that exposure to unpredictable food causes weight gain, but the mechanisms involved are less clear. Drawing on data from humans and other vertebrates, we review a suite of behavioural and physiological mechanisms that could increase fat storage under FI. FI causes short-term hyperphagia, but evidence that it is associated with increased total energy intake is lacking. Experiments on animals suggest that unpredictable food causes increases in retained metabolizable energy and reductions in energy expenditure sufficient to fuel weight gain in the absence of increased food intake. Reducing energy expenditure by diverting energy from somatic maintenance into fat stores should improve short-term survival under FI, but the trade-offs potentially include increased disease risk and accelerated ageing. We conclude that exposure to FI plausibly causes increased adiposity, poor health and shorter lifespan. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Causes of obesity: theories, conjectures and evidence (Part II)'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bateson
- Centre for Healther Lives and Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gillian V. Pepper
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
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20
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Mossenson S, Pulker CE, Giglia R, Pollard CM. Policy approaches to nutrition-focused food banking in industrialized countries: a scoping review. Nutr Rev 2023; 81:1373-1392. [PMID: 36952286 PMCID: PMC10494020 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuad004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review aims to synthesize the literature describing policy approaches to nutrition-focused food banking in industrialized countries, spanning the period 2000 to October 2021. BACKGROUND The charitable food system provides food assistance to increasing numbers of people experiencing food insecurity in industrialized countries. Calls to improve the nutrition quality of foods provided by foods banks, pantries, and shelves have increased, yet little is known about the challenges faced when initiating policy in this setting. METHODS A protocol based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews Guidelines was developed and registered with Open Science Framework. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE [Ovid], Global Health, ProQuest, and Scopus) were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English. A gray literature search was conducted using Google Advanced Search. RESULTS Of 642 peer-reviewed articles screened, 15 were eligible for inclusion. In addition, 24 gray literature documents were included. These 39 papers were assessed against the Iron Triangle of Hunger Relief and the Campbell et al framework of organizational factors. Six themes were identified: (1) there is a moral imperative to take action to ensure the provision of appropriate and nutritious food for vulnerable clients; (2) nutrition policies are unlikely to be formalized; (3) the unpredictability of donated food is a barrier to providing healthy foods; (4) reliance on donations affects the sector's willingness to reduce the unhealthy inventory for fear of losing donors, and the challenges of managing donor relationships were emphasized; (5) organizational capacity (volunteer workforce, executive leadership support) must be considered; (6) the existing measure of success is a weight-based metric that does not support food banks' prioritizing of healthy foods. These, and other characteristics, were incorporated into an adapted framework. CONCLUSION There is a need and opportunity for nutrition-focused food banking. A priority action area is the adoption of an outcome metric that is based on nutritional quality, to reorient the charitable food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharonna Mossenson
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Claire E Pulker
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Roslyn Giglia
- Foodbank of Western Australia, Perth Airport, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Christina M Pollard
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Enable Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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21
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Daly Z, Black J, McAuliffe C, Jenkins E. Food-related worry and food bank use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: results from a nationally representative multi-round study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1723. [PMID: 37670251 PMCID: PMC10478349 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16602-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in five adults in Canada worried about having enough food to meet their household's needs. Relatedly, throughout the pandemic, public messaging repeatedly urged Canadians to support food charities, including food banks. Yet few studies have examined food bank usage during the pandemic or whether food charities were widely used by Canadians worried about food access. METHODS This study draws on four rounds of nationally representative surveying conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic between May 2020 and December 2021 among adults 18 years and older living in Canada. Descriptive statistics were used to examine rates of food-related worry during all four survey rounds. Data from the fourth survey round, collected in December 2021, were used to explore use of food-based community programs since the onset of the pandemic, including food banks. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine differences in socio-demographic and health-related characteristics between adults who did and did not report accessing food banks before and after adjusting for household income. RESULTS Across survey rounds (n = 12,091), more than one in seven participants reported stress or worry related to having enough food to meet their household's basic needs in the previous two weeks. Yet, by December 2021, fewer than 4% of participants reported ever accessing a food bank during the pandemic. Younger age, living with a child, financial concerns due to the pandemic, two different measures of food worry, pre-existing mental health conditions, disability, LGBT2Q + identity, and racialized or Indigenous identity, were each statistically significantly associated with higher odds of using food banks even when controlling for household income. CONCLUSIONS Despite persistently high rates of food-related worry in 2020 and 2021 in Canada, relatively few adults reported accessing food banks or other charity-based community food programs. While respondents facing social, financial, and health-related inequities and reporting food worry were more likely to use food banks, most respondents did not report food bank use, regardless of financial or demographic circumstances or experiences of food worry. Findings align with previous research indicating that more adequate and comprehensive supports are needed to alleviate food-related-worry in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Daly
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Jennifer Black
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Food Nutrition and Health, University of British Columbia, 2205 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Corey McAuliffe
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, T201-2211 Westbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
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22
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Jung S, Shin J, Lee M. The Health and Nutritional Status of Children (10-18 years) Belonging to Food Insecure Households: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012-2019). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6695. [PMID: 37681835 PMCID: PMC10487755 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
To research the health and nutritional status in Korean children and adolescents belonging to food insecure households (FI), the preregistered secondary data of 18 items from the Food Security Evaluation in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES; 2012-2019) were used. Comparative analyses (food security group [FS], (n = 3150) vs. FI, (n = 405) of household characteristics, health status (anthropometrics, clinics, mentality), and nutritional status (nutrient intake, diet-quality, and pattern) were performed in children (boys: 1871, girls: 1684) aged 10-18 years. The FI comprised higher proportions of participants from low-income families, basic livelihood-security recipients, and vulnerability (characteristics: female household heads, aged ≥50, single, unemployed, with low education and unmet healthcare needs). Compared to FS, boys had higher abdominal obesity and alcohol use, whereas girls had lower high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and mental vulnerability (self-perceived obesity despite FS-similar anthropometry) in FI. Inadequate protein intake among boys and girls, and high carbohydrate and inadequate fat intake among girls were especially found in the FI status. From the results of a nutrition quality test, Vit-A in boys, and protein, niacin, and iron intakes in girls were insufficient, respectively. Health-nutritional policies to improve children's lifestyles should reinforce FI-based intake of deficient nutrients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowon Jung
- Department of Food & Nutrition, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul 01133, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jieun Shin
- Healthcare Data Science Center, Bio-Medical Informatics, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon 35365, Republic of Korea;
| | - Myoungsook Lee
- Department of Food & Nutrition, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul 01133, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Obesity Science, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul 01133, Republic of Korea
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23
