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Al-Amin NS, McBryde-Redzovic A, Gutierrez-Kapheim M, Mitchell UA. COVID-Related Stressors and Psychological Distress Among Chicago Residents: the Moderating Role of Race. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:598-610. [PMID: 36877378 PMCID: PMC9987389 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and have experienced greater financial loss, housing instability, and food insecurity due to COVID-related restrictions. As a result, Black and Hispanic communities may be at greater risk of experiencing psychological distress (PD). METHODS Using data collected between October 2020 and January 2021from 906 Black (39%), White (50%), and Hispanic (11%) adults, we assessed racial/ethnic differences in the effect of three COVID-related stressors-employment stress, housing instability, and food insecurity-on PD using ordinary least square regression. RESULTS Black adults reported lower PD levels compared to White adults (β = - 0.23, P < 0.001), but Hispanic adults did not differ significantly from White adults. COVID-related housing instability (β = 0.46, P < 0.001), food insecurity (β = 0.27, P < 0.001), and employment stress (β = 0.29, P < 0.001) were associated with higher PD. Employment stress was the only stressor to differentially affect PD by race/ethnicity. Among those that reported employment stress, Black adults had lower levels of distress compared to Whites (β = - 0.54, P < 0.001) and Hispanics (β = - 0.04, P = 0.85). CONCLUSION Despite relatively high exposure to COVID-related stressors, Black respondents had lower levels of PD compared to Whites and Hispanics which may reflect differences in race-specific coping mechanisms. Future research is needed to elucidate the nuances of these relationships and identify policies and interventions that prevent and minimize the impact of employment, food, and housing-related stressors and support coping mechanisms that promote mental health among minority populations, such as policies that support easier access to mental health and financial and housing assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia S Al-Amin
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Aminah McBryde-Redzovic
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Melissa Gutierrez-Kapheim
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Uchechi A Mitchell
- School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences Division, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Amad T, Valera P, Sackey J, Baquerizo H, Malarkey S, Acevedo S. COVID-19 on Food Insecurity in Hispanic/Latino Essential and Non-essential Workers. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-01937-x. [PMID: 38466511 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-01937-x] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout has further exacerbated the health and well-being among Hispanics/Latinos, who maybe overrepresented in essential job industries and are vulnerable to experiencing food insecurity. This study explores whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected food security status differently among Latino/Hispanic essential and non-essential workers in the United States. METHODS The COVID-19 Latino health cross-sectional survey was conducted and administered in person and virtually. Bivariate analyses and chi-square tests were performed to investigate the association between essential worker status and changes in food security status during the COVID-19 pandemic. All reported p-values were two-sided; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Of the 869 Hispanic/Latino respondents, 393 (45%) were deemed essential workers, and 476 (55%) were non-essential workers. About 22% of essential workers reported a household income of less than $20,000, whereas 19% of non-essential workers had an income above $100,000. Half (54%) of essential workers reported food insecurity. Over one-third (35%) of essential and 22% of non-essential workers reported increased food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, there was a significant difference in food insecurity status between essential and non-essential Hispanic/Latino workers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The results underscore the prevalence of food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to create comprehensive food policies that address the lack of availability of adequate food among Hispanic/Latino essential workers who already face pandemic-related challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajrian Amad
- Rutgers University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Community Health Justice Lab (www.chjl.org), Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Pamela Valera
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Urban-Global Public Health, 1 Riverfront Plaza, 10th Floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA.
- Community Health Justice Lab (www.chjl.org), Newark, NJ, United States.
- Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States.
