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Gallegos D, McKechnie R, McAndrew R, Russell-Bennett R, Smith G. How gender, education and nutrition knowledge contribute to food insecurity among adults in Australia. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e2724-e2736. [PMID: 35040223 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Food and nutrition insecurity occurs when healthy and safe food cannot be obtained by socially acceptable means and arises as a result of complex interactions between socioeconomic and demographic determinants. These factors contribute to discrepancies in health and well-being between men and women and may also explain differential rates of food insecurity. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the intersection between gender, education, nutrition knowledge and food security status within a high-income country context. Australian adults over 16 years of age who identified as having primary responsibility for food in their household were recruited via social media and a panel. Respondents completed a self-administered survey that included sociodemographic data, nutrition-related knowledge and food security status. Food security was measured using the Australian Household Food and Nutrition Security Scale an adapted version of the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey. Among the 1010 survey respondents, household food insecurity (HFI) was highly prevalent (43% were food insecure, with 26% of these severely food insecure). Gender may affect associations between education, nutrition knowledge and HFI. Education was significantly associated with HFI among women but not among men. Conversely, nutrition knowledge was significantly inversely associated with food security among men but not among women. Differences in determinants of HFI exist between men and women, and programs aimed at addressing food insecurity may be more effective if tailored accordingly to account for the social and demographic factors associated with HFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Gallegos
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Woolworths Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebecca McKechnie
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ryan McAndrew
- School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rebekah Russell-Bennett
- School of Advertising, Marketing and Public Relations, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Behavioural Economics, Society and Technology, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoff Smith
- Pat Cronin Foundation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Revalidation and empirical application of the Cooking and Food Provisioning Action Scale (CAFPAS). Food Qual Prefer 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2022.104540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Watson M, Booth S, Velardo S, Coveney J. The Orthodox and Unorthodox Food Acquisition Practices and Coping Strategies Used by Food Insecure Adults: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2021.2021121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Watson
- Flinders University, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, SA Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA Australia
| | - Sue Booth
- Flinders University, College of Medicine & Public Health, SA Australia
| | - Stefania Velardo
- Flinders University, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, SA Australia
| | - John Coveney
- Flinders University, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, SA Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA Australia
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Ali SH, Gu Y, Yan S, Craig HC, Adams L, Poirier L, Park R, Gunen B, Gittelsohn J. Healthy Mondays or Sundays? Weekday Preferences for Healthy Eating and Cooking among a Food Insecure Population in a U.S. Urban Environment. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2020.1804032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahmir H. Ali
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yuxuan Gu
- Department of Social Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Public Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sally Yan
- Family League of Baltimore City, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hope C. Craig
- Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lindsay Adams
- Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lisa Poirier
- Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Reuben Park
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bengucan Gunen
- Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joel Gittelsohn
- Center for Human Nutrition, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Abbey EL, LaVoie L, Pointer M. Perceived Facilitators and Barriers to Participation in Community-Based Cooking Classes among Mobile Market Patrons: Exploratory Research. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2020.1871148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lorianne LaVoie
- Department of Health Sciences, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Milena Pointer
- Department of Health Sciences, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, USA
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Sandha P, Holcomb JP, Holben DH. Field Notes:* Household Food Security and Gardening of Mothers with Young Children Living in Prince Edward Island. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2021.1873884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Prabhdeep Sandha
- Department of Nutrition, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - John P. Holcomb
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - David H. Holben
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
