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Myers KP, Temple JL. Translational science approaches for food insecurity research. Appetite 2024; 200:107513. [PMID: 38795946 PMCID: PMC11227396 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Food insecurity is a pervasive problem that impacts health and well-being across the lifespan. The human research linking food insecurity to poor metabolic and behavioral health outcomes is inherently correlational and suffers from a high degree of variability both between households and even within the same household over time. Further, food insecurity is impacted by societal and political factors that are largely out of the control of individuals, which narrows the range of intervention strategies. Animal models of food insecurity are being developed to address some of the barriers to mechanistic research. However, animal models are limited in their ability to consider some of the more complex societal elements of the human condition. We believe that understanding the role that food insecurity plays in ingestive behavior and chronic disease requires a truly translational approach, and that understanding the health impacts of this complex social phenomenon requires understanding both its psychological and physiological dimensions. This brief review will outline some key features of food insecurity, highlighting those that are amenable to investigation with controlled animal models and identifying areas where integrating animal and human studies can improve our understanding of the psychological burden and health impacts of food insecurity. In the interest of brevity, this review will largely focus on food insecurity in the United States, as the factors that contribute to food insecurity vary considerably across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P Myers
- Department of Psychology, Animal Behavior & Neuroscience Programs, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Temple
- Departments of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Community Health and Health Behavior, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Bhurosy T, Rasul R, Chung T, McPartland D, Sepulveda I, Plotecher M, Hackett M, Fragleasso J, Kyriacou C. Using a healthy snacks program on a campus with limited food access: Implications for implementing a sustainable safety net program . JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38830174 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2361314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored the user experiences and satisfaction levels of students who participated in a healthy snacks program over eight months on a campus located in a food desert. PARTICIPANTS Students at a suburban private university (N = 51). METHODS Using a descriptive cross-sectional design, participants scanned a Quick-Response code and responded to an online questionnaire. Mixed methods analyses were conducted. RESULTS Most participants took snacks in the morning (44.4%). Satisfaction levels were highest [Mean (Standard deviation): 6.58 (0.90) out of 7.00 = high] among those feeling stressed. Five major themes from the open-ended responses were identified: (1) Being thankful; (2) Finding snacks to be tasty; (3) Inexpensive and healthy alternatives; (4) Feeling better; and (5) Needing better and additional snacks. CONCLUSIONS Future research is needed to assess the long-term feasibility and effectiveness of this program and develop similar programs on other college campuses located in food deserts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trishnee Bhurosy
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Rehana Rasul
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tammy Chung
- Center for Population Behavioral Health, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Diane McPartland
- Department of Population Health, School of Health Professions and Human Services, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Irina Sepulveda
- Department of Population Health, School of Health Professions and Human Services, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - May Plotecher
- Department of Population Health, School of Health Professions and Human Services, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Martine Hackett
- Department of Population Health, School of Health Professions and Human Services, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Fragleasso
- Department of Population Health, School of Health Professions and Human Services, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Corinne Kyriacou
- Department of Population Health, School of Health Professions and Human Services, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
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Morselli LL, Amjad R, James R, Kindel TL, Kwitek AE, Williams JS, Grobe JL, Kidambi S. Diet in Food Insecurity: A Mediator of Metabolic Health? J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae062. [PMID: 38623381 PMCID: PMC11017326 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Food insecurity (FI) is associated with poor metabolic health. It is assumed that energy intake and diet quality underlie this association. We tested the hypothesis that dietary factors (quantity and quality) mediate the association of FI with excess weight, waist circumference and glycemic control [glycohemoglobin (A1C)]. Methods A mediation analysis was performed on data from the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey using FI as an independent variable; body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and A1C as metabolic outcome variables and total energy intake, macronutrients, and diet quality measured by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) as potential mediators. Results Despite a greater prevalence of obesity in participants experiencing FI, daily reported energy intake was similar in food-secure and -insecure subjects. In adjusted analyses of the overall cohort, none of the examined dietary factors mediated associations between FI and metabolic outcomes. In race-stratified analyses, total sugar consumption was a partial mediator of BMI in non-Hispanic Whites, while diet quality measures (HEI-2015 total score and added sugar subscore) were partial mediators of waist circumference and BMI, respectively, for those in the "other" ethnic group. Conclusion Dietary factors are not the main factors underlying the association of FI with metabolic health. Future studies should investigate whether other social determinants of health commonly present in the context of FI play a role in this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Morselli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rabia Amjad