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Seligman HK, Levi R, Adebiyi VO, Coleman-Jensen A, Guthrie JF, Frongillo EA. Assessing and Monitoring Nutrition Security to Promote Healthy Dietary Intake and Outcomes in the United States. Annu Rev Nutr 2023; 43:409-429. [PMID: 37257420 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-nutr-062222-023359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The US Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service leads the federal government in data development and research on food security in US households. Nutrition security is an emerging concept that, although closely related, is distinct from food security. No standard conceptualization or measure of nutrition security currently exists. We review the existing research on nutrition security and how it is informed by the more robust literature on food security and diet quality. Based on this review, we propose a conceptual framework for understanding nutrition security and its relationship to food security. We identify two constructs (healthy diets and nutritional status) and multiple subconstructs that form the basis of nutrition security. The proposed framework and corresponding constructs are intended to provide (a) understanding of how nutrition security arises and how it differs from food security, (b) background on why assessment and monitoring of nutrition security is important, and (c) guidance for a research agenda that will further clarify the meaning of nutrition security and its measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary K Seligman
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Ronli Levi
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Center for Vulnerable Populations, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Victoria O Adebiyi
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alisha Coleman-Jensen
- United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Joanne F Guthrie
- United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Krasnovsky L, Crowley AP, Naeem F, Wang LS, Wu GD, Chao AM. A Scoping Review of Nutritional Biomarkers Associated with Food Security. Nutrients 2023; 15:3576. [PMID: 37630766 PMCID: PMC10459650 DOI: 10.3390/nu15163576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity affects more than 40 million individuals in the United States and is linked to negative health outcomes due, in part, to poor dietary quality. Despite the emergence of metabolomics as a modality to objectively characterize nutritional biomarkers, it is unclear whether food security is associated with any biomarkers of dietary quality. This scoping review aims to summarize studies that examined associations between nutritional biomarkers and food security, as well as studies that investigated metabolomic differences between people with and without food insecurity. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and AGRICOLA were searched through August 2022 for studies describing food insecurity and metabolic markers in blood, urine, plasma, hair, or nails. The 78 studies included consisted of targeted assays quantifying lipids, dietary nutrients, heavy metals, and environmental xenobiotics as biochemical features associated with food insecurity. Among those biomarkers which were quantified in at least five studies, none showed a consistent association with food insecurity. Although three biomarkers of dietary quality have been assessed between food-insecure versus food-secure populations, no studies have utilized untargeted metabolomics to characterize patterns of small molecules that distinguish between these two populations. Further studies are needed to characterize the dietary quality profiles of individuals with and without food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Krasnovsky
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.N.); (L.S.W.)
| | - Aidan P. Crowley
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.N.); (L.S.W.)
| | - Fawaz Naeem
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.N.); (L.S.W.)
| | - Lucy S. Wang
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (A.P.C.); (F.N.); (L.S.W.)
| | - Gary D. Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Ariana M. Chao
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
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25
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Kulandaivelu Y, Hamilton J, Banerjee A, Gruzd A, Patel B, Stinson J. Social Media Interventions for Nutrition Education Among Adolescents: Scoping Review. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e36132. [PMID: 37471119 PMCID: PMC10401194 DOI: 10.2196/36132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence is a critical period for reinforcing healthy dietary behaviors and supporting the development of cooking skills. Social media may be an avenue for supporting these behaviors, as it is popular among adolescents and can improve access to nutrition education interventions. This study sought to understand the optimal implementation of effective social media-based nutrition education interventions to inform the implementation of future social media-based nutrition education interventions. OBJECTIVE A scoping review of the characteristics, feasibility, effectiveness, and factors influencing social media-based nutrition education interventions for adolescents was conducted. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases using a predefined search strategy. Primary research articles were independently screened and included if they involved adolescent populations (10-18 years old) and delivered nutrition education through social media. The information on intervention characteristics, feasibility, effectiveness, and factors influencing social media-based nutrition education interventions was extracted. RESULTS A total of 28 publications out of 20,557 met the eligibility criteria. Twenty-five nutrition interventions were examined by 28 studies. Fourteen interventions used homegrown social media platforms, 8 used Facebook, and 2 used Instagram. Feasibility outcomes were infrequently reported, and the cost of intervention delivery was not reported. Engagement with interventions was variable; high engagement was not required to elicit significant improvements in dietary behaviors. Tailoring interventions, offering practical content, meaningful peer support, and involving families and communities facilitated successful interventions. Strategies to address engagement and technical issues were varied. CONCLUSIONS Emerging evidence demonstrates that social media interventions for adolescent nutrition are acceptable and improve nutrition outcomes. Future interventions should strengthen peer support components and tailor delivery to specific populations. Further research should examine engagement, adherence, and the impact of interventions on behavioral and physical outcomes. This review is the first to examine the use of social media as the primary medium for nutrition education for adolescent populations. The analysis used in this review argues the importance of peer support in social media-based nutrition interventions and the need for user-centered design of the interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalinie Kulandaivelu
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jill Hamilton
- Centre for Healthy Active Kids, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ananya Banerjee
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anatoliy Gruzd
- Information Technology Management, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Barkha Patel
- Centre for Healthy Active Kids, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Stinson
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dahal R, Paudyal YR, Karki B. Food Insecurity and Children's Health: An Urgent Need to Address. Am J Lifestyle Med 2023; 17:612-613. [PMID: 37426728 PMCID: PMC10328200 DOI: 10.1177/15598276231167321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rudra Dahal
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (RD); Department of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University, Fredericton, Canada (YRP); Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada (BK)
| | - Yub Raj Paudyal
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (RD); Department of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University, Fredericton, Canada (YRP); Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada (BK)
| | - Badri Karki
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada (RD); Department of Behavioural Sciences, Yorkville University, Fredericton, Canada (YRP); Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Canada (BK)
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Mossenson S, Giglia R, Pulker CE, Chester M, Pollard CM. Dietary risk of donated food at an Australian food bank: an audit protocol. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:67. [PMID: 37277849 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00719-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sufficient, safe and nutritious food is unattainable for many people experiencing severe food insecurity, putting them at dietary risk. Food banks, a growing part of the charitable food system (CFS), are the main source of food relief in developed countries. Donations of surplus, unsalable food from supermarkets, producers and manufacturers is the main source of the food supply, and this can be unpredictable, insufficient and inappropriate. The universal performance indicator of food-banking success is a weight-based measure, complemented by various initiatives to track the nutritional quality of food provided. There is currently no method that assesses the dietary risk of donated food related to nutrition and food safety. This protocol describes a method developed to identify and assess the dietary risk of donated food at an Australian food bank including the type, amount, nutrition quality, and food safety. METHODS An audit of all food donated to a food bank servicing one Australian state was conducted over five consecutive days in May 2022. The audit process used a mobile device to take photographs of all incoming deliveries to the food bank. The images were manually annotated to document the type of food, product information (brand and product name, variety), the donor's name, weight (kilograms), and date-marking details. Data was extracted from the photographs and assessed against pre-determined dietary risk criterion for food safety (date marking, damaged packaging, visible food spoilage) and nutrition quality according to the principles of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, and the NOVA classification of level of processing. DISCUSSION Fifteen hundred images were required to assess the dietary risk of 86,050 kg of donated food. There were 72 separate donations, largely from supermarkets and food manufacturers. Data analysis will enable identification of dietary risk, particularly for nutrition quality and food safety. This is important given the absence of food regulation for CFS donations, and the vulnerability of the client group. This protocol highlights the need for more transparency and accountability from food donors, about the food they donate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharonna Mossenson
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.
