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Adam SM, Teshoma MS, Ahmed ASD, Tamiru D. Household food insecurity and its association with academic performance among primary school adolescents in Hargeisa City, Somaliland. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303034. [PMID: 38995972 PMCID: PMC11244796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic achievement is crucial for the social and economic development of young people and determines the quality of education of a nation. According to different studies, food insecurity adversely affects children's health, nutrition, and subsequent decline in academic performance by impairing students' ability to learn and therefore affects the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. To provide evidence on the association of food insecurity with academic performance is necessary. The current study assessed household food insecurity and its association with academic performance among primary school adolescents in Hargeisa City, Somaliland. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 630 primary school adolescents from December 2021 to March 2022. Students were selected using a multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on household food security and socio-demographic variables and entered into Epi data version 3.1. The data was exported to SPSS version 26 for descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals together with p <0.05 were utilized to declare statistical significance. RESULTS The prevalence of food insecurity among school adolescents was 59.21%. The majority (55.40%) of the school adolescents were poor academic performers. The frequency of adolescents' poor academic performance was significantly high (71.05%) among food insecure households (P < 0.001) as compared to their counterparts whose households were food secure (32.68%). On multivariable analysis, household food insecurity (AOR = 5.24, 95%CI = 3.17-8.65), school absenteeism (AOR = 3.49, 95%CI = 2.20-5.53), spending >2h/day watching TV / screen media use (AOR = 9.08, 95%CI = 4.81-17.13), high and middle wealth households (AOR = 0.51, 95%CI = 0.30-0.88) (AOR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.21-0.76) and habitual breakfast consumption (AOR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.03-0.20) had shown statistically significant association with academic performance among primary school adolescents. CONCLUSION The present study revealed that household food insecurity has a high association with adolescents' academic performance. The prevalence of food insecurity is moderate, based on the household food insecurity access scale. The results indicate the need for policies and programs intended to improve household income by developing income-generation programs for lower-income families and enhance feeding programs such as national school lunch and school feeding across schools in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagal Mohamed Adam
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Sinaga Teshoma
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Awale Sh. Dahir Ahmed
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Carducci B, Dominguez G, Kidd E, Oh C, Jain R, Khan A, Bhutta ZA. Promoting healthy school food environments and nutrition in Canada: a systematic review of interventions, policies, and programs. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae030. [PMID: 38767979 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae030] [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: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT The school food environment is a critical interface for child and adolescent nutrition, and there is a need to understand existing literature on Canadian school food environments to identify equity gaps and opportunities, and empower decision-makers to plan for future action. OBJECTIVE Literature on Canadian school food and nutrition interventions, policies, programs, and their effects on diets and nutritional status are synthesized and appraised in this systematic review. DATA SOURCES A search strategy was developed for each database used (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, Cochrane Collaboration, Canadian Electronic Library, BiblioMap), with a combination of free text and controlled vocabulary, for articles published from 1990 to 2021. Unpublished data and grey literature were also searched. DATA EXTRACTION Quantitative and qualitative studies with an observational or intervention study design, reviews, or program evaluations conducted in Canadian schools with participants aged 5-19.9 years were included. Key study characteristics and risk of bias were extracted independently by 2 investigators using a standardized tool. DATA ANALYSIS A total of 298 articles were included (n = 192 peer reviewed and 106 from the grey literature), which were mostly conducted in Ontario (n = 52), British Columbia (n = 43), and Nova Scotia (n = 28). Twenty-four interventions, 5 nonevaluated programs, and 1 policy involved Indigenous populations. Overall, 86 articles measured and reported on effectiveness outcomes, including dietary intake; anthropometry; knowledge, attitudes, and practices; and physical activity. The literature remains largely heterogenous and primarily focused on nutrition education programs that use subjective assessments to infer changes in nutrition. A key facilitator to implementation and sustainability was community engagement, whereas key barriers were staff capacity, access to resources and funding, and consistent leadership. CONCLUSIONS This review provides insight into Canadian school food and nutrition interventions, programs, and policies and uncovers important evidence gaps that require careful examination for future evaluations. Governments must create supportive environments that optimize nutrition for children and adolescents through equitable policies and programs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022303255.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Carducci
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Georgia Dominguez
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Kidd
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Oh
- Western University, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, ON, Canada
| | - Reena Jain
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amira Khan