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Roland James
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Tammy L Kindel
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Anne E Kwitek
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Joni S Williams
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Justin L Grobe
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Comprehensive Rodent Metabolic Phenotyping Core, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Srividya Kidambi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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McKay FH, Zinga J, van der Pligt P. Could commercial meal kits be part of the solution to food insecurity during pregnancy? An Australian exploratory study. Nutr Diet 2024; 81:228-236. [PMID: 37845189 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12845] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
AIM To explore the nutritional content of meal kits from two main Australian companies over a 6-week period against healthy eating guidelines for pregnancy. METHOD Across the 6-week period, weekly meal kits from both Provider 1 and Provider 2 were purchased, 36 individual meals were assessed. All data were analysed for the development of a macronutrient and micronutrient profile of meals. Extracted data were macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral composition, which were compared against the healthy eating guidelines for pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand. RESULTS Meal kits include higher levels of sodium, and lower levels of dietary fibre, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, grains, and dairy when compared against the guidelines for healthy eating for pregnant women in Australia and New Zealand. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Meal kits may increase meals prepared and consumed in the home, and thanks to the clear instructions and pre-portioned ingredients, may reduce stress related to food preparation. They have the potential to provide nutritionally adequate meals to pregnant women as a way to mitigate food insecurity or hunger during pregnancy and may provide some nutritional benefits and have the potential to remove some of the challenges with maintaining an adequate diet when pregnant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona H McKay
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development/Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia Zinga
- Faculty of Health, School of Health and Social Development/Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paige van der Pligt
- Faculty of Health, The Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) and School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Western Health, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
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Kohanmoo A, Hashemzadeh M, Teymouri M, Zare M, Akhlaghi M. Food insecurity is associated with low diet quality and unhealthy cooking and eating habits in Iranian women. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2024; 43:42. [PMID: 38486251 PMCID: PMC10941397 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00533-3] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity affects diet and nutrition intakes. We explored the relationship between food insecurity and dietary intakes in a group of Iranian women. METHODS The cross-sectional study was performed on 190 healthy females aged 20-55 years attending primary healthcare centers in Shiraz. Food insecurity was evaluated by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, which is a validated tool for assessing food insecurity in developing countries. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The association of dietary patterns and food insecurity was assessed by linear regression. RESULTS Assessment of dietary intakes revealed that consumption of red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and nuts decreased whereas that of grains, processed meats, potato, and sugary foods increased with increasing food insecurity. Among nutrients, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and magnesium decreased while fat and sodium increased as food insecurity increased. Three major dietary patterns were detected. Healthy dietary patterns showed inverse associations with food insecurity in the crude (β = -0.422 and - 0.435, P < 0.001) and adjusted (adjusted for age, marital status, and educational level) (β = -0.475 and - 0.341, P < 0.001) models of regression analysis but unhealthy pattern did not show an association with food insecurity. Compared to food secure participants, a higher percentage of food insecure individuals indicated unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping breakfast, lower snack ingestion, more fast and fried food consumption, and using unhealthy cooking methods. CONCLUSION Overall, this study showed that food insecurity was associated with less healthy diet and unhealthy cooking and eating habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kohanmoo
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maral Hashemzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Teymouri
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Morteza Zare