| | - Roslyn Giglia
- Foodbank of Western Australia, Perth Airport, WA, 6105, Australia
| | - Claire E Pulker
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- East Metropolitan Health Service, Perth, WA, 6000, Australia
| | - Miranda Chester
- Foodbank of Western Australia, Perth Airport, WA, 6105, Australia
| | - Christina M Pollard
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
- Enable Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
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Subramaniam M, Koh YS, Vaingankar JA, Abdin E, Shafie S, Chang S, Kwok KW, Chow WL, Chong SA. Food insufficiency, adverse childhood experiences and mental health: results of the Singapore Mental Health Study 2016. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:1044-1051. [PMID: 36451283 PMCID: PMC10346029 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022002567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of food insufficiency and its association with mental disorders and adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in Singapore. DESIGN This analysis utilised data from the Singapore Mental Health Study (SMHS 2016). SETTING SMHS 2016 was a population-based, psychiatric epidemiological study conducted among Singapore residents. PARTICIPANTS Interviews were conducted with 6126 respondents. Respondents were included if they were aged 18 years and above, Singapore citizens or permanent residents and able to speak in English, Chinese or Malay. RESULTS The prevalence of food insufficiency was 2·0 % (95 % CI (1·6, 2·5)) among adult Singapore residents. Relative to respondents who did not endorse any ACE, those with ACE (OR: 2·9, 95 % CI (1·2, 6·6)) had higher odds of food insufficiency. In addition, there were significant associations between lifetime mental disorders and food insufficiency. Bipolar disorder (OR: 2·7, 95 % CI (1·2, 6·0)), generalised anxiety disorder (OR: 4·5, 95 % CI (1·5, 13·5)) and suicidal behaviour (OR: 2·37, 95 % CI (1·04, 5·41)) were shown to be significantly associated with higher odds of food insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of food insufficiency is low in Singapore. However, this study identifies a vulnerable group of food-insufficient adults that is significantly associated with mental disorders, including suicidality. Government-funded food assistance programmes and multi-agency efforts to deal with the social determinants of food insufficiency, such as income sufficiency and early detection and intervention of mental distress, are key to ensuring a sustainable and equitable food system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yen Sin Koh
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Edimansyah Abdin
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Saleha Shafie
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Sherilyn Chang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
| | - Kian Woon Kwok
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Wai Leng Chow
- Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore
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29
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Ratelle M, Skinner K, Ramirez Prieto M, Laird BD. Dietary Intake Estimated From a 24-Hour Recall Questionnaire in the Dene and Métis Communities of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Curr Dev Nutr 2023; 7:100055. [PMID: 37273840 PMCID: PMC10235859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100055] [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: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Food security and nutrient deficiencies are frequent issues for people living in northern remote regions of Canada. Objective The objective of this study is to describe the nutrient intake of residents living in the Dene/Métis communities of the Dehcho and Sahtú regions of the Northwest Territories. Methods A 24-h dietary recall survey was used to collect information from participants of a study completed in 9 communities during the winter seasons of January 2016 to March 2018. Intakes for food groups, vitamins, macroelements, and microelements were calculated. Nutrient intakes were compared with the available DRIs. Results In total, there were 197 participants. On average, 37% of their energy was consumed from fat, and fruit/vegetable consumption was low (2.8 servings). Some vitamin levels (i.e., folate and vitamins A, B-6, C, and D) indicated a risk of nutritional deficiency for at least half of the participants. Of the nutrients examined, the nutrients least likely to meet the DRIs, according to the age/sex category of respondents were vitamin D (6%-20%), fiber (0%-11%), and calcium (4%-30%). Males tended to have a higher rate of nutrient adequacy above the DRIs. Importantly, 52% of the childbearing age female participants appeared deficient in folate, 48% deficient in zinc, 41% deficient in B12, and 22% deficient in iron, which might affect pregnancy and children's development. Conclusions A focus on supporting a higher intake of nutrient-dense foods would benefit the health of these communities. Nutrition and health promotion programs should be implemented to improve public health efforts in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylène Ratelle
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kelly Skinner
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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30
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Taylor NG, Luongo G, Jago E, Mah CL. Observational study of population level disparities in food costs in 2021 in Canada: A digital national nutritious food basket (dNNFB). Prev Med Rep 2023; 32:102162. [PMID: 36910505 PMCID: PMC9995921 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102162] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility and effect of applying a nationally representative and highly disaggregated food costing measure across Canada, through the novel application of web-scraping technology to the methods of the National Nutritious Food Basket (NNFB). Further, this study tested the hypothesis that a product-matched digital NNFB (dNNFB) correlates with existing market basket measures and quantified any differences in costs. This was an observational cross-sectional study using web scraped food price data collected in November 2021. Food price data was collected from the majority of Loblaw's banners across Canada, resulting in a final store sample of 751 stores sourced from 11 retail banners. Stores were located across all five Statistics Canada regions, including all provinces and territories with the exception of Nunavut. Store-level dNNFB costs were computed, adjusted by age-sex group, and summarized by geographic region and banner. dNNFB costs were then compared with existing national statistics office estimates (Market Basket Measure thresholds for reference families). dNNFB costs varied widely across the country, with notable differences by regional, store-level, and age-sex group characteristics. When compared to reported national statistics, our estimates exceeded the national market basket measure in every comparison in corresponding sub-national geography across the country, with correlation varying from 0.49 to 0.78 dependent on summary comparator. Digital collection of food price data was a feasible strategy for market basket costing. Our findings suggest we may be routinely underestimating the impact of food inflation for consumers, particularly those restricted to certain food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan G.A. Taylor
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, 2nd Floor 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Gabriella Luongo
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, 2nd Floor 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Emily Jago
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, 2nd Floor 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Catherine L. Mah
- School of Health Administration, Faculty of Health, Sir Charles Tupper Medical Building, 2nd Floor 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Lamontagne-Kam DM, Davari S, Aristizabal-Henao JJ, Cho S, Chalil D, Mielke JG, Stark KD. Sex differences in hippocampal-dependent memory and the hippocampal lipidome in adolescent rats raised on diets with or without DHA. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2023; 192:102569. [PMID: 36966673 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2023.102569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest the effects of DHA supplementation on human memory may differ between females and males during infancy, adolescence, and early adulthood, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. As a result, this study sought to examine the spatial memory and brain lipidomic profiles in female and male adolescent rats with or without a DHA-enriched diet that began perinatally with the supplementation of dams. Spatial learning and memory were examined in adolescent rats using the Morris Water Maze beginning at 6 weeks of age and animals were sacrificed at 7 weeks of age to permit isolation of brain tissue and blood samples. Behavioral testing showed that there was a significant diet x sex interaction for two key measures of spatial memory (distance to zone and time spent in the correct quadrant during the probe test), with female rats benefiting the most from DHA supplementation. Lipidomic analyses suggest levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) and n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) containing phospholipid species were lower in the hippocampus of DHA supplemented compared with control animals, and principal component analyses revealed a potential dietary treatment effect for hippocampal PUFA. Females fed DHA had slightly more PE P-18:0_22:6 and maintained levels of PE 18:0_20:4 in the hippocampus in contrast with males fed DHA. Understanding how DHA supplementation during the perinatal and adolescent periods changes cognitive function in a sex-specific manner has important implications for determining the dietary requirements of DHA. This study adds to previous work highlighting the importance of DHA for spatial memory and provides evidence that further research needs to consider how DHA supplementation can cause sex-specific changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Lamontagne-Kam