| | - Joachim Sackey
- Rutgers University, School of Health Professions, Newark, NJ, United States
- Community Health Justice Lab (www.chjl.org), Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Humberto Baquerizo
- Community Health Justice Lab (www.chjl.org), Newark, NJ, United States
- Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sarah Malarkey
- Rutgers University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Community Health Justice Lab (www.chjl.org), Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Sebastian Acevedo
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Urban-Global Public Health, 1 Riverfront Plaza, 10th Floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
- Community Health Justice Lab (www.chjl.org), Newark, NJ, United States
- Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States
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Pike Moore S, Gunzler DD, Spears CA, Shaikh NI, Kim-Mozeleski JE. Longitudinal experience of food insecurity & cigarette use in the early COVID-19 Pandemic, United States. Prev Med Rep 2024; 38:102624. [PMID: 38375176 PMCID: PMC10874846 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity is associated with cigarette smoking, yet little is known about how variability in the experience of food insecurity may relate to patterns of cigarette use. We sought to examine patterns of food insecurity and cigarette use during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020-March 2021). We analyzed longitudinal survey data from a nationally representative panel of adults in the United States (N = 7,880) from the Understanding Coronavirus in America Study. The primary independent variable was ten trajectories of food insecurity. Our dependent variable was past 7-day cigarette use (count of days used cigarettes). Poisson regression using generalized estimating equations was run controlling for key covariates. The prevalence of cigarette use on at least one day in the past week was lowest (17.5 %) for those who Remained Food Secure, and highest (57.9 %) among those who Became Fully Food Insecure, a group characterized by having high probability of becoming food insecure during the study period. Among those who reported at least one day of cigarette use in the past week, fewer than half (40.1 %) reported sustained use across all waves of the study. Those who Became Fully Food Insecure had an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.73 (95 % CI: 1.18, 2.54) compared to those who Remained Food Secure with respect to number of smoking days. While different patterns of food insecurity are related to cigarette smoking at the population level, these results highlight that food insecurity, a key social need, may represent a novel strategy for informing reduction of tobacco use disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Pike Moore
- Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Douglas D. Gunzler
- Center for Health Care Research and Policy, Case Western Reserve University at MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Claire A. Spears
- Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nida I. Shaikh
- Department of Nutrition, Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing & Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jin E. Kim-Mozeleski
- Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Racial/Ethnic Differences in the Association Between Food Security and Depressive Symptoms Among Adult Foreign-Born Immigrants in the US: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:339-349. [PMID: 36083380 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01393-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Foreign-born immigrants are at greater risks of both food insecurity and depressive symptoms, while the association between the two has yet to be elucidated. Our sample includes 6,857 adults aged 20 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine whether the association between food security and depressive symptoms varies across race/ethnicity among US foreign-born immigrants. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 9.6% and 15.7% for low food security (LFS) and very low food security (VLFS). The adjust odds ratios (aORs) of depressive symptoms among Mexican American and Other Hispanic immigrants with VLFS were 2.66 (95% Confidence interval [CI]: 1.61, 4.38) and 2.05 (95% CI: 1.08, 3.86) as compared to those with full food security (FFS). Race/ethnicity may modify the association between food security and depressive symptoms among US foreign-born immigrants and a dose-response relationship was indicated among Hispanic and Other Race immigrants.
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Keeton VF, Bell JF, Drake C, Fernandez Y Garcia EO, Pantell M, Hessler D, Wing H, Silveira PP, O'Donnell KJ, de Mendonça Filho EJ, Meaney MJ, Gottlieb LM. Household Social Needs, Emotional Functioning, and Stress in Low-Income Latinx Children and their Mothers. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:796-811. [PMID: 37143480 PMCID: PMC10156014 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-023-02532-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Latinx families may be particularly vulnerable to emotional dysfunction, due to higher rates of economic hardship and complex social influences in this population. Little is known about the impact of environmental stressors such as unmet social needs and maternal stress on the emotional health of Latinx children from low-income families. We conducted secondary analyses using survey and biomarker data from 432 Latinx children and mothers collected in a separate study. We used binomial and multinomial logistic regression to test if household social needs, or maternal perceived stress or hair cortisol concentration (HCC), predicted child measures of emotional functioning or child HCC, independent of relevant sociodemographic factors. Approximately 40% of children in the sample had symptoms consistent with emotional dysfunction, and over 37% of households reported five or more social needs. High perceived maternal stress predicted higher odds of child emotional dysfunction (OR = 2.15; 95% CI [1.14, 4.04]; p = 0.01), and high maternal HCC was positively associated with high child HCC (OR = 10.60; 95% CI [4.20, 26.74]; p < 0.01). Most individual household social needs, as well as the level of household social need, were not independently associated with child emotional dysfunction or child HCC. Our findings begin to define a framework for understanding emotional health, stress, and resilience when caring for Latinx children and mothers living with high levels of social need, and the need for integrated mental health and social needs screening and interventions in settings that serve this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria F Keeton