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Malberg Dyg P, Christensen S, Peterson CJ. Community gardens and wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations: a thematic review. Health Promot Int 2021; 35:790-803. [PMID: 31369084 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daz067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the thematic review is to document the effects of community gardens on wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations. We searched for articles published between 1980 and 2017 in major databases resulting in the inclusion of 51 articles. Vulnerable populations included, amongst others, ethnic minorities and refugees, socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods or low-income or food insecure families. Our findings suggest that community garden participation may have a positive impact on physical health, such as reducing body weight and hypertension, and increasing physical activity and food knowledge. However, findings relating to community gardens and their potential to enhance food security were inconsistent. Furthermore we found that community gardens can have a positive influence both at the individual level (i.e. self-esteem, independence, personal control, etc.), particularly for refugees; the relational and social level (i.e. relationships, social connections, community and neighbourhood). Community garden participation have the potential to enhance wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations. However, two articles in our review presented potential food safety concerns related to community gardens, indicating that, particularly in urban settings, attention must be given to minimizing potential food safety concerns, e.g. by using raised garden beds. Based on this review, we recommend that further research and evaluation on non-US-based community gardens is carried out, as community gardens are practiced globally but there is little research to document the effects of community gardens on wellbeing amongst vulnerable populations outside of the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Malberg Dyg
- University College Copenhagen, Department of Nursing and Nutrition, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Christensen
- Roskilde University, Institute for People and Technology, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Corissa Jade Peterson
- University College Copenhagen, Department of Nursing and Nutrition, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
The lack of academic attention that home food gardening has received in Canada and the United States is surprising, given the many demonstrated benefits of community gardening programs, including increased community cohesion and resilience. The aim of the exploratory study is to explore the current surge in home food gardening and its relationship to the COVID-19 pandemic. A national survey was conducted, consisting of 43 main questions, asking respondents about their home life and food provisioning during COVID-19, the physical characteristics of their food gardens, and their attitudes and beliefs concerning home food production. Survey results show that 51% of respondents grow at least one type of fruit or vegetable in a home garden. Of those, 17.4% started growing food at home in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic. To gain more insight into just how significant a cause the pandemic lockdown was on home food gardening, follow-up surveys and policy recommendations are suggested.
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Food insecurity, food skills, health literacy and food preparation activities among young Canadian adults: a cross-sectional analysis. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:2377-2387. [PMID: 33648617 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021000719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess associations between household food security status and indicators of food skills, health literacy and home meal preparation, among young Canadian adults. DESIGN Cross-sectional data were analysed using logistic regression and general linear models to assess associations between food security status and food skills, health literacy and the proportion of meals prepared at home, by gender. SETTING Participants recruited from five Canadian cities (Vancouver (BC), Edmonton (AB), Toronto (ON), Montreal (QB) and Halifax (NS)) completed an online survey. PARTICIPANTS 1389 men and 1340 women aged 16-30 years. RESULTS Self-reported food skills were not associated with food security status (P > 0·05) among men or women. Compared to those with high health literacy (based on interpretation of a nutrition label), higher odds of food insecurity were observed among men (adjusted OR (AOR): 2·58, 95 % CI 1·74, 3·82 and 1·56, 95 % CI 1·07, 2·28) and women (AOR: 2·34, 95 % CI 1·48, 3·70 and 1·92, 95 % CI 1·34, 2·74) with lower health literacy. Women in food-insecure households reported preparing a lower proportion of breakfasts (β = -0·051, 95 % CI -0·085, -0·017), lunches (β = -0·062, 95 % CI -0·098, -0·026) and total meals at home (β = -0·041, 95 % CI -0·065, -0·016). Men and women identifying as Black or Indigenous, reporting financial difficulty and with lower levels of education had heightened odds of experiencing food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS Findings are consistent with other studies underscoring the financial precarity, rather than lack of food skills, associated with food insecurity. This precarity may reduce opportunities to apply health literacy and undertake meal preparation.
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Drisdelle C, Kestens Y, Hamelin AM, Mercille G. Disparities in Access to Healthy Diets: How Food Security and Food Shopping Behaviors Relate to Fruit and Vegetable Intake. J Acad Nutr Diet 2020; 120:1847-1858. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2020.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Terragni L, Arnold CD, Henjum S. Food Skills and Their Relationship with Food Security and Dietary Diversity Among Asylum Seekers Living in Norway. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 52:1026-1034. [PMID: 32653302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of food skills on food security and dietary diversity among asylum seekers living in Norwegian reception centers. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Eight asylum reception centers. PARTICIPANTS A total of 205 asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) recruited through convenience sampling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Food skills were measured using questions from the Canadian Rapid Response on Food Skills and divided into cooking skills and shopping skills. Food security was measured with the 10-item version of the Radimer/Cornell Scale. The dietary diversity score was based on a 24-h recall. ANALYSIS Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Cooking skills were associated with adequate dietary diversity (adjusted odds ratio, 2.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.31), but not with adult food insecurity (adjusted odds ratio. 0.63; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-1.53). Shopping skills were not associated with either measure of dietary diversity or adult food insecurity. Women had higher cooking skills than men, but there were no gender differences in shopping skills. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Food skills had a limited association with food security and dietary diversity. Further research is needed to identify food skills beneficial for asylum seekers and to address the multiple causes of food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Terragni
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), Oslo, Norway.