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Saeideh Davari
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Juan J Aristizabal-Henao
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada; BPGbio Inc., 500 Old Connecticut Path Building B, Framingham, MA, 01701, USA
| | - Seungjae Cho
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Dan Chalil
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - John G Mielke
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Ken D Stark
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Beyene SD. The impact of food insecurity on health outcomes: empirical evidence from sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:338. [PMID: 36793014 PMCID: PMC9930357 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity adversely affects human health, which means food security and nutrition are crucial to improving people's health outcomes. Both food insecurity and health outcomes are the policy and agenda of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, there is a lack of macro-level empirical studies (Macro-level study means studies at the broadest level using variables that represent a given country or the whole population of a country or economy as a whole. For example, if the urban population (% of the total population) of XYZ country is 30%, it is used as a proxy variable to represent represent country's urbanization level. Empirical study implies studies that employ the econometrics method, which is the application of math and statistics.) concerning the relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries though the region is highly affected by food insecurity and its related health problems. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of food insecurity on life expectancy and infant mortality in SSA countries. METHODS The study was conducted for the whole population of 31 sampled SSA countries selected based on data availability. The study uses secondary data collected online from the databases of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and the World Bank (WB). The study uses yearly balanced data from 2001 to 2018. This study employs a multicountry panel data analysis and several estimation techniques; it employs Driscoll-Kraay standard errors (DKSE), a generalized method of momentum (GMM), fixed effects (FE), and the Granger causality test. RESULTS A 1% increment in people's prevalence for undernourishment reduces their life expectancy by 0.00348 percentage points (PPs). However, life expectancy rises by 0.00317 PPs with every 1% increase in average dietary energy supply. A 1% rise in the prevalence of undernourishment increases infant mortality by 0.0119 PPs. However, a 1% increment in average dietary energy supply reduces infant mortality by 0.0139 PPs. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity harms the health status of SSA countries, but food security impacts in the reverse direction. This implies that to meet SDG 3.2, SSA should ensure food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisay Demissew Beyene
- College of Business and Economics, Department of Economics, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia.
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Phulkerd S, Thongcharoenchupong N, Chamratrithirong A, Gray RS, Pattaravanich U, Ungchusak C, Saonuam P. Socio-demographic and geographic disparities of population-level food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1071814. [PMID: 36711351 PMCID: PMC9880195 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1071814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated the prevalence of food insecurity, and the association between socio-demographic and geographic factors and food insecurity in Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study extracted data on 5,066 persons age 15 years or older from a nationally-representative sample survey of Thai households, conducted during June-December 2021. The respondents were asked about food insecurity, socio-demographic characteristics, debt, and role of the primary household food provider. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the variables and food insecurity. Results Of the total sample, 28.6% had food insecurity. The highest probability of having food insecurity (p < 0.001) was observed in persons age 15-29 years, with no formal education, and in the lowest quartile of income. The highest probability of having food insecurity was found among respondents residing in the northeast, which is the poorest and with the least development status among geographic regions in Thailand. Respondents who reported having onerous personal debt and being the main household food provider were 1.4 and 2.3 times as likely to have food insecurity as those with no debt and not being the main food provider, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion This suggests that government attention is required in developing policies and strategies to improve food security through addressing the socio-economic determinants, and buffer the negative impact of a national crisis on diets. Investment to improve household income and raise the educational profile of the population is needed. Addressing the regional disparities in food security requires area-specific measures which target the most vulnerable population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinya Phulkerd
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand,*Correspondence: Sirinya Phulkerd ✉
| | | | | | | | - Umaporn Pattaravanich
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Chantana Ungchusak
- Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Section of Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pairoj Saonuam
- Healthy Lifestyle Promotion Section of Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand
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Pepetone A, Frongillo EA, Dodd KW, Wallace MP, Hammond D, Kirkpatrick SI. Prevalence and Severity of Food Insecurity Before and During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Among Adults and Youth in Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and the United States. J Nutr 2023; 153:1231-1243. [PMID: 36774229 PMCID: PMC9827674 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2022.12.031] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruptions from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic potentially exacerbated food insecurity among adults and youth. OBJECTIVES The objective was to examine changes in the prevalence and severity of food insecurity among adults and youth from before (2019) to during (2020) the pandemic in multiple countries. METHODS Repeated cross-sectional data were collected among adults aged 18-100 y (n = 63,278) in 5 countries in November to December in 2018-2020 and among youth aged 10-17 y (n = 23,107) in 6 countries in November to December in 2019 and 2020. Food insecurity in the past year was captured using the Household Food Security Survey Module and the Child Food Insecurity Experiences Scale. Changes in the prevalence and severity of food insecurity were examined using logistic and generalized logit regression models, respectively. Models included age, gender, racial-ethnic identity, and other sociodemographic characteristics associated with food insecurity to adjust for possible sample differences across waves. Models were weighted to reflect each country's population. RESULTS Adults [adjusted OR (AOR): 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.31] and youth (AOR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.71) in Mexico were more likely to live in food-insecure households in 2020 compared to 2019. Adults in Australia (AOR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.92) and Canada (AOR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.77, 0.99) were less likely to live in food-insecure households in 2020. Trends in severity aligned with changes in prevalence, with some exceptions. Youth in Australia (AOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.65, 3.02) and the United States (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.86) were more likely to have many compared with no experiences of food insecurity in 2020 compared to 2019. There was no evidence of change among adults and youth in the remaining countries. CONCLUSIONS Except for Mexico, few changes in food insecurity among adults and youth were observed from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Action is needed to support households at risk of food insecurity. J Nutr 20XX;xx:xx-xx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Pepetone
