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Esin K, Işık T, Ayyıldız F, Koc M, Vatanparast H. Prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Syrian refugees in Türkiye. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1748. [PMID: 38951797 PMCID: PMC11218280 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19129-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Türkiye (Turkey) hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees, studies on food insecurity are limited. This study examined the prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Syrian refugees living in Istanbul, which has the highest number of refugees in Türkiye. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Syrian refugees in Istanbul between September 2021 and March 2022. The main income earners of 103 households were interviewed by a research dietitian, with the assistance of an Arabic speaking interpreter through hour-long face-to-face. Data on sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, nationality, marital status, educational status, the family income, the major source of family income, and the number of family members living in the household etc.) and household food insecurity status were collected. Household food insecurity status was assessed with the eighteen-item Household Food Security Survey Module. RESULTS The household food insecurity rate was 90.3%, and those of adults and children were 88.4% and 84.8%, respectively. It was observed that family income level was significantly associated with food insecurity. A one-unit increase in monthly income increased food security by 0.02 times (p < 0.001). The number of employed refugees in the food security group was higher than that in the food insecurity group (p = 0.018). A significant difference was found in the rate of occupation type of the major income earner between the groups (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS High rates of food insecurity, particularly severe food insecurity, were found among Syrian refugees living in Istanbul. While more research is warranted to explore the root causes and efficacy of the current support system, it requires the immediate attention of policymakers at the national and international levels to implement effective policies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kübra Esin
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Tokat, Türkiye.
| | - Tülay Işık
- PhD Programs Nutrition and Dietetics, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Feride Ayyıldız
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Gazi University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Mustafa Koc
- Department of Sociology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hassan Vatanparast
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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2
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Wood JM, Leech RM, Margerison C. The prevalence of food insecurity amongst refugees and asylum seekers during, and prior to, their early resettlement period in Australia: A cross-sectional analysis of the 'Building a New Life in Australia' data. Appetite 2024; 196:107273. [PMID: 38373535 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
With over 100 million humanitarian migrants globally, there is increasing pressure on high-income countries to offer resettlement opportunities. Humanitarian migrants face many challenges during pre-settlement and resettlement. One challenge is food insecurity (FI). The Building a New Life in Australia (BNLA) longitudinal cohort study gathered data from migrating units, that is, a group of humanitarian migrants included on the same visa application (n = 1599). Data were gathered in five annual waves (2013-2018). Data included food security status in four pre-settlement situations and during resettlement. The results of this secondary analysis of BNLA Wave One indicate that FI was highest in refugee camps (71%), followed by bridging visas (30%), community detention (17%), immigration detention (11%), and during early resettlement (9%). During early resettlement, respondents who were male, those from Afghanistan or Iran, and those living in a single person household reported the highest prevalence of FI. An association was found between having spent time on a bridging visa and FI during early resettlement (p < 0.01). This study's results are an important step in understanding the scale of FI and which sub-groups are most vulnerable, so the resources and policies of high-income countries can better meet food security needs during resettlement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Maree Wood
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia; Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia.