| | - Charles D Arnold
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA
| | - Sigrun Henjum
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet), Oslo, Norway
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Butcher LM, O'Sullivan TA, Ryan MM, Lo J, Nyanjom J, Wilkins HC, Devine A. To dine in or not to dine in: A comparison of food selection and preparation behaviours in those with and without food security. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32 Suppl 2:267-282. [PMID: 32991748 PMCID: PMC8597035 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Issue addressed Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, resulting in heightened risk of suboptimal dietary intake. Food insecure people appear to implement several coping strategies and dietary compromises to avoid hunger. Less explored in the literature is how these strategies impact consumption of food inside and outside of the home. Methods An online survey was completed by adults (n = 1292) residing in one of five Australian states. The questionnaire comprised of the six‐item US Household Food Security Survey Module, 12 socio‐demographic variables and 32 questions related to elements of food literacy. Results Food insecure respondents were more likely to frequent fast food vs (P = .002), takeaway (P < .001) and food courts (P < .001) than their food secure counterparts. Food secure respondents reported greater use of raw (P = .043) and fresh, pre‐prepared produce (P = .002) when cooking, whereas food insecure respondents were more likely to prepare food using only frozen, pre‐packaged products (P < .001). No significant differences were found between food security status and the enjoyment and social bonding derived from cooking. Conclusions Food insecure respondents appeared to be accessing a poorer quality of food through greater consumption of takeaway and fast food. These dietary compromises are most likely related to perceived financial, time or cooking facility constraints and to a lesser extent food literacy skills. So what? This study highlights some of the health and social inequities apparent within food insecure populations. Food insecure households should be supported to access healthy fresh food and in‐home cooking practices. While a multi strategy approach is required, healthy food environment policy, particularly in disadvantaged areas, should be considered to guarantee that all Australians have dignified access to nutritious food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M Butcher
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.,Foodbank WA, Perth Airport, WA, Australia
| | | | - Maria M Ryan
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Johnny Lo
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Bayoumi I, Parkin PC, Birken CS, Maguire JL, Borkhoff CM. Association of Family Income and Risk of Food Insecurity With Iron Status in Young Children. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e208603. [PMID: 32729920 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.8603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Iron deficiency (ID) has the greatest prevalence in early childhood and has been associated with poor developmental outcomes. Previous research examining associations of income and food insecurity (FI) with ID is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of family income and family risk of FI with iron status in healthy young children attending primary care. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study included 1245 children aged 12 to 29 months who attended scheduled primary care supervision visits from 2008 to 2018 in Toronto, Canada, and the surrounding area. EXPOSURES Family income and risk of FI were collected from parent-reported questionnaires. Children whose parents provided an affirmative response to the 1-item FI screen on the Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Toddler or at least 1 item on the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign FI screening tool were categorized as having family risk of FI. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Iron deficiency (serum ferritin level <12 ng/mL) and ID anemia (IDA; serum ferritin level <12 ng/mL and hemoglobin level <11.0 g/dL). All models were adjusted for age, sex, birth weight, body mass index z score, C-reactive protein level, maternal education, breastfeeding duration, bottle use, cow's milk intake, and formula feeding in the first year. RESULTS Of 1245 children (595 [47.8%] girls; median [interquartile range] age, 18.1 [13.3-24.0] months), 131 (10.5%) were from households with a family income of less than CAD $40 000 ($29 534), 77 (6.2%) were from families at risk of FI, 185 (14.9%) had ID, and 58 (5.3%) had IDA. The odds of children with a family income of less than CAD $40 000 having ID and IDA were 3 times higher than those of children in the highest family income group (ID: odds ratio [OR], 3.08; 95% CI, 1.66-5.72; P < .001; IDA: OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.22-8.87; P = .02). Being in a family at risk of FI, compared with all other children, was not associated with ID or IDA (ID: OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.18-1.02; P = .06; IDA: OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.02-1.23; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, low family income was associated with increased risk of ID and IDA in young children. Risk of FI was not a risk factor for ID or IDA. These findings suggest that targeting income security may be more effective than targeting access to food to reduce health inequities in the prevention of iron deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imaan Bayoumi
- Department of Family Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Studies in Primary Care, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patricia C Parkin
- Division of Paediatric Medicine and the Paediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Sick Kids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine S Birken
- Division of Paediatric Medicine and the Paediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Sick Kids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathon L Maguire
- Division of Paediatric Medicine and the Paediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Applied Health Research Centre, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cornelia M Borkhoff