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Edward A. Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Kevin W. Dodd
- Division of Cancer Prevention, NCI, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael P. Wallace
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Busse CE, Donney JF, Busse KR, Ghandour RM, Vladutiu CJ. Household food insufficiency and flourishing in a nationally representative sample of young children in the U.S. Ann Epidemiol 2022; 76:91-97. [PMID: 36283627 PMCID: PMC10150385 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.10.011] [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: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined the association between household food insufficiency and flourishing among young children (6 months-5 years) in the U.S. and assessed whether sleep adequacy modifies this association. METHODS We used data from the 2018-2020 National Surveys of Children's Health. Adjusted prevalence differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between household food insufficiency and flourishing were modeled using average marginal predictions from logistic regression models. Sleep adequacy was assessed as an effect measure modifier on the additive scale. RESULTS Evidence supports additive scale effect measure modification of the food insufficiency-flourishing association by sleep adequacy (Likelihood Ratio Test statistic = 12.4, degrees of freedom = 2, P < .05). Adjusted for potential confounders, the prevalence of flourishing was 13.2 percentage points lower (95% CI: -22.6, -3.7) for children in households with insufficient food and inadequate sleep compared to those with sufficient food and adequate sleep. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that having enough food and enough sleep are associated with greater wellbeing. These modifiable factors should be targeted by public health interventions to facilitate flourishing among young children in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara E Busse
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, TN; Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | - Julie Fife Donney
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - Kyle R Busse
- Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Reem M Ghandour
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - Catherine J Vladutiu
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, Rockville, MD
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de Seymour J, Stollenwerk Cavallaro A, Wharemate-Keung L, Ching S, Jackson J. Nutrient-Level Evaluation of Meals Provided on the Government-Funded School Lunch Program in New Zealand. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235087. [PMID: 36501117 PMCID: PMC9741039 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 1 in 6 children in New Zealand are living in households facing poverty and 14% of the population is food insecure. The Ka Ora, Ka Ako|Healthy School Lunches program aims to reduce food insecurity by providing access to a nutritious lunch every school day. This study analyzed the nutritional content of Ka Ora, Ka Ako meals and compared them to national and international standards. Meals were selected at random from approved menus. The suppliers covered by the 302 meals analyzed provide 161,699 students with a lunch (74.9% of students on the program). The meals were analyzed using Foodworks 10 nutrient analysis software. The nutrient content was compared against the New Zealand/Australia Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) and to nutrient-level standards for international school lunch programs. A total of 77.5% of nutrients analyzed exceeded 30% of the recommended daily intakes. Protein, vitamin A and folate met the NRV targets and a majority of the international standards (55/57). Energy, calcium, and iron were low compared to NRVs and international standards (meeting 2/76 standards). Carbohydrates were low compared to international standards. The findings have been used to inform the development of revised nutrition standards for the program, which will be released in 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie de Seymour
- Special Projects Team, Ministry of Education, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- College of Health, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (J.d.S.); (J.J.)
| | | | | | - Sheryl Ching
- Special Projects Team, Ministry of Education, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
| | - Jasmin Jackson
- Special Projects Team, Ministry of Education, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
- Correspondence: (J.d.S.); (J.J.)
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Alexiuk T, Pilli B, Hinds A, Urquia M, Slater J. Food insecurity, nutrition insecurity, and self-reported health among newcomer Manitoba youth: A cross-sectional study. Ecol Food Nutr 2022; 62:3-20. [PMID: 36416439 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2022.2148664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Many youth in Manitoba are not food secure. Newcomer youth may be more vulnerable to food insecurity. Further, it has been suggested that being food secure does not ensure a nutritionally adequate diet. This study examined survey data from 1,347 grade nine students to describe and compare food security by newcomer status. Survey data were also used to compare the dietary intakes, eating behaviors, and self-reported health of newcomer youth by food security status. Food security status between newcomer and non-newcomer youth was not significantly different, however, being food secure was not enough to have optimal nutritional health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tressa Alexiuk
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bhanu Pilli
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Aynslie Hinds
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Marcelo Urquia
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Joyce Slater
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Wu JH, Trieu K, Coyle D, Huang L, Wijesuriya N, Nallaiah K, Lung T, Di Tanna GL, Zheng M, Mozaffarian D, MacMillan F, Simmons D, Wu T, Twigg S, Gauld A, Constantino M, McGill M, Wong J, Neal B. Testing the Feasibility and Dietary Impact of a "Produce Prescription" Program for Adults with Undermanaged Type 2 Diabetes and Food Insecurity in Australia. J Nutr 2022; 152:2409-2418. [PMID: 36774107 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing interest in Food is Medicine programs that incorporate food-based interventions into health care for patients with diet-related conditions. OBJECTIVES We aimed to test the feasibility of a "produce prescription" program and its impact on diet quality for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) experiencing food insecurity in Australia. METHODS We conducted a pre-post intervention study in n = 50 adults experiencing food insecurity with T2D and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥8%. Once enrolled, participants received healthy food boxes weekly free of charge, with the contents sufficient to create 2 meals/d, 5 d/wk for the entire household, over 12 wk. Participants were also provided with tailored recipes and behavioral change support. The primary outcome was change in diet quality assessed by 24-h diet recalls. Secondary outcomes included differences in cardiovascular disease risk factors; blood micronutrients; and feasibility indicators. Differences in the baseline and 12-wk mean primary and secondary outcomes were assessed by paired t tests. RESULTS Participants were older adults with mean ± SD age 63 ± 9 y (range: 40-87 y), HbA1c 9.8% ± 1.5%, and 46% were female. Overall, 92% completed the final study follow-up for the primary outcome. Compared with baseline, diet quality improved at week 12, with an increase in the mean overall diet quality (Alternate Healthy Eating Index score) of 12.9 (95% CI: 8.7, 17.1; P < 0.001), driven by significant improvements in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, red/processed meat, trans fat, sodium, and alcohol consumption. Blood lipids also improved (total:HDL cholesterol: -0.48; 95% CI: -0.72, -0.24; P < 0.001), and there was significant weight loss (-1.74 kg; 95% CI: -2.80, -0.68 kg, P = 0.002), but no changes in other clinical outcomes. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide strong support for an adequately powered randomized trial to assess effects of produce prescription as an innovative approach to improve clinical management among individuals with T2D experiencing food insecurity. This trial was registered at https://anzctr.org.au/ as ACTRN12621000404820.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Hy Wu
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Kathy Trieu
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daisy Coyle
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liping Huang
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nirupama Wijesuriya
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kellie Nallaiah
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Lung
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gian L Di Tanna
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miaobing Zheng
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Freya MacMillan
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit (DOMTRU), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Simmons
- Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Translational Research Unit (DOMTRU), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia; Macarthur Diabetes Service, Camden and Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ted Wu
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Twigg
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Gauld
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Constantino
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margaret McGill
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jencia Wong
- Diabetes Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Royal Prince Alfred Clinic, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce Neal
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Imperial College London, School of Public Health, London, United Kingdom
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Sabião TS, Mendonça RD, Meireles AL, Machado-Coelho GL, Carraro JC. Food insecurity and symptoms of anxiety and depression disorder during the COVID- 19 pandemic: COVID-Inconfidentes, a population-based survey. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101156. [PMID: 35784491 PMCID: PMC9235291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the association between adult food insecurity (FI) and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in two Brazilian cities during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study used data derived from a cross-sectional survey of 1693 adults. Interviews were conducted using an electronic questionnaire. The FI was measured using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 was used to measure the symptoms of GAD. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used for MDD symptoms. The association between FI, GAD, and MDD symptoms was investigated using a Poisson regression model with robust variance to estimate the prevalence ratio and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). In regression models, a linear association between FI levels and outcomes was observed, with severe food insecurity having a 3.56 higher prevalence of GAD symptoms (95% CI: 2.23, 5.68) and a 3.03 higher prevalence of MDD (95% CI: 1.55, 5.90). In the stratified analyses, worse results were observed for females and males, individuals with non-white race/skin color, those without children, and those with lower monthly family income. In conclusion, the FI was associated with symptoms of GAD and MDD, and the sociodemographic characteristics interfered in this association. Therefore, we recommend the improvement of public health and social protection policies for food-insecure people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaís S. Sabião
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, School of Nutrition, Postgraduate Program in Health and Nutrition, Research and Study Group on Nutrition and Public Health (GPENSC), Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Raquel D. Mendonça
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Department of Clinical and Social Nutrition, Research and Study Group on Nutrition and Public Health (GPENSC), School of Nutrition, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adriana L. Meireles
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Department of Clinical and Social Nutrition, Research and Study Group on Nutrition and Public Health (GPENSC), School of Nutrition, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - George L.L. Machado-Coelho
- Epidemiology Laboratory, Medical School, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Júlia C.C. Carraro
- Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Department of Clinical and Social Nutrition, Research and Study Group on Nutrition and Public Health (GPENSC), School of Nutrition, Campus Morro do Cruzeiro, 35400-000, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the dietary intake correlates of food insecurity (FI) in UK adults. We recruited groups of low-income participants who were classified as food insecure (n 196) or food secure (n 198). Participants completed up to five 24 h dietary recalls. There was no difference in total energy intake by FI status (βFI = -0·06, 95 % CI - 0·25, 0·13). Food insecure participants consumed a less diverse diet, as evidenced by fewer distinct foods per meal (βFI = -0·27, 95 % CI - 0·47, -0·07), and had more variable time gaps between meals (βFI = 0·21, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·41). These associations corresponded closely to those found in a recent US study using similar measures, suggesting that the dietary intake signature of FI generalises across populations. The findings suggest that the consequences of FI for weight gain and health are not due to increased energy intake. We suggest that there may be important health and metabolic effects of temporal irregularity in dietary intake, which appears to be an important component of FI.
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Bastian A, Parks C, McKay FH, van der Pligt P, Yaroch A, McNaughton SA, Lindberg R. Development of a Comprehensive Household Food Security Tool for Families with Young Children and/or Pregnant Women in High Income Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10543. [PMID: 36078257 PMCID: PMC9518194 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite increasing rates of food insecurity in high income countries, food insecurity and its related factors are inconsistently and inadequately assessed, especially among households with young children (0-6 years) and pregnant women. To fill this gap, researchers from the U.S. and Australia collaborated to develop a comprehensive household food security tool that includes the known determinants and outcomes of food insecurity among parents of young children and pregnant women. A five-stage mixed methods approach, including a scoping literature review, key informant interviews, establishing key measurement constructs, identifying items and scales to include, and conducting cognitive interviews, was taken to iteratively develop this new comprehensive tool. The resulting 78-item tool includes the four dimensions of food security (access, availability, utilization, and stability) along with known risk factors (economic, health, and social) and outcomes (mental and physical health and diet quality). The aim of this novel tool is to comprehensively characterize and assess the severity of determinants and outcomes of food insecurity experienced by households with young children and pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Bastian
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 2000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Courtney Parks
- Gretchen Swanston Centre for Nutrition, 8401 W Dodge Rd., Omaha, NE 68114, USA
| | - Fiona H. McKay
- Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Locked Bag 2000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Paige van der Pligt
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 2000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Amy Yaroch
- Gretchen Swanston Centre for Nutrition, 8401 W Dodge Rd., Omaha, NE 68114, USA
| | - Sarah A. McNaughton
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 2000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Rebecca Lindberg
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Locked Bag 2000, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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Dubelt-Moroz A, Warner M, Heal B, Khalesi S, Wegener J, Totosy de Zepetnek JO, Lee JJ, Polecrone T, El-Sarraj J, Holmgren E, Bellissimo N. Food Insecurity, Dietary Intakes, and Eating Behaviors in a Convenience Sample of Toronto Youth. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9081119. [PMID: 36010010 PMCID: PMC9406940 DOI: 10.3390/children9081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity has been shown to be associated with poor dietary quality and eating behaviors, which can have both short- and long-term adverse health outcomes in children. The objective was to investigate the food security status, dietary intakes, and eating behaviors in a convenience sample of youth participating in the Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment LaunchPad programming in downtown Toronto, Ontario. METHODS Youth aged 9-18 years were recruited to participate in the study. Food security status, dietary intakes, and eating behaviors were collected using parent- or self-reported questionnaires online. RESULTS Sixty-six youth (mean ± SD: 11.7 ± 1.9 years) participated in the study. The prevalence of household food insecurity was higher than the national average with at least one child under 18 years of age (27.7% vs. 16.2%). Dietary intake patterns were similar to the national trends with low intakes of fiber, inadequate intakes of calcium and vitamin D; and excess intakes of sodium, added sugar, and saturated fat. Despite a low prevalence of poor eating habits, distracted eating was the most frequently reported poor eating habit. CONCLUSIONS Although youth were at high risk for experiencing household food insecurity, inadequate dietary intake patterns were similar to the national trends. Our findings can be used to develop future programming to facilitate healthy dietary behaviors appropriate for the target community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Dubelt-Moroz
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada; (A.D.-M.); (J.W.); (T.P.)