| | - Rebecca M Leech
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia
| | - Claire Margerison
- Deakin University, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Geelong, Australia
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Dualle MA, Robinette LM, Hatsu IE. Food Related Challenges and Mental Health Among U.S. African Migrants: A Narrative Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2024; 26:371-384. [PMID: 37400706 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01512-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The United States' (US) African immigrant (AI) population is growing, yet they are underrepresented in health and nutrition research. This population experiences difficulties finding culturally appropriate foods and navigating the US food environment (FE), is highly food insecure (FI), and vulnerable to mental disorders. This review examined the current evidence for AIs' food and mental health outcomes and connections; and identified gaps in the literature and future research opportunities. A literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS. Twenty-one studies were identified, reporting high (37-85%) FI rates, poor diet quality, and increased risk of mental disorders among participants. Challenges in the FE, lack of transportation, limited access to ethnic foods, low SES, and language barriers were associated with FI and poor diet quality. Similarly, discrimination, substance use, and immigration status were associated with depression and anxiety. However, studies examining the connection between AI's food experience and mental health are lacking. AIs are at a higher risk for FI, poor diet quality, and mental disorders. Ethnic-specific research to understand the connection between their food and mental health is needed to reduce nutrition and mental health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryan A Dualle
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lisa M Robinette
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Irene E Hatsu
- Department of Human Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- College of Education and Human Ecology, Department of Human Sciences | Human Nutrition Program, 341 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Weitzman A, Blanton M, Morse SM, Brenes Camacho G, Chaves Groh MJ. Design and implementation of an intensive panel survey with refugees and other migrants in need of protection in Costa Rica. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301135. [PMID: 38547202 PMCID: PMC10977773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the global population of refugees and other migrants in need of international protection (MNP) has more than doubled. Despite their rapid growth, panel data collection among MNP remains rare, leaving scholars with few data sources to draw on to understand dynamic changes in their social, economic, legal, or health circumstances. With that paucity in mind, we developed and piloted the Encuesta de Refugiados: Experiencias Sociales y Salud (ERESS), a weekly panel survey conducted with MNP living in Costa Rica. To our knowledge, this panel constitutes one of the first weekly surveys with MNP anywhere in the world. Here, we describe the overall study design, sample recruitment and retention, and key descriptive findings. We show that retaining demographically and socioeconomically diverse MNP in intensive panel surveys is possible and that doing so reveals valuable insights into dynamic changes in their incorporation, family dynamics, and health and wellbeing. By offering a summary of our field experiences and central methodological findings, we highlight the potential benefits and challenges of collecting intensive panel data with MNP, as scholars increasingly seek to understand their pre- and post-migration trajectories and relationships between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Weitzman
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Matthew Blanton
- Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sophie M. Morse
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Gilbert Brenes Camacho
- Centro Centroamericano de Población, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Escuela de Estadística, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - María José Chaves Groh
- Escuela de Estudios Generales, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
- Centro de Investigación en Estudios de la Mujer, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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Al-kassab-Córdova A, Villarreal-Zegarra D, Bendezu-Quispe G, Robles-Valcárcel P, Herrera-Añazco P, Benites-Zapata VA. Socio-demographic, migratory and health-related determinants of food insecurity among Venezuelan migrants in Peru. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:2982-2994. [PMID: 37944992 PMCID: PMC10755391 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the factors associated with food insecurity (FI) among Venezuelan migrants residing in Peru. Secondarily, to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). DESIGN A cross-sectional study based on secondary data analysis of the 2022 Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru Survey (ENPOVE-2022, from the Spanish acronym) was conducted. FI was measured with the FIES, whose properties were tested using the Rasch model. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to estimate relative prevalence ratios with their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals. SETTING This survey was conducted in February and March 2022 in the eight cities most populated by Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Peru. PARTICIPANTS Venezuelan migrants and refugees over the age of 18 years living in Peru. RESULTS A total of 7727 participants were included. Rasch reliability was adequate (0·73). The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe FI was 36·71 %, 31·14 % and 10·48 %, respectively. Being aged 25-34 and 35-44 years, unemployed, uninsured, having no formal education or secondary, illegal status, living in a dwelling with 2-4 and more than 4 people, presenting one or more than one chronic disease, residing in Peru for 0-6 months and perceived discrimination were associated with a higher probability of moderate FI. Furthermore, having secondary education, being unemployed, uninsured, never married, illegal, residing in Tumbes, presenting one or more than one chronic disease and perceived discrimination were significantly associated with severe FI. CONCLUSION Four out of ten Venezuelan migrants residing in Peru presented moderate to severe FI. The FIES showed adequate psychometric properties. Differences in the socio-demographic, health and migratory factors associated with FI levels were found. Inter-sectoral and multi-sectoral interventions are needed and should be focused on addressing the determinants of FI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guido Bendezu-Quispe
