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O'Sullivan EJ, Daly C, Kennedy A. Prevalence of food insecurity among caregivers of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland. NUTR BULL 2024; 49:73-81. [PMID: 38234252 DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12658] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Our objectives were to explore the prevalence of food insecurity in primary caregivers of young children in Ireland and to compare two tools for measuring food insecurity during the COVID-19 crisis. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among caregivers of children aged <2 years in Ireland in May/June 2020. Relevant survey questions were closed-ended using two established tools for measuring food poverty/insecurity; the Irish Food Poverty Indicator and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the prevalence of food poverty/insecurity. To explore agreement in the classification of food insecurity by the Food Poverty Indicator and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, Cohen's κ was used. Analyses are based on 716 participants; most had a 3rd-level education and were married or in a partnership. Per the food poverty index, Ireland's national measure of food poverty, 3.9% (n = 28) of our sample were experiencing food poverty. This rose to 10.5% (n = 75) experiencing food insecurity when using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, which also measures worry/anxiety around access to food. There was low agreement between the tools, with 11.3% of the sample classified as food secure by one tool and food insecure by the other. Our current measure of food poverty in Ireland may not be sufficient to describe the food-access struggles or worry/anxiety about food access, experienced by the population, particularly during an emergency like COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J O'Sullivan
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe Daly
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aileen Kennedy
- School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Bartelmeß T, Jasiok S, Kühnel E, Yildiz J. A scoping review of the social dimensions in food insecurity and poverty assessments. Front Public Health 2022; 10:994368. [PMID: 36620279 PMCID: PMC9815179 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.994368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Food poverty is a phenomenon that is currently receiving increasing social attention in both the Global South and the Global North. It is often equated with food insecurity, for which numerous assessment tools and reports exist. However, only limited specific data can be found on food poverty. Starting from a theoretical concept of food poverty, this article examines in a scoping review which dimensions of food poverty are captured by indices and indicators of food insecurity and general poverty assessments. The review focuses particularly on the social dimension of food poverty and points out that it is under-reported and that no adequate assessment tools exist so far. Existing indices and indicators of food insecurity and general poverty assessments are critically reviewed and suggestions for the assessment of social food poverty for policy and practice derived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Bartelmeß
- Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition, and Health, University of Bayreuth, Kulmbach, Germany,*Correspondence: Tina Bartelmeß ✉
| | - Sarah Jasiok
- Faculty of Life Sciences: Food, Nutrition, and Health, University of Bayreuth, Kulmbach, Germany
| | - Elias Kühnel
- Faculty of Law and Economics, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Juliane Yildiz
- Faculty of Agricultural, Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Bell Z, Scott S, Visram S, Rankin J, Bambra C, Heslehurst N. Experiences and perceptions of nutritional health and wellbeing amongst food insecure women in Europe: A qualitative meta-ethnography. Soc Sci Med 2022; 311:115313. [PMID: 36087388 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a rise in the number of people experiencing food insecurity. Particularly vulnerable are mothers with young children, pregnant women, and lone parents (the majority of whom are women). This systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies focused on women's experiences of food insecurity and how it affects their nutritional health and wellbeing. Six electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL and ASSIA), were searched from January 1, 2008-July 10, 2021, and supplemented by searches of grey literature databases, relevant websites, examination of reference lists and citation searches. We adhered to PRISMA and eMERGe guidelines to improve the completeness and clarity of meta-ethnographic reporting. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. We identified 11,589 unique records; we included 23 publications reporting data from 22 unique studies involving 647 women. Data were synthesised according to Noblit & Hare's seven phases of meta-ethnography. We identified two key themes - accessing sufficient food and embodying food insecurity - comprising seven sub-themes. Our meta-ethnography provides a progressive 'storyline' of women's experiences of food insecurity. This includes the ways in which women attempt to access sufficient food, are unable to meet their nutritional needs, and the ways in which this is embedded into their everyday lives and embodied in unhealthful physical, social, and mental nutritional health and wellbeing impacts. Our review emphasises that food insecurity directly and tangibly impacts women's nutritional health and wellbeing. It concludes that there needs to be greater recognition of the psychosocial impact of food insecurity on vulnerable women in addition to its impact on their nutritional health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Bell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
| | - Steph Scott
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Shelina Visram
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Judith Rankin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Nicola Heslehurst
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK
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Marchetti S, Secondi L. The Economic Perspective of Food Poverty and (In)security: An Analytical Approach to Measuring and Estimation in Italy. SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH 2022; 162:995-1020. [PMID: 35002017 PMCID: PMC8727968 DOI: 10.1007/s11205-021-02875-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The UN Sustainable Development Goals have set clear targets on global poverty, hunger and malnutrition to be achieved by 2030, which have prompted academics and policymakers to identify useful strategies and drivers. Moreover, the COVID19 pandemic has exacerbated inequalities at national and sub-national levels thus hampering the achievement of these goals. On considering the multifaceted nature of poverty, a recent research strand focuses on food poverty and insecurity issues in terms of economic access to food and healthy diet consumption, with moderate and extreme food insecurity affecting almost 9% of the population in Europe and North America. This paper aims to analyse food poverty and insecurity at regional level in Italy. Using micro-data from the Italian Household Budget Survey carried out by ISTAT, an analytical approach was proposed to define and measure the different degree of food poverty and insecurity. Moreover, to obtain insights into whether food poverty and insecurity can afford population healthy nutrition, inequality of the distributions of food expenditure categories are estimated. The results provided us with information on other important aspects of the poverty. Indeed, in Italy individuals who are at-risk-of-food-poverty or food insecure amount to 22.3% of the entire population. Furthermore, the at-risk-of-food-poverty-rate varies at regional level from 14.6% (Umbria) to 29.6% (Abruzzo), with high levels of food consumption inequalities observed above all for vegetables, meat and fish. All these issues could help policy makers to define economic intervention policies aimed at reducing social exclusion and achieving more equitable and sustainable living conditions for the entire population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Marchetti