| | - Marika Warner
- Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment LaunchPad, 259 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2C2, Canada; (M.W.); (B.H.)
| | - Bryan Heal
- Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment LaunchPad, 259 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2C2, Canada; (M.W.); (B.H.)
| | - Saman Khalesi
- Physical Activity Research Group, Appleton Institute and School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, 160 Ann Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia;
| | - Jessica Wegener
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada; (A.D.-M.); (J.W.); (T.P.)
| | - Julia O. Totosy de Zepetnek
- Faculty of Kinesiology & Health Studies, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada;
| | - Jennifer J. Lee
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Taylor Polecrone
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada; (A.D.-M.); (J.W.); (T.P.)
| | - Jasmin El-Sarraj
- Campus Aarhus N, VIA University College, Banegårdsgade 2, 8700 Horsens, Denmark; (J.E.-S.); (E.H.)
| | - Emelie Holmgren
- Campus Aarhus N, VIA University College, Banegårdsgade 2, 8700 Horsens, Denmark; (J.E.-S.); (E.H.)
| | - Nick Bellissimo
- School of Nutrition, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada; (A.D.-M.); (J.W.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-979-5000 (ext. 553026)
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Cooper S, Graham M, Kuo CL, Khangura R, Schmidt A, Bakaysa S. The Relationship between Food Security and Gestational Diabetes among Pregnant Women. AJP Rep 2022; 12:e131-e138. [PMID: 36034747 PMCID: PMC9410985 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1751082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective were to: (1) evaluate associations between food security and women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and (2) evaluate if women in food insecure (FI) households had adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This was an observational study from October 2018 until September 2019. Postpartum resident clinic patients who delivered term, singleton infant at 37 weeks' or longer gestation were screened. Participants completed a survey using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module (US HFSSM). Survey responses were classified as: food secure (FS) and FI (marginal, low, very low FS). The primary outcome was GDM. Our secondary outcome was neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions for hypoglycemia. We evaluated the rate of GDM in FS and FI groups. Demographic data included: prepregnancy body mass index, total weight gain during pregnancy, birth weight, and mode of delivery. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between food insecurity and GDM. A p -value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There were 150 patients screened to participate; of these, 70 patients were enrolled (36 GDM and 34 without GDM [NGDM]). More patients in FI households, 71% ( n = 17), were diagnosed with GDM, compared with 33% ( n = 15) in the FS (FS) households (adjusted odds ratio 7.05; p < 0.01). Of patients who reported FI, 50% ( n = 12) were black, 46% ( n = 11) Hispanic, and 4% ( n = 1) Caucasian, compared with 13% ( n = 6) black, 30% ( n = 14) Hispanic, and 57% ( n = 26) Caucasian in patients who reported FS ( p < 0.001). Although not significant, 25% ( n = 6) of neonates from an FI household had an NICU admission for hypoglycemia compared with 7% ( n = 3) from an FS household ( p = 0.054). Pregnant women with GDM are more likely to experience FI than those with NGDM. Infants of mothers in FI households also had increased rates of NICU admission for hypoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shontreal Cooper
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Maura Graham
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Chia-Ling Kuo
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Raminder Khangura
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Adrienne Schmidt
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Stephanie Bakaysa
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut
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Kent K, Murray S, Visentin D, Mawer T, McGowan CJ, Williams AD, Hardcastle S, Bridgman H. High occurrence of food insecurity in young people attending a youth mental health service in regional Australia. Nutr Diet 2022; 79:364-373. [PMID: 35796179 PMCID: PMC9541261 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Aim Despite 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. Methods A 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. Results Of 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. Conclusions There 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Kent
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sandra Murray
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Denis Visentin
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Tamieka Mawer
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Courtney J McGowan
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Andrew D Williams
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Sibella Hardcastle
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Heather Bridgman
- College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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Al-Jermmy ASM, Idris SM, Coulibaly-Zerbo F, Nasreddine L, Al-Jawaldeh A. Prevalence and Correlates of Anemia among Adolescents Living in Hodeida, Yemen. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9070977. [PMID: 35883960 PMCID: PMC9322810 DOI: 10.3390/children9070977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of anemia among adolescents living in the war-affected region of Hodeida in Yemen. A secondary objective was to examine the effect of a nutrition education intervention on hemoglobin levels among anemic adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of adolescents aged 15–19 years in Hodeida (n = 400). A questionnaire was administered to inquire about demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. Capillary blood was obtained, anthropometric characteristics were measured and stool samples were collected. As for the secondary objective, anemic adolescents were randomly assigned to an intervention group (nutrition education and iron supplementation) and a control group (iron supplements only). The prevalence of anemia was 37.8%. Female gender, khat chewing, excessive menstruation, and experiencing headaches, fatigue, or dizziness were independent predictors of anemia. In contrast, adolescents who attended private schools, and reported snack consumption or handwashing had a significantly lower risk of anemia. A sample of 116 adolescents participated in the intervention (3 months). Hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control. Our findings contribute to the identification of high-risk groups that should be targeted by context-specific interventions. The implemented multicomponent intervention may serve as a prototype for larger-scale preventive programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shadia Mohamed Idris
- College of Public and Environmental Health, University of Bahri, Khartoum 12217, Sudan;
| | | | - Lara Nasreddine
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961-1-350000 (ext. 4547)
| | - Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
- Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), World Health Organization (WHO), Cairo 7608, Egypt;
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Riediger ND, LaPlante J, Mudryj A, Clair L. Examining differences in diet quality between Canadian Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults: results from the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey Nutrition Surveys. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2022; 113:374-384. [PMID: 35015285 PMCID: PMC9043166 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-021-00580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Truth and Reconciliation Commission includes a call to action to close gaps in health outcomes, including type 2 diabetes, of which diet quality must be considered an important mediator. The objectives of this study were to compare diet quality between off-reserve Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults in 2004 and 2015, and examine food security as a predictor of diet quality. METHODS We employed a repeated cross-sectional design using the 2004 and 2015 Canadian Community Health Surveys-Nutrition. Both surveys include a representative sample of the Canadian population in the 10 provinces, excluding the northern territories and people living on-reserve. Healthy Eating Index (HEI) values were estimated, using 24-hour dietary recalls, for the Indigenous and non-Indigenous population in each time period. After matching, a generalized linear model was applied to test for differences in HEI between groups across time period, adjusting for household food security. RESULTS Overall, HEI scores were not significantly different for Indigenous men and women in 2015 as compared with 2004, but continued to be lower compared with those of the non-Indigenous population. Indigenous adults reported significantly lower diet quality independent of food security status and other factors. Scores pertaining to percent energy from 'other' foods improved in 2015 compared with 2004. CONCLUSION Dietary disparities persist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. While addressing household food insecurity among Indigenous populations is necessary to improve diet quality, it is not sufficient. Results suggest that factors other than food insecurity and socio-economic status are impacting disparities in diet quality among Indigenous adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie D Riediger