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Filial de Ica, Ica, Peru
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Hernández-Vásquez A, Visconti-Lopez FJ, Rojas-Cueva AC, Grendas LN, Azañedo D. Food Insecurity and Mental Health among Venezuelan Migrants and Refugees Living in Peru: Secondary Data Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey. Nutrients 2023; 15:3102. [PMID: 37513519 PMCID: PMC10383277 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143102] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze the association between food insecurity and mental health in Venezuelan migrants and refugees residing in Peru using data from the Survey Directed at the Venezuelan Population Residing in the Country (ENPOVE) conducted in 2022. The analysis included 7739 Venezuelan adults. The presence of mental health problems was self-reported, and household food insecurity was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. The study found that 4 out of 10 participants lived in households with moderate to severe food insecurity, and around 10% reported experiencing some mental health problem in the last month. The study identified a positive association between living in households with moderate to severe food insecurity and having some mental health problem compared to living in households without food insecurity. The findings suggest that food insecurity is a common problem among the Venezuelan migrant population residing in Peru, and measures are required to address this problem and mitigate its consequences on mental health and other health problems. The study highlights the need for international organizations to provide assistance and support to these populations and ensure adequate and sustainable follow-up of food insecurity at the national level. It is also necessary to implement early detection tests for mental health problems in the migrant population, especially in individuals exposed to food insecurity. This study provides relevant evidence for addressing public health in the Venezuelan migrant population residing in Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hernández-Vásquez
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima 15024, Peru
| | - Fabriccio J Visconti-Lopez
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina-UPC, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima 15067, Peru
| | - Alexandra C Rojas-Cueva
- Sociedad Científica de Estudiantes de Medicina-UPC, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima 15067, Peru
| | - Leandro Nicolás Grendas
- Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
- Teodoro Alvarez Hospital, Buenos Aires C1406FWY, Argentina
| | - Diego Azañedo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 15067, Peru
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7
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Hernández-Vásquez A, Vargas-Fernández R, Visconti-Lopez FJ, Aparco JP. Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of food insecurity among Venezuelan migrant and refugee urban households in Peru. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1187221. [PMID: 37396127 PMCID: PMC10308025 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1187221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Food insecurity (FI) is a public health problem affecting many regions of the world. In Venezuela, the political, social and economic situation experienced since 2010 has caused a mass migration of its population to other countries, including Peru, which, in turn, may have limited access to and availability of food leading to a high nutritional burden in this population. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and analyze the determinants of FI in the households of Venezuelan immigrants in Peru. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using the "Encuesta Dirigida a la Población Venezolana que Reside en el País" (ENPOVE 2022). The dependent variable was moderate-severe FI (yes/no), which was constructed from an eight-item Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) to measure FI at the household level. Poisson log generalized linear regression models were fitted to assess the association between the independent variables and FI. In addition, the reliability of the FIES as a tool for measuring food insecurity in the target population was determined. Results A total of 3,491 households with Venezuelan migrants and refugees were included in the analysis. We found that 39.0% of Venezuelan immigrant households in Peru experienced moderate-severe FI. The determinants of FI included socio-demographic characteristics of the household head, and economic and geographical characteristics of the household. Regarding the FIES, we found that the inclusion of 7 of the 8 items had adequate internal consistency and its items assessed the same latent range. Discussion This study highlights the need to identify determinants associated with FI to design strategies that mitigate the consequences of health crises and strengthen regional food systems, making them more sustainable. Although several studies have evaluated the prevalence of FI in Venezuelan migrant populations in other countries, this study is the first to evaluate the determinants of FI in Venezuelan immigrant households in Peru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Hernández-Vásquez
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales en Salud, Vicerrectorado de Investigación, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | | | | | - Juan Pablo Aparco
- Centro Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru
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Goliaei Z, Gonzalez M, Diaz Rios K, Pokhrel M, Burke NJ. Post-Resettlement Food Insecurity: Afghan Refugees and Challenges of the New Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105846. [PMID: 37239572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food is a major concern for the Afghan population due to ongoing war and humanitarian crises. Recently resettled Afghan refugees in the US continue to face challenges securing adequate, nutritious food resources in new environments. This study examined Afghan refugees' food access and insecurity in the San Joaquin Valley, California. METHODS Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the perspectives and experiences of key informants and newly arrived Afghan refugees. RESULTS This study highlights environmental and structural factors (availability and accessibility of grocery stores; availability of religious-appropriate items in the stores; the public benefit received by a family; and public transportation) and individual factors (religious and cultural practices; financial and language barriers) as major determinants of post-resettlement food insecurity. CONCLUSION Increasing the accessibility and affordability of culturally and religiously appropriate food items within the US food system, enhancing the collaboration of community volunteers and resettlement organizations in the direct assistance of new families, and providing continuous access to public benefits are possible steps to mitigate the risk of food insecurity among Afghan refugees. This study suggests a continuous examination of the degree of food insecurity in this population and its attendant health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Goliaei
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Science, Touro University of California, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA
| | - Mariaelena Gonzalez
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Karina Diaz Rios
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Mamata Pokhrel
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
| | - Nancy J Burke
- Department of Public Health, School of Social Science, Humanities, & Arts, The University of California Merced, Merced, CA 95343, USA
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Rizk R, Haddad C, Sacre H, Malaeb D, Wachten H, Strahler J, Salameh P. Assessing the relationship between food insecurity and lifestyle behaviors among university students: a comparative study between Lebanon and Germany. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:807. [PMID: 37138254 PMCID: PMC10154760 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is a common public health problem in both developed and developing countries. This study aimed to profile food insecurity among university students in a developed country with stable economic circumstances (Germany) and a developing Mediterranean country undergoing a severe economic and financial crisis (Lebanon) and examine the associations between food insecurity and lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sleep, and adherence to a healthy eating pattern, such as the Mediterranean diet), stress, and financial well-being. METHOD This online cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and March 2022. Subjects were recruited through social media platforms (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and personal email) and in-class announcements by several university professors of various majors and from different universities in Lebanon and Germany. The final sample included 547 participants (197 from Lebanon and 350 from Germany). RESULTS Our findings showed a higher food insecurity rate in Lebanon compared with Germany (59% versus 33%). In the bivariate analysis, food insecurity was associated with insomnia (r = 0.230; p < 0.001) and stress (r = 0.225; p = 0.001); German university students had higher physical activity (p < 0.001), better diet quality (p < 0.001), and lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p < 0001) than Lebanese students. In the multivariable analyses, more stress was related to insomnia (B = 0.178; p < 0.001), while financial well-being was not associated with any of the lifestyle behaviors. Physical activity, insomnia, and Mediterranean diet adherence were not associated with the country or food insecurity (p > 0.05); however, living in Germany was associated with better diet quality (B = -7.85; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of food insecurity reported in this study is alarming, particularly among Lebanese students; German students had better diet quality and higher physical activity but worse adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Moreover, food insecurity was also associated with worse sleep and stress. Further studies are necessary to assess the role of food insecurity as a mediating factor between sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Rizk
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Chadia Haddad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon.
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Hala Sacre
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hanna Wachten
- Sport Psychology, Institute of Sport and Sport Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jana Strahler
- Sport Psychology, Institute of Sport and Sport Science, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg Im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique Et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Basurko C, Dupart O, Savy M, Obert-Marby C, Mvogo A, Gonzalez A, Trepont A, Cann L, Boceno C, Osei L, Creton PM, Dufit V, Thelusme L, Adenis A, Van-Melle A, Huber F, Nacher M. Hunger in French Guiana's Vulnerable Urban Neighborhoods: A Neglected Consequence of COVID-19. Food Nutr Bull 2023; 44:3-11. [PMID: 36824041 DOI: 10.1177/03795721231156641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In French Guiana, restrictions to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2 were put in place between March 2020 and March 2022. In vulnerable urban neighborhoods, during this period, requests for food assistance increased and fear of hunger overtook fear of being affected by COVID-19. OBJECTIVE The objective of this survey was to describe food security during the COVID-19 pandemic in French Guiana and to study the relationship between the socioeconomic conditions of the study households and household hunger. METHODS A multicenter survey was therefore conducted in mobile clinics and fixed structures providing care to at-risk urban populations. In a face-to-face interview, a community health worker asked participants questions about the sociodemographic and economic profile of the household, and about household food security (food consumption score, coping strategies in the face of food shortages, and household hunger index). Two hundred and seventy-seven households were recruited in February 2021. RESULTS According to the household hunger scale, 42.6% of households experienced moderate hunger and 23.8% of households experienced severe hunger in the month preceding the survey. Lack of residence permit, lack of social support, water insecurity, small housing, and lack of access to an urban garden were determinants related to the risk of household hunger. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity have affected a large majority of the households in this survey, and the immediate consequences for children's health were already apparent. These results draw attention to a neglected health problem in a socioeconomically vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Basurko