- Corresponding Author: V.F. Keeton, University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, Box 2930, San Francisco, CA, USA 94143
- University of California, Davis, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, 2450 48 St., Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
| | - Janice F Bell
- University of California, Davis, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, 2450 48 St., Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
| | - Christiana Drake
- University of California, Davis, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, 2450 48 St., Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
- University of California, Davis, Department of Statistics, 4101 Mathematical Sciences Bldg., Davis, CA, USA 95616
| | - Erik O Fernandez Y Garcia
- University of California, Davis, Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, 2450 48 St., Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
- University of California, Davis, Department of Pediatrics, 2521 Stockton Blvd, Suite 2200, Sacramento, CA, USA 95817
| | - Matthew Pantell
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Pediatrics, 3333 California Street, Box 0848, San Francisco, CA, USA 94143
| | - Danielle Hessler
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Family and Community Medicine, 500 Parnassus Ave, Box 0900, San Francisco, CA, USA 94143
| | - Holly Wing
- University of California, San Francisco, Center for Health and Community, 3333 California St., Box 0844, San Francisco, CA, USA 94143
| | - Patricia P Silveira
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Douglas Research Center, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle Montreal, Québec, CA H4H1R3
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Douglas Research Center, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle Montreal, Québec, CA H4H1R3
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Yale Child Study Center & Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, USA 06519
| | - Euclides José de Mendonça Filho
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Douglas Research Center, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle Montreal, Québec, CA H4H1R3
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Douglas Research Center, McGill University, 6875 Boulevard LaSalle Montreal, Québec, CA H4H1R3
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), 1 Fusionopolis Way, #20-10, Singapore, Republic of Singapore 138632
| | - Laura M Gottlieb
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Family and Community Medicine, 500 Parnassus Ave, Box 0900, San Francisco, CA, USA 94143
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Social Needs and Acculturation as Predictors of Emotional Problems and Perceived Stress Among Latinx Mothers with Low Income. J Immigr Minor Health 2022:10.1007/s10903-022-01430-9. [PMID: 36422792 PMCID: PMC9686253 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-022-01430-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Associations between household social needs, acculturation, and emotional health remain understudied, particularly among Latinx mothers. We analyzed baseline survey data from 455 Latinx mothers in a previous study. Using multinomial regression, we examined whether emotional problems and perceived stress were associated with household social needs and acculturation. Almost half the sample reported four or more household social needs. Social needs cumulatively and independently predicted increased odds of frequent emotional problems or perceived stress. Lower acculturation predicted lower odds of frequent emotional problems. There is increased risk for emotional problems and stress in low-income Latinx mothers who experience high social need. Integrated social service and mental health care models may be one way to improve health outcomes. More research is needed to understand how clinical settings can leverage unique cultural protective factors to address the social and emotional health needs of Latinx mothers.
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Schneider M, Müller CP, Knies AK. Low income and schizophrenia risk: a narrative review. Behav Brain Res 2022; 435:114047. [PMID: 35933046 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114047] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, the precise etiology of schizophrenia is not fully understood. Ample evidence indicates that the disorder derives from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors during vulnerable stages of brain maturation. Among the plethora of risk factors investigated, stress, pre- and perinatal insults, and cannabis use have been repeatedly highlighted as crucial environmental risk factors for schizophrenia. Compelling findings from population-based longitudinal studies suggest low income as an additional risk factor for future schizophrenia diagnosis, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this narrative review, we 1) summarize the literature in support of a relationship between low (parental) income and schizophrenia risk, and 2) explore the mediating role of chronic stress, pre- and perinatal factors, and cannabis use as established risk factors for schizophrenia. Our review describes how low income facilitates the occurrence and severity of these established risk factors and thus contributes to schizophrenia liability. The broadest influence of low income was identified for stress, as low income was found to be associated with exposure to a multitude of severe psychological and physiological stressors. This narrative review adds to the growing literature reporting a close relationship between income and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Schneider
- Department of Scientific Coordination and Management, Danube Private University, 3500 Krems-Stein, Austria.