- Division of Paediatric Medicine and the Paediatric Outcomes Research Team (PORT), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Sick Kids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Exploring the association between food insecurity and food skills among school-aged children. Public Health Nutr 2020; 23:2000-2005. [DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019004300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:To examine the relationship between household food insecurity (FI) and children’s involvement in family meal choices and food preparation, used as proxies for children’s food skills, and to explore gender differences within these associations.Design:Households were classified as food-secure or food-insecure using the six-item, short-form Household Food Security Survey Module. Children’s involvement in family meal choices and food preparation were treated as proxies for children’s food skills. Mixed-effects multinomial logistic regression models were used.Setting:Public schools in Nova Scotia, Canada.Participants:5244 children in the fifth grade (10–11 years old) participating in the Children’s Lifestyle and School Performance Study (CLASS).Results:Most children reported being involved in family meal choices or food preparation at least weekly (74 and 68 %). The likelihood of helping choose family meals once a week was 33 % lower among girls from food-insecure households compared to girls from food-secure households. No differences in boys’ involvement in family meal choices were observed according to household FI status. Boys from food-insecure households were 65 % more likely than boys from food-secure households to assist with food preparation/cooking four times per week. No differences in girls’ involvement in food preparation were observed according to household FI status.Conclusions:Findings support that household FI is not due to a lack of food skills but most likely due to inadequate access to resources. This supports the call for upstream policies targeting the structural issues underpinning household FI such as low income.
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Yii V, Palermo C, Kleve S. Population-based interventions addressing food insecurity in Australia: A systematic scoping review. Nutr Diet 2019; 77:6-18. [PMID: 31593624 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Food insecurity (FI) is a critical public health issue in Australia. Population-based interventions aiming to address the socio-ecological determinants of FI are critical for relieving and preventing it. This review aimed to map and summarise the characteristics of population-based interventions addressing household and/or community FI in Australia. METHODS A systematic scoping review was undertaken. Five databases, selected for range and relevance to FI in Australia ("CINAHL plus", "Ovid MEDLINE", "Sociological Abstracts", "Australian Public Affairs Information Service", and "Rural and Remote Health") were searched in May 2018 using the terms and relevant synonyms "FI" and "interventions". In addition a systematic grey literature search using multiple Google searches was undertaken. Data synthesis included categorisation and counting intervention type. Interventions were defined and charted by influence of at least one dimension of food security and impact on the socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions. RESULTS A total of 3565 published and grey literature records were identified, with the final 60 records describing 98 interventions. Few national interventions were identified, with approaches predominantly in Victoria, Northern Territory and Tasmania. Determinants related to living and working environments, food availability and food utilisation were most frequently addressed. Interventions addressing the key determinant of FI economic access were limited. A number of interventions did not appear to be associated with rigorous evaluation. CONCLUSIONS While there is evidence of population responses to FI in Australia, the effectiveness of these remains limited. Importantly there is a lack of coordinated and coherent national responses that address the range of FI determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Yii
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sue Kleve
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
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Stephens LD, Smith G, Olstad DL, Ball K. An evaluation of SecondBite ® 's FoodMate ® , a nutrition education and skill-building program aimed at reducing food insecurity. Health Promot J Austr 2019; 31:468-481. [PMID: 31560805 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Enhancing food skills and nutrition knowledge may help promote healthy eating among people who are food insecure. FoodMate® by SecondBite® , an 8-week nutrition education and food hamper program, focuses on developing food skills and independence among Australians at risk of/experiencing food insecurity. This study aimed to explore participants' perceptions of and experiences with FoodMate® over a long-term (up to 2 years) follow-up. METHODS For evaluation purposes, SecondBite® previously collected data from participants prior to (T1) and following completion (T2) of FoodMate® . This paper reports results from semi-structured telephone interviews conducted in a follow-up study (2016/2017, T3) among 19 adults enrolled in FoodMate® programs delivered in Victoria and New South Wales within the previous two years. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis of responses to T3 open-ended questions, and descriptive analysis of closed-ended question responses (T1 vs T2 vs T3). RESULTS Major qualitative themes included program enjoyment; perceived positive long-term program impact on participants' eating and related attitudes and skills; barriers to cooking; suggested program modifications; and impact on others. In descriptive quantitative analyses, participants' diet; confidence to cook using basic ingredients, follow simple recipes and try new foods; cooking and food-related skills; social engagement and life satisfaction all improved between T1 and T3. CONCLUSIONS Overall, FoodMate® was well-received and associated with long-term positive changes in a range of outcomes. Wider implementation among vulnerable groups should be considered. SO WHAT?: Future health promotion initiatives could adopt FoodMate® to increase food skills and knowledge among adults experiencing food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena D Stephens