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane, CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Ophélie Dupart
- Permanence d'accès aux soins de santé, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Mathilde Savy
- MoISA, Université de Montpellier, Cirad, Ciheam-IAMM, Inrae, Institut Agro, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Camille Obert-Marby
- Permanence d'accès aux soins de santé, Centre Hospitalier de l'ouest Guyanais, Saint Laurent du Maroni, French Guiana
| | - Alexandra Mvogo
- Permanence d'accès aux soins de santé, Centre Hospitalier de l'ouest Guyanais, Saint Laurent du Maroni, French Guiana
| | | | | | - Lisa Cann
- Médecins du Monde, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Claire Boceno
- Permanence d'accès aux soins de santé, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Lindsay Osei
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane, CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana.,Service de pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | | | - Valentin Dufit
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane, CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Liliane Thelusme
- Unité transversale de nutrition, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Antoine Adenis
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane, CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | - Astrid Van-Melle
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane, CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
| | | | - Mathieu Nacher
- Centre d'Investigation Clinique Antilles Guyane, CIC INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, French Guiana
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Diamantis DV, Stavropoulou I, Katsas K, Mugford L, Linos A, Kouvari M. Assessing Quality of Life in First- and Second-Generation Immigrant Children and Adolescents; Highlights from the DIATROFI Food Aid and Healthy Nutrition Promotion Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20032471. [PMID: 36767854 PMCID: PMC9915206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
To compare first- and second-immigrant pediatric populations with a non-immigrant pediatric population in terms of quality-of-life metrics, a cross-sectional analysis using data from the DIATROFI Program was implemented. In total, n = 2277 students (mean age: 9(4) years) from public schools in Greece participating in the 2020-2021 school year were analyzed. The students' immigration status (first-generation/second-generation) was defined as per the standard definition. The students' health related-quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using a parental-perceived quality of life questionnaire. The sample included 4.8% first-generation and 21.2% second-generation immigrant students. Compared with non-immigrants, the first-generation immigrant students were more likely to have poor HRQoL (odds ratio (OR) = 2.82; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 11.75, 4.53), physical (OR = 1.91; 95%CI = 1.18, 3.10), social (OR = 1.94; 95%CI = 1.16, 3.22) and school function (OR = 2.52; 95%CI = 1.54, 4.13). Similar results were observed for second-generation immigrant students regarding HRQoL (OR = 1.68; 95%CI = 1.28, 2.21), physical (OR = 1.60; 95%CI = 1.23, 2.10) and school function (OR = 2.09; 95%CI = 1.58, 2.77). Children with one parent having a country of origin different that the country of residence had elevated odds of having poor emotional health (OR = 1.19; 95%CI = 0.87, 1.64). The family's affluency level was interrelated with the connection of poor HRQoL and immigration status. The immigrant students have a poorer quality of life depending on their immigration generation and irrespective of their socioeconomic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios V. Diamantis
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
| | - Iliana Stavropoulou
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Katsas
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Lyndsey Mugford
- Department of History of Science, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Athena Linos
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
| | - Matina Kouvari
- Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17676 Athens, Greece
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Ortiz-Marrón H, Ortiz-Pinto MA, Urtasun Lanza M, Cabañas Pujadas G, Valero Del Pino V, Belmonte Cortés S, Gómez Gascón T, Ordobás Gavín M. Household food insecurity and its association with overweight and obesity in children aged 2 to 14 years. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1930. [PMID: 36253730 PMCID: PMC9578200 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14308-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective was to estimate the prevalence of household food insecurity (HFI) depending on sociodemographic factors and its association with lifestyle habits and childhood overweight and obesity. METHODS Data was collected from 1,938 children aged 2 to 14 years who participated in the "Study about Malnutrition" of the Community of Madrid. Weight and height were obtained through physical examination. Body mass index was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2) and the criteria of the WHO were used for determining conditions of overweight and obesity. The participants' parents answered a structured questionnaire about their diet, lifestyle (physical activity and screen time), and food insecurity. The diet quality was assessed with the Healthy Eating Index in Spain and food insecurity, defined as the lack of consistent access to sufficient food for a healthy life, was measured via three screening questions and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Odds Ratios (ORs) and Relative Risk Ratios (RRRs) were estimated using logistic regression models and adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS The overall prevalence of HFI was 7.7% (95% CI: 6.6‒9.0), with lower values in children 2 to 4 years old (5.7%, 95% CI: 4.0‒8.1) and significantly higher values in households with low family purchasing power [37.3%; OR: 8.99 (95% CI: 5.5‒14.6)]. A higher prevalence of overweight (33.1%) and obesity (28.4%) was observed in children from families with HFI, who presented a lower quality diet and longer screen time compared to those from food-secure households (21.0% and 11.5%, respectively). The RRR of children in families with HFI relative to those from food-secure households was 2.41 (95% CI: 1.5‒4.0) for overweight and 1.99 (95% CI: 1.2‒3.4) for obesity. CONCLUSION The prevalence of HFI was high in the paediatric population, especially in households with low family purchasing power. HFI was associated with lower diet quality and higher prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. Our results suggest the need for paediatric services to detect at-risk households at an early stage to avoid this dual burden of child malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honorato Ortiz-Marrón