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research, and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre of Excellence in Women, and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Dalla Lana School of Public, Health University of Toronto Health Sciences Building, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Bryant M, Burton W, O'Kane N, Woodside JV, Ahern S, Garnett P, Spence S, Sharif A, Rutter H, Baker T, Evans CEL. Understanding school food systems to support the development and implementation of food based policies and interventions. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:29. [PMID: 36907879 PMCID: PMC10009978 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01432-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schools provide opportunities to improve the quality of children's diet, whilst reducing inequalities in childhood diet and health. Evidence supports whole school approaches, including consistency in food quality, eating culture and food education. However, such approaches are often poorly implemented due to the highly complex environments in which schools operate. We aimed to develop a school food systems map using a systems thinking approach to help identify the key factors influencing primary school children's dietary choice. METHODS Eight workshops were conducted with 80 children (from schools from varying locations (region of England/UK; urban/rural), deprivation levels and prioritisation of school food policies)) and 11 workshops were held with 82 adult stakeholders across the UK (principals, teachers, caterers, school governors, parents, and local and voluntary sector organisations) to identify factors that influence food choice in children across a school day and their inter-relationships. Initial exploratory workshops started with a 'blank canvas' using a group model building approach. Later workshops consolidated findings and supported a wider discussion of factors, relationships and influences within the systems map. Strengths of the relationship between factors/nodes were agreed by stakeholders and individually depicted on the map. We facilitated an additional eight interactive, in-person workshops with children to map their activities across a whole school day to enable the production of a journey map which was shared with stakeholders in workshops to facilitate discussion. RESULTS The final 'CONNECTS-Food' systems map included 202 factors that were grouped into 27 nodes. Thematic analysis identified four key themes: leadership and curriculum; child food preference; home environment; and school food environment. Network analysis highlighted key factors that influence child diet across a school day, which were largely in keeping with the thematic analysis; including: 'available funds/resources', 'awareness of initiatives and resources', 'child food preference and intake', 'eligibility of free school meals', 'family circumstances and eating behaviours', 'peer/social norms', 'priorities of head teachers and senior leaders'. CONCLUSIONS Our systems map demonstrates the need to consider factors external to schools and their food environments. The map supports the identification of potential actions, interventions and policies to facilitate a systems-wide positive impact on children's diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bryant
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO150DD, UK
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, YO150DD, UK
| | - Wendy Burton
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, YO150DD, UK
| | - Niamh O'Kane
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, UK
| | - Jayne V Woodside
- Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT12 6BJ, UK.
| | - Sara Ahern
- Bradford Institute of Health Research, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK
| | - Phillip Garnett
- School for Business and Society, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Suzanne Spence
- Human Nutrition Exercise Research Centre, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Amir Sharif
- Faculty of Management, Law and Social Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7, 1DP, UK
| | - Harry Rutter
- Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Tim Baker
- Charlton Manor Primary School, Indus Road, Charlton, London, SE7 7EF, UK
| | - Charlotte E L Evans
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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Turner VE, Demissie Z, Sliwa SA, Clayton HB. Food Insecurity and Its Association With Alcohol and Other Substance Use Among High School Students in the United States. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2022; 92:177-184. [PMID: 34841533 PMCID: PMC8796201 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies show that food insecurity is associated with adverse health behaviors for children and adults. However, published data among adolescents are limited. The objective of this study was to examine the association between food insecurity and substance use behaviors among US high school students. METHODS Data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in 10 states were combined to examine the association between household food insecurity and adolescent use of alcohol, marijuana, prescription opioid misuse, and illicit drugs using logistic regression. RESULTS Among surveyed respondents, 12.3% of high school students reported experiencing food insecurity. In unadjusted analyses, the prevalence of substance use was higher among students with food insecurity compared to food secure students: current binge drinking (16.2% vs 11.5%), current marijuana use (24.0% vs 16.2%), lifetime prescription opioid misuse (21.3% vs 12.6%), and lifetime use of illicit drugs (12.3% vs 5.0%) (all p < .05). In adjusted models, food insecurity was associated with lifetime prescription opioid misuse and lifetime use of illicit drugs (aPR 1.38 and 1.70, respectively). CONCLUSION Students with food insecurity are a potential group at a higher rise of substance misuse and may benefit from prevention programs designed to address their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Turner
- Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, 14 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Zewditu Demissie
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, 1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 300, Rockville, MD, 20852, USA
| | - Sarah A Sliwa
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Heather B Clayton
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329., USA
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Everitt T, Engler-Stringer R, Martin W. Determining Promising Practices for Canadian School Food Programs: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2020.1823925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Everitt
- Department of Human Nutrition, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Rachel Engler-Stringer
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Wanda Martin