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Akhlaghi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Wennman H, Partonen T. Impacts of temperature and solar radiation changes in northern Europe on key population health behaviors: a scoping review of reviews. Scand J Public Health 2023:14034948231216909. [PMID: 38142291 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231216909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM Climate change threatens health directly as well as indirectly through impacts on health-related behaviors. Physical activity, nutrition and sleep are key health-related behaviors for population health. We aimed at elucidating the impacts of climate change which emerge gradually on these three key health-related behaviors, particularly focusing on scenarios and projections relevant to people living in the northern Europe. METHODS We conducted a systematic literature search in three different databases in January 2023 to identify English language review articles summarizing the effects of climate change on either physical activity, nutrition, sleep, or their combination. RESULTS We identified 15 review articles on the topic. Data on climate change impacts on nutrition and sleep were sparse, and those on physical activity were heterogeneous. The climate in northern Europe will become warmer and sunnier in summer as well as warmer and darker in winter, which will probably increase the level of physical activity, but decrease the consumption of fruits and vegetables, as well as increase the occurrence of sleep disturbances in a population. CONCLUSIONS The anticipated changes in physical activity, nutrition and sleep driven by climate change influence population health and call for grass-roots action plans for adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heini Wennman
- Equality Unit, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
| | - Timo Partonen
- Equality Unit, Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland
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Webster J, Moala A, McKenzie B, Santos JA, Palu A, Deo A, Lolohea S, Sanif M, Naivunivuni P, Kumar S, Vimatemate E, Tawakilai H, Seru L, Woodward M, Patay D, Nand D, Kama A, Reeve E, Waqa G, Bell C. Food insecurity, COVID-19 and diets in Fiji - a cross-sectional survey of over 500 adults. Global Health 2023; 19:99. [PMID: 38082363 PMCID: PMC10712026 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-01004-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Food insecurity is associated with inadequate nutrition and increased rates of chronic disease. The primary aim of this study was to assess self-reported food insecurity and the perceived impact of COVID-19 on food security, in two regional districts of Central Fiji, as part of a broader program of work on strengthening and monitoring food policy interventions. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between food insecurity and salt, sugar and fruit and vegetable intake. METHODS Seven hundred adults were randomly sampled from the Deuba and Waidamudamu districts of Viti Levu, Fiji. Interview administered surveys were conducted by trained research assistants with data collected electronically. Information was collected on demographics and health status, food security, the perceived impact of COVID-19 on food security, and dietary intake. Food insecurity was assessed using nine questions adapted from Fiji's 2014/5 national nutrition survey, measuring markers of food insecurity over the last 12 months. Additional questions were added to assess the perceived effect of COVID-19 on responses. To address the secondary aim, interview administered 24-hour diet recalls were conducted using Intake24 (a computerised dietary recall system) allowing the calculation of salt, sugar and fruit and vegetable intakes for each person. Weighted linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between food insecurity and salt, sugar and fruit and vegetable intake. RESULTS 534 people participated in the survey (response rate 76%, 50.4% female, mean age 42 years). 75% (75.3%, 95% CI, 71.4 to 78.8%) of people reported experiencing food insecurity in the 12 months prior to the survey. Around one fifth of people reported running out of foods (16.8%, 13.9 to 20.2%), having to skip meals (19.3%, 16.2 to 22.9%), limiting variety of foods (19.0%, 15.9 to 22.5%), or feeling stressed due to lack of ability to meet food needs (19.5%, 16.4 to 23.0%). 67% (66.9%, 62.9 to 70.7%) reported becoming more food insecure and changing what they ate due to COVID-19. However, people also reported positive changes such as making a home garden (67.8%, 63.7 to 71.6%), growing fruit and vegetables (59.5%, 55.6 to 63.8%), or trying to eat healthier (14.7%, 12.0 to 18.0%). There were no significant associations between food insecurity and intakes of salt, sugar or fruit and vegetables. CONCLUSION Participants reported high levels of food insecurity, exceeding recommendations for salt and sugar intake and not meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations, and becoming more food insecure due to COVID-19. Most participants reported making home gardens and/or growing fruit and vegetables in response to the pandemic. There is an opportunity for these activities to be fostered in addressing food insecurity in Fiji, with likely relevance to the Pacific region and other Small Island Developing States who face similar food insecurity challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Webster
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Briar McKenzie
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Aliyah Palu
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark Woodward
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Dori Patay
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Erica Reeve
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Gade Waqa
- C-POND, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Colin Bell