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Andrea K Knies
- Department of Scientific Coordination and Management, Danube Private University, 3500 Krems-Stein, Austria
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Islam JY, Awan I, Kapadia F. Food Insecurity, Financial Hardship, and Mental Health Among Multiple Asian American Ethnic Groups: Findings from the 2020 COVID-19 Household Impact Survey. Health Equity 2022; 6:435-447. [PMID: 35801150 PMCID: PMC9257551 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2021.0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted the financial and mental well-being of U.S. adults, however, Asian American (AA)-specific data are lacking, particularly disaggregated by AA ethnicity. Our objective was to evaluate food insecurity (FI), financial hardship, and mental health among disaggregated AA ethnic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used data from the COVID-19 Household Impact Survey, a sample of 10,760 U.S. adults weighted to reflect the U.S. population (weighted n: 418,209,893). AA ethnic categories were based on self-report (n=312, 5.1%; weighted n: 21,143,079) and provided as follows: Chinese American, South Asian, Filipino+Vietnamese, and Japanese+Korean. We estimated the prevalence of FI and financial hardship across AA ethnic categories. We estimated the demographic determinants of FI, including financial hardship, among AA adults using multivariable Poisson regression. We calculated the prevalence of mental health symptoms among food-insecure AA adults, as well as among AA adults experiencing both FI and financial hardship. Results: Overall, the prevalence of FI and financial hardship among AA adults was highest among Filipino+Vietnamese adults (52.9–24.5%) and lowest among Japanese+Korean adults (13.9–8.6%). Determinants of FI among AA adults included Filipino+Vietnamese ethnicity (adjusted prevalence ratios [aPR]: 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49–5.29), being widowed/divorced/separated (aPR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.37–7.23), high school graduate only (aPR: 3.46, 95% CI: 1.96–6.11), having low income <$30,000 (aPR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.27–5.06), and living in rural areas (aPR: 7.65, 95% CI: 1.17–50.14). Eighty-one percent and 63% of AA adults with anxiety and hopelessness at least 3–7 days/week, respectively, were food insecure and experiencing financial hardship. Conclusion: Disparities exist in FI and financial hardship among AA adults, particularly Filipino+Vietnamese adults, and are associated with increased self-reporting of feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y. Islam
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Iman Awan
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Farzana Kapadia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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The Psychological Distress of Food Insecurity: A Qualitative Study of the Emotional Experiences of Parents and Their Coping Strategies. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022; 122:1903-1910.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Middlemass KM, Cruz J, Gamboa A, Johnson C, Taylor B, Gomez F, Becker CB. Food insecurity & dietary restraint in a diverse urban population. Eat Disord 2021; 29:616-629. [PMID: 32129723 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2020.1723343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The primary aim of this study was to investigate self-reported reasons for engaging in dietary restraint (DR) in a food insecure urban population. It also tested whether DR was associated with increased eating disorder (ED) pathology when DR was broadly assessed. The initial sample (N = 503) consisted of adult clients visiting food pantries who completed the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale for DSM 5, the Radimer Cornell Food Insecurity Measure, and three items from the DR subscale of Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q); EDE-Q items were modified to allow participants to explain why they restricted. Analyses included participants (N = 259) who responded to one of the modified EDE-Q questions. Results indicated that participants engaged in DR for several reasons, including minimizing the effect of hunger for other family members (i.e., children), "stretching" food to make it last longer, and prioritizing medical expenses. Intentional efforts to limit food intake in this sample were correlated with increased ED pathology. Although it is not surprising that adults experiencing food insecurity engage in intentional DR, this study adds important information about why food insecure adults engage in DR and highlights the importance of assessing DR for reasons other than weight and shape concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keesha M Middlemass
- Department of Political Science, Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jessica Cruz
- Departments of Political Science & Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Alexandra Gamboa
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Clara Johnson
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Brigitte Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Francesca Gomez
- Department of Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Joseph C, Feiner C, Leung CW. Food insecurity is associated with serious psychological distress among low-income California adults. J Health Psychol 2021; 27:2249-2260. [PMID: 34213360 DOI: 10.1177/13591053211028913] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined differences in the associations between food insecurity and serious psychological distress (SPD) by key sociodemographic factors in a population-based sample of low-income adults from the 2017 California Health Interview Survey (n = 6266). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, low food security, and very low food security were both positively associated with SPD among all low-income adults. Upon stratification, these associations were most pronounced among adults under age 50, males, and in adults with children. Understanding disparities in the associations between food insecurity and psychological distress is critical in developing effective programs or policies to target the most vulnerable sub-groups.