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Fafard St-Germain AA, Siddiqi A. The Relation Between Household Food Insecurity and Children's Height in Canada and the United States: A Scoping Review. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:1126-1137. [PMID: 31075160 PMCID: PMC6855965 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmz034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Household food insecurity is a determinant of health and marker of material deprivation. Although research has shown that food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse health, developmental and nutritional outcomes among children in high-income countries, little is known about its impact on children's height, an important marker of nutritional status and physical development. We reviewed evidence on the relation between experience-based measures of food insecurity and the height of children aged 0-18 y in Canada and the United States. The search, conducted in Embase, Medline, CINAHL, ProQuest, Web of Science, and EconLit from the inception of the databases to October 2017, identified 811 records that were screened for relevance. A total of 8 peer-reviewed studies, 2 from Canada and 6 from the United States, met the inclusion criteria and were summarized. Five studies found no association between food insecurity and children's height. One study found that having taller children in the household predicted more severe food insecurity, whereas 2 studies found that more severe experiences of food insecurity were associated with shorter height among children from ethnic minority populations. These results suggest that household food insecurity may not be associated with height inequalities among children in Canada and the United States, except perhaps in certain high-risk populations. However, the few studies identified for review provide insufficient evidence to determine whether food insecurity is or is not associated with children's height in these countries. Given the importance of optimal linear growth for current and future well-being, it is critical to understand how different modifiable environmental circumstances relate to children's height to help establish priorities for intervention. Families with children are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, and more research explicitly designed to examine the association between household food insecurity and children's height in high-income countries is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Zhang L, Yang F. Food insecurity and school performance among the left-behind children in rural China: Depression and educational expectation as mediators. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0143034319869048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to explore the associations between food insecurity and school performance, and the serial mediation of depression and educational expectation on the focal association, among Chinese rural left-behind children. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey on 2128 students (Grades 5–9, mean age = 13.21 years) who reported one or both parents had migrated into the urban sector. They responded to questions on school performance, educational expectation, The Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and The Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale. Serial mediation modelling was used to test the mediating role of depression and educational expectation. It is found that food insecurity was significantly associated with school performance. Moreover, depression and educational expectation functioned as serial mediators and were fully mediating the association between food insecurity and school performance. The findings as with the severity of childhood food insecurity in rural China as well as its association with the negative consequences in children's education provide empirical support for contentions that food insecurity problem should be taken into account in designing and implementing school-based intervention programs for left-behind children. Moreover, schools shall pay special attention to the mental health risks of food insecurity among rural left-behind children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufa Zhang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Yang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- China Institute for Urban Governance, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Behrman P, Demirci J, Yanez B, Beharie N, Laroche H. Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: SBM urges Congress to preserve and increase the financing of federally funded nutrition assistance programs and services. Transl Behav Med 2019; 9:170-174. [PMID: 29726980 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/iby025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Deep cuts have been proposed to federally funded nutrition assistance programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and federally subsidized school breakfast and lunch programs. Yet, these programs help parents afford healthy meals for their families, pregnant and postpartum mothers access supplemental foods and health services for themselves and their infants and young children, and children obtain the nutrition necessary for optimal school performance. Participation in these programs is linked with reductions in perinatal morbidity and mortality, improved childhood growth trajectories, enhanced school performance, and reductions in food insecurity and poverty. Given these compelling health and economic benefits, the Society of Behavioral Medicine urges Congress to protect and increase funding for federally funded nutrition assistance programs, specifically SNAP, WIC, and school breakfast and lunch programs. Per the recent (2017) recommendations of the School Nutrition Association, Congress should also resist any attempts to "block-grant" subsidized school breakfast and lunch programs, which could reduce access to these programs. It is further recommended that Congress improve the scope of implementation- and outcomes-based assessments of these programs. Finally, we recommend efforts to increase awareness of and participation in SNAP, WIC, and federally funded school meal programs for eligible individuals, children, and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Behrman
- Department of Psychology, College of Mt. St. Vincent, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jill Demirci
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Betina Yanez
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nisha Beharie
- New York University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
| | - Helena Laroche
- Carver School of Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Coralville, IA, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To synthesise the research which has sought to evaluate interventions aiming to tackle children's food insecurity and the contribution of this research to evidencing the effectiveness of such interventions. RECENT FINDINGS The majority of studies in this review were quantitative, non-randomised studies, including cohort studies. Issues with non-complete outcome data, measurement of duration of participation in interventions, and accounting for confounds are common in these evaluation studies. Despite the limitations of the current evidence base, the papers that were reviewed provide evidence for multiple positive outcomes for children participating in attended and subsidy interventions, inter alia, reductions in food insecurity, poor health and obesity. However, current evaluations may overlook key areas of impact of these interventions on the lives and outcomes of participating children. This review suggests that the current evidence base which evaluates food insecurity interventions for children is both mixed and limited in scope and quality. In particular, the outcomes measured are narrow, and many papers have methodological limitations. With this in mind, a systems-based approach to both implementation and evaluation of food poverty interventions is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Holley
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK.