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Gebeyehu DT, East L, Wark S, Islam MS. A systematic review of the direct and indirect COVID-19's impact on food security and its dimensions: pre-and post-comparative analysis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2298. [PMID: 37986174 PMCID: PMC10662791 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17104-6] [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: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since its emergence, the COVID-19 pandemic has compromised the food security both directly by impacting food supply chain and indirectly by overwhelming the individual health and/or personal financial situation. The overarching aim of the current study is to assess aspects of the food security crisis that have arisen due to COVID-19 and to identify which, if any, food security dimensions were specifically compromised. METHODS Primary research articles were initially identified through four online databases (Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science), with the references of each paper then also reviewed for additional article. The food security status of individuals and the wider community, both before and after the emergence of COVID-19, were examined. RESULTS Of the 2,057 studies initially identified, a total of ten were included in the final review. The included studies confirmed that COVID-19 had substantially impacted food security, with individuals, households and the wider community experiencing food insecurity. Nine of the included studies aruged that the food accessibility dimension was the most compromised. CONCLUSION To address the identified direct and indirect food security issues associated with COVID-19, it is proposed that a combination of prevention practices and proactive food security activities is required. Integrating food security interventions, supporting and facilitating food security resilience, and conducting further studies on the food security of COVID-19 are also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Teshome Gebeyehu
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, Australia.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
| | - Leah East
- School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Stuart Wark
- School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
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Cai J. Food Insecurity and COVID-19 Infection: Findings From the 2020-2021 National Health Interview Survey. AJPM FOCUS 2023; 2:100069. [PMID: 36687320 PMCID: PMC9847318 DOI: 10.1016/j.focus.2023.100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Introduction The purpose of this study was to examine the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with food insecurity and the association between food insecurity and COVID-19 infection using a nationally representative sample in the U.S. Methods Cross-sectional data of 61,050 adults (aged ≥18 years) from the 2020 and 2021 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Food insecurity was measured by the 10-item U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations with food insecurity. Results A total of 6.8% of the National Health Interview Survey participants lived in food-insecure households, and 18.9% tested positive for COVID-19 infection. Young (aged 18-34 years) or middle (aged 35-64 years) age, female sex, minor race/ethnicity (Hispanic/non-Hispanic Black/non-Hispanic Asian/others), education level less than high school, unmarried status, unemployment, poverty (below the federal poverty level), having no health insurance, a larger number of adults and children in the household, poorer self-reported health status, and the presence of chronic conditions were significantly associated with food insecurity (AOR ranged from 1.20 to 3.15, all p<0.0001). Food insecurity was independently associated with positive COVID-19 infection (AOR=1.25, 95% CI=1.11, 1.40), controlling for sociodemographic and health-related factors. The greatest magnitude of the association was observed for the non-Hispanic Black participants (AOR=1.47, 95% CI=1.15, 1.88), female participants (AOR=1.44, 95% CI=1.20, 1.71), and those below the federal poverty level (AOR=1.39, 95% CI=1.12, 1.73) across all the subgroups. Conclusions Food insecurity disproportionately affected vulnerable subgroups such as young adults, female individuals, minority race/ethnicity groups, and those with lower socioeconomic status, and was associated with positive COVID-19 infection. Policies addressing food insecurity may help to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 infection, especially for those vulnerable subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana
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Food Insecurity Is Associated with Dietary Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2019-2020. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030772. [PMID: 36771477 PMCID: PMC9919441 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030772] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic and has affected people's dietary behaviors, including food insecurity. This study aimed to ascertain whether COVID-19 may alter the prevalence of food insecurity, and if such food security status may be associated with dietary intake among Koreans. The general characteristics, dietary intake and food security status data in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VIII (2019~2020) were analyzed. The prevalence of food insecurity and food group and nutrient consumption by food security status were analyzed before (2019) and after the start of the pandemic (2020). Findings suggested 4.3% of Koreans experienced food insecurity during the first year of the pandemic, yet it did not differ from that in the year before the pandemic. Before COVID-19, there was no significant difference in food group or nutrition consumption by food security status. However, in 2020, the fruit and vitamin C intake of the food-insecure group was significantly lower than that of the food-secure group. Additionally, the food-insecure group's ratio of subjects who did not meet the recommended level of fruits and the vitamin was higher compared to that of the secure group. In conclusion, COVID-19 did not affect food insecurity status, but did have a negative influence on dietary intake for food-insecure Koreans.