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, 209 Human Ecology Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Jeff LaPlante
- National Indigenous Diabetes Association, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Adriana Mudryj
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, 209 Human Ecology Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Luc Clair
- Department of Economics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- St. Boniface Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Ciciurkaite G, Brown RL. The link between food insecurity and psychological distress: The role of stress exposure and coping resources. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 50:1626-1639. [PMID: 34735724 PMCID: PMC8916974 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the association between food insecurity and mental health over a 3-year period. It also assesses the salience of life stressors and psychosocial coping resources for this association. We utilize data from a two-wave community survey of Miami-Dade County, Florida residents (N = 1488). Findings from SEM analysis reveal that greater food insecurity at W1 is associated with greater depressive symptoms at W2, lending credence to characterizations of food insecurity as a chronic stressor. This association is partly mediated by variation over the study period in social support and mastery. However, no significant mediating effects are observed for the social stress indicators assessed. Food insecurity is associated with diminished psychosocial coping resources, which leads to greater psychological distress. We discuss how these findings extend a stress and coping model of food insecurity, and implications for research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Ciciurkaite
- Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Utah State University, , 0730 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84322-0730
| | - Robyn Lewis Brown
- Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, University of Kentucky, 1529 Patterson Office Tower, Lexington, KY 40506-0027
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Hutchinson J, Tarasuk V. The relationship between diet quality and the severity of household food insecurity in Canada. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1013-1026. [PMID: 34551845 PMCID: PMC9991759 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021004031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between the dietary quality of Canadian children and adults and household food insecurity status. DESIGN Dietary intake was assessed with one 24-h recall. Households were classified as food secure or marginally, moderately or severely food insecure based on their responses to the Household Food Security Survey Module. We applied multivariable analyses of variance to determine whether % energy from ultra-processed foods, fruit and vegetable intake, Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, macronutrient composition and micronutrient intakes per 1000 kcal differed by food insecurity status after accounting for income, education and region. Analyses were run separately for children 1-8 years and 9-18 years and men and women 19-64 years of age. SETTING Ten provinces in Canada. PARTICIPANTS Respondents to the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey-Nutrition, aged 1-64 years, with complete food insecurity data and non-zero energy intakes, N 15 909. RESULTS Among adults and children, % energy from ultra-processed foods was strongly related to severity of food insecurity, but no significant trend was observed for fruit and vegetable intake or HEI score. Carbohydrate, total sugar, fat and saturated fat intake/1000 kcal did not differ by food insecurity status, but there was a significant negative trend in protein/1000 kcal among older children, a positive trend in Na/1000 kcal among younger children and inverse associations between food insecurity severity and several micronutrients/1000 kcal among adults and older children. CONCLUSIONS With more severe household food insecurity, ultra-processed food consumption was higher, and diet quality was generally lower among both adults and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Hutchinson
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Valerie Tarasuk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ONM5S 1A8, Canada
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Food insecurity among Finnish private service sector workers: validity, prevalence and determinants. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:829-840. [PMID: 35067259 PMCID: PMC9993037 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among private sector service workers in Finland and assess validity of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) tool. DESIGN In this cross-sectional study, food insecurity and background characteristics were collected from Finnish private service workers via electronic questionnaires (2019) and national register data (2018-2019). We conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine the variables explaining food insecurity. Validity of HFIAS was assessed with rotated principal component analysis and Cronbach's α. SETTING Members of the trade union for private sector service workers, Service Union United (PAM), from all municipalities in Finland participated in the study in 2019. PARTICIPANTS The subjects were 6435 private sector workers that were members of the Service Union United (PAM) in Finland. Mean age of participants was 44 years (sd 12·7 years). RESULTS Two-thirds of the participants (65 %) were food insecure with over a third (36 %) reporting severe food insecurity. Reporting great difficulties in covering household expenses and young age markedly increased the risk of severe food insecurity (OR 15·05; 95 % CI 10·60, 21·38 and OR 5·07; 95 % CI 3·94, 6·52, respectively). Not being married, low education, working in the hospitality industry, being male and living in rented housing also increased the probability of severe food insecurity. The HFIAS tool demonstrated acceptable construct and criterion validity. CONCLUSIONS Severe food insecurity was widespread and associated with low socio-economic status, young age and being male among Finnish private sector service workers, emphasising the need for regular monitoring of food insecurity in Finland.
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50
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Aggeli C, Patelida M, Grammatikopoulou MG, Matzaridou EA, Berdalli M, Theodoridis X, Gkiouras K, Persynaki A, Tsiroukidou K, Dardavessis T, Tzimos C, Goulis DG, Vassilakou T. Moderators of Food Insecurity and Diet Quality in Pairs of Mothers and Their Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040472. [PMID: 35455516 PMCID: PMC9031801 DOI: 10.3390/children9040472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has suggested that maternal diet and characteristics may influence the diet of offspring during childhood. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the influence of distinct maternal characteristics and the diet quality of mothers on the prevalence of household food insecurity (FI) and the diet quality of children. A total of 179 mother–child pairs were recruited from two primary schools in the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki. The children were aged between 10 and 12 years old. Diet quality was assessed as the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), with the use of the KIDMED for the children and the MedDietScore for the mothers. The household FI and the social and demographic characteristics of the mothers were also recorded, and anthropometric measures of both the mothers and their children were collected. Approximately ¼ (26.3%) of the pairs reported some degree of FI, with a greater prevalence (64.7%) within single-mother families. Moreover, FI affected the level of maternal MD adherence (p = 0.011). On the other hand, FI was decreased in households with a greater maternal educational level (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10–0.63) and conjugal family status (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.87–0.52). Maternal adherence to the MD was inversely related to the respective adherence of their offspring (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86–0.997), suggesting that during periods of financial constraints, maternal diet quality is compromised at the expense of affording a better diet for the minors in the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Aggeli
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Maria Patelida
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.G.); (T.V.)
| | - Ekaterini-Avrakomi Matzaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Marina Berdalli
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Xenophon Theodoridis
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Gkiouras
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Angeliki Persynaki
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Kyriaki Tsiroukidou
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Theodore Dardavessis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christos Tzimos
- Northern Greece Statistics Directorate, Hellenic Statistical Authority, 218 Delfon Str., GR-54646 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (M.G.G.); (T.V.)
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