- Epidemiology Service. General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health, Community of Madrid, C/ San Martín de Porres nº 6, 28035, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maira Alejandra Ortiz-Pinto
- Epidemiology Service. General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health, Community of Madrid, C/ San Martín de Porres nº 6, 28035, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Urtasun Lanza
- Group of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain.,APLICA Cooperative, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Cabañas Pujadas
- Epidemiology Service. General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health, Community of Madrid, C/ San Martín de Porres nº 6, 28035, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Valero Del Pino
- Epidemiology Service. General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health, Community of Madrid, C/ San Martín de Porres nº 6, 28035, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Belmonte Cortés
- Nutrition Service, Department of Health, Community of Madrid, General Directorate of Public Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tomás Gómez Gascón
- Foundation for Biosanitary Research and Innovation in Primary Care ES Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain Faculty of Medicine. Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ordobás Gavín
- Epidemiology Service. General Directorate of Public Health, Department of Health, Community of Madrid, C/ San Martín de Porres nº 6, 28035, Madrid, Spain
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Gingell T, Murray K, Correa-Velez I, Gallegos D. Determinants of food security among people from refugee backgrounds resettled in high-income countries: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268830. [PMID: 35653308 PMCID: PMC9162305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Food is intrinsically linked to culture, identity, and for people with lived refugee experiences, cultural foods are a critical part of settlement into a new country, which is often a time of high stress and dislocation from friends and family. However, cultural foods in settlement countries may be unavailable or inaccessible, adversely impacting on food security. This systematic review aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to accessing foods in high-income countries for people with lived refugee experiences. Sixteen health databases were searched from June 2020 and April 2021 and 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. Bias was assessed using a modified thematic synthesis method and the relevant Joanna Briggs Institute risk assessment checklist. Findings were thematically synthesised and the socio-ecological model and postcolonialism were used as a lens through which the data was viewed. Analysis revealed three themes: “Practicalities and Pragmatism”; “Identity, Belonging and Placemaking”; and “Postcolonial and Societal Influences”. The determinants of food security were present across all levels of the socio-ecological model and people with lived refugee experiences used practical and pragmatic strategies to feed their families. Food was intrinsically linked to identity, belonging and placemaking, and as such, people preferred consuming cultural foods. Societies adversely affected the food security of people from refugee backgrounds by limiting their access to resources and restricting cultural food gathering practices, impacting on their ability to access or afford foods, especially cultural foods. To improve food security for people with lived refugee backgrounds, governments and organisations should collaborate with the cultural communities with lived experiences of accessing cultural foods, appreciate their strengths, and recognise the value of social and cultural capital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Gingell
- School of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Woolworths Centre for Childhood Nutrition Research (WCCNR), South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Kate Murray
- School of School of Psychology and Counselling, QUT, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Danielle Gallegos
- School of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, QUT, and WCCNR, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Khuri J, Wang Y, Holden K, Fly AD, Mbogori T, Mueller S, Kandiah J, Zhang M. Dietary Intake and Nutritional Status among Refugees in Host Countries: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:1846-1865. [PMID: 35561746 PMCID: PMC9526844 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Refugees remain vulnerable to acute food insecurity, malnutrition, and critically inadequate food and nutrient intake after migration, regardless of the economic level of the host country. We conducted this systematic review to summarize and evaluate the dietary intake and nutritional status among refugees resettled in non-camp settings worldwide. We searched PubMed and Web of Science databases to review relevant studies published between 2009 and 2020 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We also conducted an additional manual search through PubMed and Google Scholar. Studies that evaluated both dietary intake and nutritional status of refugees in host countries were included. A total of 15 articles from 10 countries were included and assessed for study quality and outcomes. Poor dietary diversity and insufficient intake of specific food groups were reported. In addition to these dietary patterns, a high prevalence of stunting, underweight, and anemia was reported, particularly among children. A double burden of malnutrition was also observed across and within studies. Post-resettlement dietary intake and nutritional status of refugees are both influenced by factors at the pre- and post-resettlement stages as refugees transition to their host countries. Those factors, including pre-resettlement experiences, host country resources, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and food security, were summarized and presented in a conceptual model. There is a need for comprehensive dietary and health screening as well as culturally appropriate and sustainable nutrition education resources and interventions for refugees to improve their diet and nutrition. Longitudinal studies and novel methodological approaches are also suggested to measure changes in refugees' food intake and nutritional status as well as to further investigate factors associated with these 2 components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Khuri