| | - Carolynne Mason
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
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Behrman P, Demirci J, Yanez B, Beharie N, Laroche H. Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) position statement: SBM urges Congress to preserve and increase the financing of federally funded nutrition assistance programs and services. Transl Behav Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/tbm/iby025 [doi]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Behrman
- Department of Psychology, College of Mt. St. Vincent, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jill Demirci
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Betina Yanez
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nisha Beharie
- New York University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
| | - Helena Laroche
- Carver School of Medicine, University of Iowa Health Care, Coralville, IA, USA
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King C. Food insecurity and child behavior problems in fragile families. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2018; 28:14-22. [PMID: 29197238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity remains a persistent problem in the United States. Several studies have shown that food insecurity is associated with child externalizing and internalizing behavior problems. However, some potential methodological limitations remain. For example, most studies use a household measure of food insecurity while there is evidence that children, especially younger ones, tend to be shielded by their parents from experiencing food insecurity. In addition, the mechanisms through which food insecurity affects children are not well understood. This study uses longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to address these limitations. Fixed-effects models show that the association is even larger using a measure of child food insecurity instead of a household one. Correlated-random effects models show a large difference in child behavior problems between food secure and food insecure children due to unobserved heterogeneity. In addition, the association between child food insecurity and child externalizing behaviors remains largely unexplained while food insecurity among adults explains almost all the variation in the association with child internalizing behaviors. Food insecure children and parents are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies, which may lead to behavior problems in young children. These findings underscore the need for greater focus on reducing the risk of food insecurity, especially for children in fragile families, in order to reduce behavior problems and improve their educational attainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian King
- University of Central Florida, Department of Health Management and Informatics, 4364 Scorpius Street, HPA II Suite 210, Orlando, FL 32816-2205, United States.
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The association between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children. Public Health Nutr 2017; 20:2778-2785. [PMID: 28724457 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980017001562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Education is a crucial social determinant of health. Food insecurity can be detrimental to children's academic achievement, potentially perpetuating a cycle of poverty and food insecurity. We aimed to assess the relationship between food insecurity and academic achievement in Canadian school-aged children. DESIGN Cross-sectional study of children and parents. Parents completed the short-form Household Food Security Survey Module and questions about income and education level (socio-economic status). Children completed FFQ. Data were prospectively linked to children's performance on standardized exams written one year later. Mixed-effect logistic regression was employed to assess the relationship between food insecurity and likelihood of meeting academic expectations adjusting for socio-economic status, diet quality and potential confounders. SETTING Nova Scotia, Canada in 2011-2012. SUBJECTS Students (n 4105) in grade 5 (10-11 years; 2167 girls) and their parents. RESULTS Low food security was reported by 9·8 % of households; very low food security by 7·1 % of households. Students from low-income households and reporting poor diet quality were less likely to do well in school. Children who lived in households reporting very low food security had 0·65 times the odds (OR=0·65; 95 % CI 0·44, 0·96) of meeting expectations for reading and 0·62 times the odds (OR=0·62; 95 % CI 0·45, 0·86) of meeting expectations for mathematics. CONCLUSIONS Very low household insecurity is associated with poor academic achievement among children in Nova Scotia.
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Tamiru D, Belachew T. The association of food insecurity and school absenteeism: systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s40066-016-0083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Tamiru D, Melaku Y, Belachew T. Food Insecurity and Its Association With School Absenteeism Among Rural School Adolescents in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Asia Pac J Public Health 2017; 29:114-121. [PMID: 28201940 DOI: 10.1177/1010539517691606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies showed that poor health and nutrition among school adolescents are major barriers to educational access and achievements in low-income countries. This school-based study was aimed to assess the association of school absenteeism and food insecurity among rural school adolescents from grades 5 to 8 in Jimma zone, Ethiopia. Regression analyses were used to see the strength of association between dependent and independent variables using odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictor of school absenteeism. Validated tools are used to collect household food insecurity data. Results showed that school absenteeism is significantly high among adolescents from food insecure households when compared to adolescents from food secure households ( P <.001). School absenteeism was negatively associated with male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = -0.91, 95% CI -1.85 to -0.03), household food security (adjusted odds ratio = -1.85, 95% CI -3.11 to -0.59), being an elder sibling (AOR = -0.37, 95% CI, -0.62 to -0.12), and mother involvement in decision making (AOR = -0.68, 95% CI, -1.33 to -0.03) while male-headed household was positively associated (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI, 1.37 to 4.56). Generally, this study showed that household food insecurity has significant contribution to school absenteeism among rural adolescents. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve household income earning capacity to reduce the prevalence of school absenteeism among rural school adolescents.