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Geoff Smith
- Third Horizon Consulting, Melbourne, Australia.,Pat Cronin Foundation, Balwyn East, Australia
| | - Dana Lee Olstad
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kylie Ball
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Examining the Association between Food Literacy and Food Insecurity. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11020445. [PMID: 30791670 PMCID: PMC6412525 DOI: 10.3390/nu11020445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor food literacy behaviours may contribute to food insecurity in developed countries. The aim of this research was to describe the apparent prevalence of food insecurity in adults at enrolment in a food literacy program and to examine the relationship between food insecurity and a range of independent variables. Individuals attending the Food Sensations® for Adults program in Western Australia from May 2016 to April 2018 completed a pre-program questionnaire (n = 1433) indicating if they had run out of money for food in the past month (food insecurity indicator), frequency of food literacy behaviours, selected dietary behaviours, and demographic characteristics. The level of food insecurity reported by participants (n = 1379) was 40.5%. Results from multiple logistic regression demonstrated that behaviours related to planning and management, shopping, preparation, and cooking were all statistically independently associated with food insecurity, in addition to soft/soda drink consumption, education, employment status, and being born in Australia. The results are salient as they indicate an association between food literacy and food insecurity. The implications are that food insecure participants may respond differently to food literacy programs. It may be necessary to screen people enrolling in programs, tailor program content, and include comprehensive measures in evaluation to determine effect on the impact of food literacy programs on different subgroups.
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Lawlis T, Devine A, Upton P. Vulnerable, single and living in poverty: Women's challenges to accessing food in the Australian Capital Territory. Aust N Z J Public Health 2018; 42:541-546. [PMID: 30457195 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore challenges to food access faced by vulnerable women living in the Australian Capital Territory and surrounds. METHOD Qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews supplemented with quantitative demographic data. RESULTS Forty-one women, mean age of 43 years, living in government and community housing who had an income of <$300 per week participated. A total of 78% of women had completed Year 10 or above and 93% had accessed food from at least one charitable organisation. Women requested greater and reliable access to meat, dairy and quality fruit and vegetables. Primary challenges to accessing food included: limited income, distance to food outlets, lack of nutritious, safe and healthy food, limited knowledge of services and opening hours. CONCLUSION Access to safe, nutritious and healthy food is difficult for women living in poverty. Acknowledgement of challenges that contribute to women's food insecurity by all stakeholders is essential to address the problem and build sustainable actions and solutions. Implications for public health: Collaboration from all stakeholders within our food system is required to address current inequities to accessing reliable, nutritious and safe food and to reduce individual food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Lawlis
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.,University of Canberra-Health Research Institute (UC-HRI), University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
| | - Amanda Devine
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Western Australia
| | - Penney Upton
- University of Canberra-Health Research Institute (UC-HRI), University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
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Power M, Small N, Doherty B, Pickett KE. Hidden hunger? Experiences of food insecurity amongst Pakistani and white British women. BRITISH FOOD JOURNAL (CROYDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 120:2716-2732. [PMID: 30581196 PMCID: PMC6290894 DOI: 10.1108/bfj-06-2018-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Foodbank use in the UK is rising but, despite high levels of poverty, Pakistani women are less likely to use food banks than white British women. The purpose of this paper is to understand the lived experience of food in the context of poverty amongst Pakistani and white British women in Bradford, including perspectives on food aid. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A total of 16 Pakistani and white British women, recruited through community initiatives, participated in three focus groups (one interview was also held as a consequence of recruitment difficulties). Each group met for two hours aided by a moderator and professional interpreter. The transcripts were analysed thematically using a three-stage process. FINDINGS Women in low-income households employed dual strategies to reconcile caring responsibilities and financial obligations: the first sought to make ends meet within household income; the second looked to outside sources of support. There was a reported near absence of food insecurity amongst Pakistani women which could be attributed to support from social/familial networks, resource management within the household, and cultural and religious frameworks. A minority of participants and no Pakistani respondents accessed charitable food aid. There were three reasons for the non-use of food aid: it was not required because of resource management strategies within the household and assistance from familial/social networks; it was avoided out of shame; and knowledge about its existence was poor. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This case study is the first examination of varying experiences of food insecurity amongst UK white British and Pakistani women. Whilst the sample size is small, it presents new evidence on perceptions of food insecurity amongst Pakistani households and on why households of varying ethnicities do not use food aid.