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA, USA
| | - Youfa Wang
- Global Health Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Alyce D Fly
- Department of Nutrition and Health Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Teresia Mbogori
- Department of Nutrition and Health Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Mueller
- Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jayanhi Kandiah
- Department of Nutrition and Health Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
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Mansour R, John JR, Liamputtong P, Arora A. Prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity among Libyan migrant families in Australia. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2156. [PMID: 34819060 PMCID: PMC8611633 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of food insecurity remains a public health challenge even in high income countries, such as Australia, and especially among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. While research has been undertaken among several migrant communities in Australia, there is a knowledge gap about food security within some ethnic minorities such as migrants from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study aims to determine the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among Libyan migrant families in Australia. Methods A cross-sectional design utilising an online survey and convenience sampling was used to recruit 271 participants, each representing a family, who had migrated from Libya to Australia. Food security was measured using the single-item measure taken from the Australian Health Survey (AHS) and the 18-item measure from the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module (USDA HFSSM). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent correlates associated with food insecurity. Results Using the single-item measure, the prevalence of food insecurity was 13.7% whereas when the 18-item questionnaire was used, more than three out of five families (72.3%) reported being food insecure. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis for the single-item measure, those living alone or with others reported higher odds of being food insecure (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.05, 6.21) compared to those living with their spouse, whereas higher annual income (≥AUD 40,000) was associated with lower odds of food insecurity (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.11, 0.84). Higher annual income was also associated with lower odds of food insecurity (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.25, 0.94) on the 18-item measure. On both single and 18-item measures, larger family size (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.07, 1.49 and AOR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.01, 1.47 respectively) was associated with increased odds of food insecurity. Conclusion This study provides evidence that food insecurity amongst Libyan migrants in Australia is a widespread problem and is associated with a number of sociodemographic and socio-economic factors. The findings of this study serve to contribute to the depth and breadth of food security research among vulnerable communities, in this instance Libyan migrant families. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12202-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reima Mansour
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. .,Health Equity Laboratory, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia. .,Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, Benghazi University, Benghazi, Libya.
| | - James Rufus John
- Health Equity Laboratory, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia.,Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, 2170, Australia
| | - Pranee Liamputtong
- College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Amit Arora
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Health Equity Laboratory, Campbelltown, NSW, 2560, Australia.,Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.,Clinical School Child and Adolescent Health, The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.,Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, NSW Health, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia
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Orjuela-Grimm M, Deschak C, Aragon Gama CA, Bhatt Carreño S, Hoyos L, Mundo V, Bojorquez I, Carpio K, Quero Y, Xicotencatl A, Infante C. Migrants on the Move and Food (In)security: A Call for Research. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 24:1318-1327. [PMID: 34542776 PMCID: PMC8450693 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-021-01276-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity contributes to negative outcomes for health and wellbeing, and its impact may be exacerbated during periods of vulnerability. While food insecurity is both a driver and a consequence of migration, anecdotal evidence indicates that it is also common during migration when people are ‘on the move’, although its prevalence and severity during these periods are largely undocumented. Food security monitoring is critical to ensuring the universal right to food for migrants, and instruments must be designed which capture the unique challenges faced during these ‘extra-ordinary’ periods of mobility, including in the context of emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper reviews knowledge on food security in migrants on the move and examines how active mobility intersects with food security and its measurement. Considering the potential consequences on health and wellbeing, we call for interdisciplinary research using standard instruments to document food insecurity in migrants on the move.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Orjuela-Grimm
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 West 168th St., Room 730, New York, NY, 10032, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - C Deschak
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Silvia Bhatt Carreño
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 West 168th St., Room 730, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Leslie Hoyos
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Medical Center, 722 West 168th St., Room 730, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | | | - Karen Carpio