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Pisa, Via Ridolfi 10, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Secondi
- Department for Innovation in Biological, University of Tuscia, Agro-Food and Forest Systems (DIBAF), Via S.C. De Lellis, snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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Smith M, Harvey J. Social eating initiatives and the practices of commensality. Appetite 2021; 161:105107. [PMID: 33460692 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Social eating initiatives are a mode of food provisioning and eating that have become increasingly popular in the UK. These organisations provide a menu of low-cost meals prepared using food surpluses and deliberately serve food communally to improve social inclusion. Although these community initiatives have grown rapidly in popularity, research into their value from the perspective of participants is currently limited. This article presents data from a concurrent multi-method study conducted across multiple sites of the Nottingham Social Eating Network to explain the emergence of these novel social configurations. The results show this form of commensality, or group eating practice, is not simply a consequence of reducing food waste or food insecurity. Instead these initiatives are enacted through a series of intersecting social practices, which include: the restructuration of the shared mealtime; alimentary contribution; and performances of care. The findings provide important insights into the values expressed in these emergent initiatives and are therefore useful for framing social eating in public policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsha Smith
- Centre for Business in Society, Coventry University, Jaguar Building, Gosford St, Coventry, CV1 5DL, UK.
| | - John Harvey
- N/Lab, Nottingham University Business School, Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Wollaton Road, Nottingham, NG8 1BB, UK.
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Beacom E, Furey S, Hollywood L, Humphreys P. Investigating food insecurity measurement globally to inform practice locally: a rapid evidence review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:3319-3339. [PMID: 32757973 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1798347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this review was to examine the methods used to measure food insecurity (FI) globally, to inform considerations relating to adopting a novel, or reviewing an existing, FI measurement approach in developed countries. Considerations for measurement are examined with particular applicability to the United Kingdom (UK) which has recently announced adoption of the US Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) as an indicator to facilitate annual FI monitoring. This study uses a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) methodological approach to systematically review the literature on FI measurement and considers: geographical jurisdiction, methodological approach, sampling strategy, FI indicator(s) used, and implications for measurement. Results found that the majority of papers reviewed emanate from North America with the US Household Food Security Scale Module (HFSSM) and its various adapted forms being the most commonly reported indicator. FI is becoming a key concern within developed countries with a range of indicators being used to report on the severity of the issue. This paper provides a contribution to knowledge by: (i) identifying various approaches to FI measurement and commonalities of existing measurement approaches; (ii) providing a summation of the methodologies and findings of studies relating to FI measurement, and associated implications for measurement, (iii) providing a justification evidenced by the literature for the adoption of the HFSSM in the UK; and (iv) assessing the methodological usefulness of a REA review. Understanding the components of robust FI indicators and their effectiveness can help inform existing and novel measurement approaches to ensure that data collected on FI are meaningful and thereby useful to inform future policy work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Beacom
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK
| | - Sinéad Furey
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Coleraine, UK
| | - Lynsey Hollywood
- Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Ulster Business School, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | - Paul Humphreys
- Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, Jordanstown, UK
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Douglas F, Machray K, Entwistle V. Health professionals' experiences and perspectives on food insecurity and long-term conditions: A qualitative investigation. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:404-413. [PMID: 31595585 PMCID: PMC7027877 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Estimates suggest that over 10% of the UK population are affected by food insecurity. International evidence indicates that food insecurity is a risk factor for many long-term health conditions, and can adversely affect people's ability to manage existing conditions. Food insecurity is thus not only a serious social concern but also a healthcare issue requiring the attention of UK health professionals. An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken to investigate the experiences and views of health professionals in north east Scotland, with a particular focus on support for people with long-term conditions whom they believed were affected by food insecurity. Two focus groups and nine semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a total of 20 health professionals between March and July 2016. Thematic analysis generated three main themes. The health professionals had (a) diverse levels of understanding and experience of food insecurity, but between them identified a range of (b) negative impacts of food insecurity on condition-management, especially for diet dependent conditions or medication regimes, and for mental health. Even for those health professionals more familiar with food insecurity, there were various (c) practical and ethical uncertainties about identifying and working with food insecure patients (it could be difficult to judge, for example, whether and how to raise the issue with people, to tailor dietary advice to reflect food insecurity, and to engage with other agencies working to address food insecurity). This study indicates that health professionals working with food insecure patients have learning and support needs that warrant further investigation. Debates about health professionals' responsibilities, and interventions to guide and support health professionals, including tools that might be used to screen for food insecurity, must also reflect the diverse lived needs and values of people who experience food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Douglas
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyRobert Gordon UniversityAberdeenUK
| | - Kathryn Machray
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Vikki Entwistle
- Centre for Biomedical EthicsNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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