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Hazzard VM, Loth KA, Crosby RD, Wonderlich SA, Engel SG, Larson N, Neumark-Sztainer D. Relative food abundance predicts greater binge-eating symptoms in subsequent hours among young adults experiencing food insecurity: Support for the "feast-or-famine" cycle hypothesis from an ecological momentary assessment study. Appetite 2023; 180:106316. [PMID: 36167172 PMCID: PMC9808920 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) may increase risk for binge eating through a "feast-or-famine" cycle, where fluctuations in food availability correspond to alternating periods of food restriction and opportunities for binge eating, but research on this topic is limited. To clarify the relationship between food availability and binge eating in the context of FI, this study examined the association between momentary food security level and subsequent binge-eating symptoms among individuals in food-insecure households and investigated how this association differs by factors that may modify the extent to which food availability fluctuates. Ecological momentary assessment data were collected in 2020-2021 from 75 young adults (Mage = 25.3 ± 1.8 years; 72% female; 72% Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color) in the United States who had experienced past-month household FI. For 14 days, participants reported four times per day on food security and eating episodes, and binge-eating symptoms were assessed for each reported eating episode. About 35% of the variance in momentary food security ratings was accounted for by within-person variability over time. A significant within-person association was observed in multilevel analyses, indicating that instances of greater food security relative to one's average level predicted greater subsequent binge-eating symptoms. Moderation analyses revealed that this association was significant only among individuals reporting use of food assistance programs, high engagement in resource trade-off coping strategies (e.g., skipping bill payments to buy food), or low food security-related self-efficacy. Overall, findings offer support for the "feast-or-famine" cycle hypothesis as an explanation for the link between FI and binge eating, emphasize the importance of identifying approaches to promote more stable access to adequate food, and suggest potential intervention targets to reduce risk for binge eating in populations experiencing FI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivienne M Hazzard
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Sanford Center for Biobehavioral Research, Fargo, ND, USA.