- Regional Office for Central and North America and the Caribbean, International Organization for Migration of the United Nations (IOM), San Jose, Costa Rica
| | - Yolice Quero
- International Organization for Migration of the United Nations (IOM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Cesar Infante
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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McMorrow S, Saksena J. Evidence from a Longitudinal Photovoice and Interview Assessment with Congolese Refugee Women in the Midwestern United States. Health Equity 2021; 5:577-586. [PMID: 34909524 PMCID: PMC8665808 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2020.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo have rapidly increased since 2016 and are growing to represent one of the top refugee groups in the United States. They are at high risk for health inequities, yet, there is limited qualitative research exploring the health needs, assets, and experiences of this group and even less longitudinal research. In addition, women refugees are understudied across all global contexts. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to conduct longitudinal qualitative research to provide rich contextual data on health and integration experiences of Congolese refugee women when they were newly resettled in 2016 and 3 years later in 2019. Methods: We conducted photovoice and interviews with 16 women in March through May of 2016 and 10 of the same women in March and April of 2019. Results: Women chose and discussed photos revealing a multitude of assets and needs spanning 2016 and 2019. Experiences with nutrition and food security were illuminated and are the focus of this article. Two major themes were access to food in contrast with availability of abundance of food in the United States and concern about what constitutes healthy food in the United States contrasted with accessing healthy and culturally appropriate food in the United States. Findings highlight strength bases of nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and skills as well as a strong social network aiding food security demonstrated by the Congolese refugee women in the study, offering an opportunity to shift to an assets and strength-based approach. Findings also note risk of food insecurity linked to barriers to employment and sociohistorical reflection on living with food shortages before migration to the United States that should be considered as providers strive to provide culturally relevant care. Conclusion: Findings offer contextual data for health care providers and public health professionals to improve nutritional health promotion and food security support for this population. Overlooking nuanced structural barriers may lead to providers perpetuating health inequities for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon McMorrow
- School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Jyotika Saksena
- Department of History and Political Science, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Food Insecurity and Food Label Comprehension among Libyan Migrants in Australia. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072433. [PMID: 34371942 PMCID: PMC8308906 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Food security among migrants and refugees remains an international public health issue. However, research among ethnic minorities in Australia is relatively low. This study explored the factors that influence the understanding of food labelling and food insecurity among Libyan migrants in Australia. An online survey was completed by 271 Libyan migrant families. Data collection included the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module (for food security) and a question from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Consumer Label Survey (for food labelling comprehension). Multivariable logistic regression modelling was utilised to identify the predictors of food label comprehension and food security. Food insecurity prevalence was 72.7% (n = 196) while 35.8% of families (n = 97) reported limited food label understanding. Household size, food store location, and food affordability were found to be significantly related to food insecurity. However, gender, private health insurance, household annual income, education, and food store type and location were found to be significantly related to food labelling comprehension. Despite the population’s high educational status and food labelling comprehension level, food insecurity remained an issue among the Libyan migrants. Policy makers should consider the incorporation of food label comprehension within a broader food security approach for migrants.
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What factors are associated with food security among recently arrived refugees resettling in high-income countries? A scoping review. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:4313-4327. [PMID: 34247694 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021002925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Refugees are vulnerable to food insecurity (FI). This is attributable to a combination of inequitable social determinants and cultural differences. In 2019, 92 % of refugee resettlement (host country provides residency/citizenship) occurred in high-income countries, but little is known about the factors impacting their food security status in this setting. The review's objective was to therefore thematically identify factors affecting food security among refugees resettling in high-income countries. DESIGN This review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Between May-July 2020 and February 2021, peer-reviewed studies focused on FI, and published in English from 2000-2020, were searched on Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Informit, PsychArticles, Proquest and EmBase. SETTING Only studies set in high-income countries were included. PARTICIPANTS Fifty percent or more of study participants had to be refugees who had resettled within 5 years. RESULTS Twenty studies from six high-income countries were included. Culturally based food practices and priorities, confidence in navigating local foodways and transport, level of community connections and capabilities in local language and food preparation were key themes associated with food security. CONCLUSIONS Utilising the four themes of culture, confidence, community and capabilities, there is an opportunity to improve the cultural sensitivity of measurement tools, develop understanding of how community-based resources (such as social capital) can be leveraged as food security buffers and modify existing food security initiatives to better serve refugee needs.
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