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Piontak JR, Schulman MD. School Context Matters: The Impacts of Concentrated Poverty and Racial Segregation on Childhood Obesity. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2016; 86:864-872. [PMID: 27866387 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schools are important sites for interventions to prevent childhood obesity. This study examines how variables measuring the socioeconomic and racial composition of schools and counties affect the likelihood of obesity among third to fifth grade children. METHODS Body mass index data were collected from third to fifth grade public school students by teachers from 317 urban and rural North Carolina schools in 38 counties. Multilevel models are used to examine county-, school-, and individual-level effects. RESULTS Low concentrations of poverty at the school level are associated with lower odds of obesity. Schools in rural counties had significantly higher rates of obesity, net the other variables in the model. Students in minority-segregated schools had higher rates of obesity than those in more racially diverse schools, but the effect was not statistically significant once school-level poverty was controlled. CONCLUSIONS Place-based inequalities are important determinants of health inequalities. The results of this study show that school-level variables related to poverty are important for understanding and confronting childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Rayanne Piontak
- Center for Child and Family Policy, Duke University, 2024 W, Main Street, Bay C # 202, Durham, NC 27705-4667
| | - Michael D Schulman
- Department of Youth, Family, and Community Sciences, North Carolina State University, 512 Brickhaven Drive 210Q, Campus Box 7606, Raleigh, NC 27695-7606
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Tamiru D, Argaw A, Gerbaba M, Ayana G, Nigussie A, Belachew T. Household food insecurity and its association with school absenteeism among primary school adolescents in Jimma zone, Ethiopia. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:802. [PMID: 27530676 PMCID: PMC4988034 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Household food insecurity and lack of education are two of the most remarkable deprivations which developing countries are currently experiencing. Evidences from different studies showed that health and nutrition problems are major barriers to educational access and achievement in low-income countries which poses a serious challenge on effort towards the achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Evidence on the link between food security and school attendance is very important to address this challenge. This study aimed to assess to what extent food insecurity affects school absenteeism among primary school adolescents. Methods A school based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary school adolescents in Jimma zone from October-November, 2013. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the household food security and socio-demographic variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS for windows version 16.0 after checking for missing values and outliers. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association of school absenteeism and food insecurity with independent variables using odds ratio and 95 % of confidence intervals. Variables with p ≤ 0.25 in the bivariate analyses were entered into a multivariable regression analysis to control for associations among the independent variables. Results The frequency of adolescent school absenteeism was significantly high (50.20 %) among food insecure households (P < 0.001) compared to their peers whose households were food secure (37.89 %). Findings of multivariable logistic regression analysis also showed that household food insecurity [AOR = 2.81 (1.70, 4.76)] was positively associated with poor school attendance while female-headed household [AOR = 0.23 (0.07, 0.72)], urban residence [AOR = 0.52 (0.36, 0.81)] and male-gender [AOR = 0.64 (0.54, 0.74)] were inversely associated with school absenteeism. Household food insecurity was positively associated with lack of maternal education [AOR = 2.26 (0.57, 8.93)] and poor household economic status [AOR = 1.39 (1.18, 2.83)]. However, livestock ownership [AOR = 0.17 (0.06, 0.51)] was negatively associated with household food insecurity. Conclusions Findings of this study showed that household food insecurity has strong linkage with adolescent school absenteeism. Maternal education and household economic status were significantly associated with household food security status. Therefore, national policies and programs need to stress on how to improve family income earning capacity and socioeconomic status to handle household food insecurity which is a key contributor of adolescent school absenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, P.O.Box: 378, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Alemayehu Argaw
- Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, P.O.Box: 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Mulusew Gerbaba
- Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, P.O.Box: 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Ayana
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Aderajew Nigussie
- Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, P.O.Box: 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Belachew
- Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, P.O.Box: 378, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Huang J, Barnidge E. Low-income Children's participation in the National School Lunch Program and household food insufficiency. Soc Sci Med 2016; 150:8-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Huang J, Barnidge E, Kim Y. Children Receiving Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch Have Higher Food Insufficiency Rates in Summer. J Nutr 2015; 145:2161-8. [PMID: 26203095 DOI: 10.3945/jn.115.214486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2012, 20% of households in the United States with children lacked consistent access to adequate food. Food insufficiency has significant implications for children, including poor physical and mental health outcomes, behavior problems, and low educational achievements. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is one policy solution to reduce food insufficiency among children from low-income families. OBJECTIVE The objective of this project was to evaluate the association between NSLP participation and household food insufficiency by examining trajectories of food insufficiency over 10 calendar months. The calendar months included both nonsummer months when school is in session and summer months when school is out of session. METHODS The study used the data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation and conducted linear growth curve analyses in the multilevel modeling context. Comparisons were made between the trajectories of food insufficiencies among recipients of free or reduced-price lunch and their counterparts who are eligible but choose not to participate in the program. RESULTS Heads of households that included children receiving free or reduced-price lunch (n = 6867) were more likely to be female, black, unmarried, and unemployed, and have a lower educational attainment than those whose children were eligible but did not receive free or reduced-price lunch (n = 11,396). For households participating in the NSLP, the food insufficiency rate was consistent from January to May at ∼4%, and then increased in June and July to >5%. Meanwhile, food insufficiency among eligible nonrecipients was constant throughout the year at nearly 2%. CONCLUSIONS The NSLP protects households from food insufficiency. Policies should be instituted to make enrollment easier for households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Huang
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO; and
| | - Ellen Barnidge
- College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO; and
| | - Youngmi Kim
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
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Ke J, Ford-Jones EL. Food insecurity and hunger: A review of the effects on children's health and behaviour. Paediatr Child Health 2015; 20:89-91. [PMID: 25838782 DOI: 10.1093/pch/20.2.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity and hunger are significant problems in Canada, with millions of Canadians experiencing some level of food insecurity. The purpose of the present article is to review what is currently known about the effects of food insecurity and hunger on children. Longitudinal studies in Canada indicate that hunger is related to poor health outcomes, including a higher risk of depression and suicidal ideation in adolescents, and chronic conditions, particularly asthma. In addition, nutrient deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, are known to impair learning and cause decreased productivity in school-age children, and maternal depressive disorders. School-based nutrition programs and innovations, such as subsidized food (apples, cheese, soy nuts, carrots and broccoli), are an essential immediate need, but long-term solutions lie in adequate incomes for families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janice Ke
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Elizabeth Lee Ford-Jones
- Social Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children & University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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Socio-economic characteristics, living conditions and diet quality are associated with food insecurity in France. Public Health Nutr 2015; 18:2952-61. [PMID: 25563304 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980014002912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of household food insecurity (FI) in France and to describe its associations with socio-economic factors, health behaviours, diet quality and cost (estimated using mean food prices). DESIGN Cross-sectional nationally representative survey. FI was assessed using an adapted version of the US Department of Agriculture's Food Insufficiency Indicator; dietary intake was assessed using a 7 d open-ended food record; and individual demographic, socio-economic and behavioural variables were assessed using self-administered questionnaires and interviews. Individuals experiencing FI were compared with food-secure individuals, the latter being divided into four categories according to quartiles of their income per consumption unit (FS1 to FS4). Differences among categories were analysed using χ² tests, ANOVA and tests for trend. SETTING Individual and National Dietary Survey (INCA2), 2006-2007. SUBJECTS Adults aged 18-79 years (n 2624). RESULTS Individuals experiencing FI represented 12·2% of the population. They were on average younger, more frequently women and single parents with children compared with those in the other four categories. Their mean income per consumption unit was higher than that in the FS1 category, but they reported poorer material and housing conditions. The prevalence of smoking and the mean daily time spent watching television were also higher in the FI category. No significant difference among categories was found for energy intake, but mean intakes of fruits, vegetables and fish were lower, and diet quality was slightly but significantly poorer in the FI category. Daily diet cost was also lower in the FI category. CONCLUSIONS France is not spared by FI. FI should be routinely monitored at the national level and research should be promoted to identify effective strategies to reduce nutrition inequalities in France.