| | - Katie A Loth
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ross D Crosby
- Sanford Center for Biobehavioral Research, Fargo, ND, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Stephen A Wonderlich
- Sanford Center for Biobehavioral Research, Fargo, ND, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Scott G Engel
- Sanford Center for Biobehavioral Research, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Nicole Larson
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Vaghef-Mehrabani E, Wang Y, Zinman J, Beharaj G, van de Wouw M, Lebel C, Tomfohr-Madsen L, Giesbrecht GF. Dietary changes among pregnant individuals compared to pre-pandemic: A cross-sectional analysis of the Pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic (PdP) study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:997236. [DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.997236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionDietary changes are common in pregnancy and may affect pregnancy outcomes, yet these changes and the associated contributory factors during the COVID-19 pandemic have been understudied. We aimed to investigate the association between dietary change and socioeconomic variables, pre-pregnancy BMI, and mental health symptoms; the change in intake of seven food categories and their reasons; and the association between intake of these food categories and mental health symptoms.Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional analysis, we used data from the Pregnancy during the COVID-19 Pandemic (PdP) cohort study that collected data from pregnant Canadian individuals (n = 9,870, gestational age ≤ 35 weeks) on socioeconomic factors, pandemic-related hardships, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), dietary changes compared to pre-pandemic and the reasons for these changes. We assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Anxiety, respectively.Results54.3% of the participants reported a change in their diet. Non-white ethnicity (OR = 1.33), job loss (OR = 1.29), clinically elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.26 and 1.14, respectively), self-isolation (OR = 1.20), pre-pregnancy BMI (OR = 1.19), fear of COVID-19 (OR = 1.15), and pandemic phase at enrolment (OR = 0.90) significantly predicted dietary change. Most participants ate about the same amounts of dairy, meats and canned foods/dried goods as pre-pandemic (61.5, 61.7, and 60.2%, respectively), increased their intake of fresh vegetables/fruits and sweets/snacks (43.2 and 54.5%, respectively), and decreased fast-food and take-out/home delivery (53.2 and 43.1%, respectively). Changes in consumption of the food categories had a curvilinear association with mental health symptoms (except resilience) indicating greater symptoms with either decreased or increased intakes. Changes in craving, having more time for cooking/preparing foods, and being unable to go grocery shopping frequently (but not reduced affordability) were the main reasons driving these dietary changes.ConclusionSome factors increase the odds of dietary change among pregnant individuals during the pandemic, with some changes toward a healthy and others toward an unhealthy diet. Given the importance of a healthy diet during gestation, identifying the risk and protective factors might be the first essential step in reducing the detrimental effects of unfavorable dietary changes during the pandemic on this vulnerable population.
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Fonseca-Pérez D, Arteaga-Pazmiño C, Maza-Moscoso CP, Flores-Madrid S, Álvarez-Córdova L. Food insecurity as a risk factor of sarcopenic obesity in older adults. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1040089. [PMID: 36337623 PMCID: PMC9630347 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1040089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenic obesity is characterized by the loss of muscle strength, mass and muscle functionality and increased adipose tissue (obesity) according to different criteria and cut-off points. The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity among older adults is growing worldwide, and many factors are involved in its development. Diet and food security have been described as the main contributors to the development of obesity and sarcopenia. Food insecurity consists of limited or uncertain access to adequate and nutritious foods. This narrative review aims to summarize the existing data on food insecurity as a risk factor for sarcopenic obesity in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Fonseca-Pérez
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral (ISAIN), Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Cecilia Arteaga-Pazmiño
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Sara Flores-Madrid
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ludwig Álvarez-Córdova
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral (ISAIN), Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Carrera de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
- *Correspondence: Ludwig Álvarez-Córdova,
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Impact of COVID-19 on the food security and identifying the compromised food security dimension: A systematic review protocol. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272859. [PMID: 35944031 PMCID: PMC9362949 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food security is substantially affected directly by COVID-19 and/or indirectly by the measures adopted for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the impact of COVID-19 on food security and identify the most compromised food security dimension to ease the food security regulators and actors’ intervention prioritisation. Methodology Primary research focused on the impact of COVID-19 on food security will be searched from three online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus), manually using a google scholar search engine, and studies’ reference list were also manually searched. The prevalence of food insecurity in each study and the most compromised food security dimension including their associated factors will be identified. The food insecurity before and after COVID-19 emergence and the status of food security dimension before and after COVID-19 will be compared and interpreted. Discussion The heterogeneity of the studies and the factors for the variability of outcomes will be discussed. COVID-19 had a negative impact on food security if the food insecurity prevalence before the emergence of COVID-19 is less than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other confounding factors that can contribute to the high food insecurity prevalence like natural disasters, war, and instability will be considered in addition to COVID-19. Registration This systematic review protocol is registered in PROSPERO under the registration number: CRD42022325475.
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