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Evaluation Tool Development for Food Literacy Programs. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10111617. [PMID: 30400130 PMCID: PMC6267114 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Food literacy is described as the behaviours involved in planning, purchasing, preparing, and eating food and is critical for achieving healthy dietary intakes. Food literacy programs require valid and reliable evaluation measures. The aim of this paper is to describe the development and validation of a self-administered questionnaire to measure food literacy behaviours targeted by the Food Sensations® for Adults program in Western Australia. Validity and reliability tests were applied to questionnaire item development commencing with (a) a deductive approach using Australian empirical evidence on food literacy as a construct along with its components and (b) adapting an extensively-tested food behaviour checklist to generate a pool of items for investigation. Then, an iterative process was applied to develop a specific food literacy behaviour checklist for program evaluation including exploratory factor analysis. Content, face, and construct validity resulted in a 14-item food behaviour checklist. Three factors entitled Plan & Manage, Selection, and Preparation were evident, resulting in Cronbach’s alpha 0.79, 0.76, and 0.81, respectively, indicating good reliability of each of these factors. This research has produced a validated questionnaire, is a useful starting point for other food literacy programs, and has applications globally.
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What Drives Food Insecurity in Western Australia? How the Perceptions of People at Risk Differ to Those of Stakeholders. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10081059. [PMID: 30096955 PMCID: PMC6115936 DOI: 10.3390/nu10081059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity is considered a “wicked” problem due to the highly complex and at times undefined casual factors. Although many stakeholders are working to address the problem, a possible divergence exists between their views on food insecurity and those of the people who are actually experiencing the problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference between the opinions of those “at risk” and stakeholders. A total of seven focus groups (two stakeholder groups n = 10, five “at-risk” groups n = 34) and three interviews (stakeholders n = 3) were conducted to ascertain perceptions. Thematic analysis generated 329 (209 “at-risk” and 120 stakeholder) coded statements related to food insecurity drivers. Respondents were in agreement for the majority of factors, and limited income was considered the primary driver of food insecurity. However, there were notable deviations in the perceived importance of certain drivers, particularly around the price of food and the lack of food literacy. Differences in the perception of causes of food insecurity may in part be attributed to the varied role each group plays in working towards the resolution of the problem, either at the household or system level.
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Abstract
Household food insecurity is a serious public health concern in high-income countries. Canada and the USA regularly monitor household food insecurity, while in other countries, such as the UK, it has been the rapid rise of food bank usage that has drawn increased attention to this longstanding, but largely overlooked, problem. This review evaluates evidence on interventions intended to reduce household food insecurity in high-income countries. Research on social protection interventions suggests both cash transfers and food subsidies (e.g. the US Supplement Nutrition and Assistance Programme) reduce household food insecurity. In contrast, research on community-level interventions, such as food banks and other food programmes, suggests limited impacts. Although food banks have become a common intervention for food insecurity in high-income countries, evidence suggests their reliance on donations of volunteer time and food make them inevitably limited in the assistance they are able to provide. The stigma people feel using food banks may also make them untenable. Alternatives to, or enhanced, food banks such as community shops or community kitchens, have become common, but evidence also suggests they may be limited in effectiveness if they do not reach people experiencing food insecurity. This review highlights the difficulty of trying to address household food insecurity with community-based food interventions when solutions likely lie upstream in social protection policies.
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