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Bernal J, Frongillo EA, Herrera HA, Rivera JA. Food insecurity in children but not in their mothers is associated with altered activities, school absenteeism, and stunting. J Nutr 2014; 144:1619-26. [PMID: 25143373 DOI: 10.3945/jn.113.189985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Household food insecurity has substantial detrimental effects on children, but little is known about the mechanisms through which these effects occur. This study investigated some possible mechanisms by examining associations of food insecurity reported by children and mothers with daily activities, school absenteeism, and stunting. We conducted a cross-sectional study in a nonprobabilistic sample of 131 mother-child pairs from a poor peri-urban area in Miranda State, Venezuela. We assessed food insecurity in children by using an instrument developed through a naturalistic approach that had 10 items for food insecurity and 9 items for management strategies. To obtain mothers' reports of food insecurity, a previously validated 12-item instrument was used. Children's daily activities, school absenteeism, and stunting were measured. Chi-square tests for contingency tables and logistic and multiple regression analyses were used to test associations of food insecurity with outcomes. There was no association between mothers' reports of food-insecurity and any child outcome. Children's reports of food insecurity were associated with higher odds of doing passive home chores (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.32), cooking at home (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05, 1,38), taking care of siblings (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.31), and doing labor (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.42) and lower odds of playing video games (OR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.98) (all P < 0.03). Children's reports of management strategies were associated with 5 of 7 work activities measured. Labor in food-insecure children was the main activity that explained school absenteeism. Food insecurity reported by children can be assessed by pediatricians, school personnel, and other practitioners by using a simple instrument to identify food-insecure children and to respond to mitigate their food insecurity and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bernal
- Department of Biologic and Biochemical Processes, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; and
| | - Héctor A Herrera
- Department of Biologic and Biochemical Processes, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Juan A Rivera
- Nutrition and Health Research Division, National Public Health Institute, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Patton-López MM, López-Cevallos DF, Cancel-Tirado DI, Vazquez L. Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among students attending a midsize rural university in Oregon. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 46:209-214. [PMID: 24406268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence and identify correlates of food insecurity among students attending a rural university in Oregon. METHODS Cross-sectional nonprobability survey of 354 students attending a midsize rural university in Oregon during May, 2011. The main outcome was food insecurity measured using the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module: 6-Item Short Form. Socioeconomic and demographic variables were included in multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Over half of students (59%) were food insecure at some point during the previous year. Having fair/poor health (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-4.63), being employed (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.04-2.88), and having an income < $15,000/y (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.07-4.63) were associated with food insecurity. In turn, good academic performance (grade point average of ≥ 3.1) was inversely associated with food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity seems to be a significant issue for college students. It is necessary to expand research on different campus settings and further strengthen support systems to increase access to nutritious foods for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Leticia Vazquez
- Department of Community Health, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR
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Hannum E, Liu J, Frongillo E. Poverty, Food Insecurity and Nutritional Deprivation in Rural China: Implications for Children's Literacy Achievement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 34:90-97. [PMID: 26609194 PMCID: PMC4655325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hannum
- Department of Sociology, 3718 Locust Walk, Philadelphia PA 19104
| | - Jihong Liu
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, 208B, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208,
| | - Edward Frongillo
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, 216B, 800 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208,
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Wirkung schulischer Gesundheitsförderung auf soziale Ungleichheit. PRÄVENTION UND GESUNDHEITSFÖRDERUNG 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11553-013-0414-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Martin-Fernandez J, Grillo F, Parizot I, Caillavet F, Chauvin P. Prevalence and socioeconomic and geographical inequalities of household food insecurity in the Paris region, France, 2010. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:486. [PMID: 23688296 PMCID: PMC3751527 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food insecurity (FI) is the situation where people do not have, at all times, access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of FI in the Paris area by using, for the first time in France, a specific FI questionnaire and to identify the characteristics of food-insecure households, taking into account a potential neighbourhood effect. Methods This study is based on data from the third wave of the SIRS cohort study (a representative, population-based socioepidemiological study) that were analysed using a cross-sectional design. In 2010, 3000 individuals in the Paris metropolitan area (PMA) were interviewed. FI was investigated by means of the USDA’s HFSSM. We used stratified multilevel models across three household income categories to identify populations at risk for FI. Results In 2010, 6.30% (95% CI = [4.99-7.97]) of the households in the PMA experienced FI (up to 13.59% in the most underprivileged neighbourhoods). About 2.50% of the households experienced severe FI and 2.85% of household living with an income above 1666 € experienced food insecurity, whereas the percentage raises to 23.38% among those living below the poverty threshold (<791 €). Depending on the income level, different household characteristics emerged as being associated with FI. In the poorest households, the presence of a child under 3 years of age was associated with an increased risk of FI (OR = 2.11; p = 0.03). Among higher-income households, the household composition appeared to be strongly associated with FI. Conclusion FI exists in several social groups in France. Its prevalence in the most underprivileged households should be considered an indicator of vulnerability, which could permit targeted social assistance policies.
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Hadley C, Linzer DA, Belachew T, Mariam AG, Tessema F, Lindstrom D. Household capacities, vulnerabilities and food insecurity: shifts in food insecurity in urban and rural Ethiopia during the 2008 food crisis. Soc Sci Med 2011; 73:1534-42. [PMID: 21996022 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Revised: 07/11/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The global food crisis of 2008 led to renewed interest in global food insecurity and how macro-level food prices impact household and individual level wellbeing. There is debate over the extent to which food price increases in 2008 eroded food security, the extent to which this effect was distributed across rural and urban locales, and the extent to which rural farmers might have benefited. Ethiopia's food prices increased particularly dramatically between 2005 and 2008 and here we ask whether there was a concomitant increase in household food insecurity, whether this decline was distributed equally across rural, urban, and semi-urban locales, and to what extent pre-crisis household capacities and vulnerabilities impacted 2008 household food insecurity levels. Data are drawn from a random sample of 2610 households in Southwest Ethiopia surveyed 2005/6 and again in mid to late 2008. Results show broad deterioration of household food insecurity relative to baseline but declines were most pronounced in the rural areas. Wealthier households and those that were relatively more food secure in 2005/6 tended to be more food secure in 2008, net of other factors, and these effects were most pronounced in urban areas. External shocks, such as a job loss or loss of crops, experienced by households were also associated with worse food insecurity in 2008 but few other household variables were associated with 2008 food insecurity. Our results also showed that rural farmers tended to produce small amounts for sale on markets, and thus were not able to enjoy the potential benefits that come from greater crop prices. We conclude that poverty, and not urban/rural difference, is the important variable for understanding the risk of food insecurity during a food crisis and that many rural farmers are too poor to take advantage of rapid rises in food prices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Hadley
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, 1557 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Belachew T, Hadley C, Lindstrom D, Gebremariam A, Lachat C, Kolsteren P. Food insecurity, school absenteeism and educational attainment of adolescents in Jimma Zone Southwest Ethiopia: a longitudinal study. Nutr J 2011; 10:29. [PMID: 21477343 PMCID: PMC3090325 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-10-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Accepted: 04/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Food insecurity not only affects physical growth and health of children but also their intellectual development, school attendance and academic performance. However, most evidences are based on studies in high income countries. Although food insecurity is common in Ethiopia, to what extent it affects school attendance and educational attainment of adolescents is not explored. We hypothesized that food insecure adolescents would be more likely to be absent from school and have lower grades attained after 1 year compared to their food secure peers. Methods We used data from 2009 adolescents in the age group of 13-17 years from two consecutive surveys of a five year longitudinal family study in Southwest Ethiopia. A stratified random sampling was used to select participants. Regression analyses were used to compare school absenteeism and the highest grade attained after 1 year of follow-up in food secure and insecure adolescents. The analysis was adjusted for demographic factors, reported illness and workload. Results Significantly more (33.0%) food insecure adolescents were absent from school compared with their food secure peers (17.8%, P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that after adjusting for gender, place of residence and gender of the household head, adolescent food insecurity [OR 1.77 (1.34-2.33)], severe household food insecurity [OR 1.62 (1.27-2.06)], illness during the past one month before the survey [OR 2.26 (1.68-3.06)], the highest grade aspired to be completed by the adolescent [OR 0.92 (0.88-0.96)], and the number of days that the adolescent had to work per week [OR 1.16 (1.07-1.26)] were independent predictors of school absenteeism. Similarly after controlling for household income and gender of the household head, adolescent food insecurity(P < 0.001), severe household food insecurity(P < 0.001), illness during the last month(P < 0.001) and rural residence(P < 0.001) were inversely associated with highest grade attained, while age of the adolescent(P < 0.001), the highest grade intended to be completed(P < 0.001) and residence in semi urban area(P < 0.001) were positively associated with the highest grade attained. Conclusions Adolescent and household food insecurity are positively associated with school absenteeism and a lower educational attainment. Programs aiming to achieve universal access to primary education in food insecure environments should integrate interventions to ensure food security of adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tefera Belachew
- Department of Population and Family Health, College of Public Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, PO Box:1104, Jimma, Ethiopia.
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