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Food insecurity partially mediates the association between drug use and depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men in Los Angeles, California. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:3977-3985. [PMID: 34103117 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021002494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the relationship between drug use, food insecurity (FI) and mental health among men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN Cohort study (2014-2019) with at least one follow-up. SETTING Visits at 6-month intervals included self-assessment for FI and depressive symptoms. Urine testing results confirmed drug use. Factors associated with FI were assessed using multiple logistic regression with random effects for repeated measures. General structural equation modelling tested whether FI mediates the relationship between drug use and depressive symptoms. PARTICIPANTS Data were from HIV-positive and high-risk HIV-negative MSM in Los Angeles, CA (n 431; 1192 visits). RESULTS At baseline, FI was reported by 50·8 % of participants, depressive symptoms in 36·7 % and 52·7 % of urine screening tests were positive for drugs (i.e. marijuana, opioids, methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy). A positive drug test was associated with a 96 % increase in the odds of being food insecure (95 % CI 1·26, 3·07). Compared to those with high food security, individuals with very low food security have a nearly sevenfold increase in the odds of reporting depressive symptoms (95 % CI 3·71, 11·92). Findings showed 14·9 % of the association between drug use (exposure) and depressive symptoms (outcome) can be explained by FI (mediator). CONCLUSION The prevalence of FI among this cohort of HIV-positive and high-risk HIV-negative MSM was high; the association between drug use and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by FI. Findings suggest that enhancing access to food and nutrition may improve mood in the context of drug use, especially among MSM at risk for HIV transmission.
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Agampodi TC, Hromi-Fiedler A, Agampodi SB, Amarasinghe GS, Wickramasinghe ND, Jayasinghe IU, Hettiarachchi AU, Perez-Escamilla R. A self-applied valid scale for rapid tracking of household food insecurity among pregnant women in Sri Lanka. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17:e13165. [PMID: 33733618 PMCID: PMC8189217 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Rapid household food insecurity (HFI) tracking has been identified as a priority in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath. We report the validation of the Latin American and Caribbean Food Security Scale (Escala Latinoamericana y Caribena de Seguridad Alimentaria [ELCSA]) among pregnant women in Sri Lanka. The eight-item adult version of the ELCSA was translated from English to Sinhala and Tamil. Cognitive testing (on 10 pregnant women and five local experts) and psychometric validation of the self-administered HFI tool were conducted among pregnant women (n = 269) attending the special clinics of the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo) in Anuradhapura in February 2020. We assessed the psychometric properties and fit using a one parameter logistic model (Rasch model analysis) using STATA Version 14 and WINSTEP software Version 4.3.4. Concurrent validity was tested using psychological distress. The scale was internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.79) and had a good model fit (Rasch items infit statistic range: 0.85 to 1.07). Item 8 ('did not eat for the whole day') was removed from the model fit analysis, as it was not affirmed by respondent. Item severity scores ranged from -2.15 for 'not eating a diverse diet' to 4.43 for 'not eating during the whole day'. Concurrent validity between HFI and psychological distress was confirmed (r = 0.15, p < 0.05). The self-applied version of ELCSA-pregnancy in Sri Lanka (ELCSA-P-SL) is a valid and feasible valid tool. We recommend it to track HFI among pregnant women in lower income countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilini C Agampodi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Amber Hromi-Fiedler
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Suneth B Agampodi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Gayani S Amarasinghe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Nuwan D Wickramasinghe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Imasha U Jayasinghe
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Ayesh U Hettiarachchi
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Rafael Perez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Lee SJ, Lee KW, Cho MS. Association of Food Insecurity with Nutrient Intake and Depression among Korean and US Adults: Data from the 2014 Korea and the 2013-2014 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:E506. [PMID: 33435492 PMCID: PMC7827165 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to understand the current status of food insecurity in Korea and the US and to compare the relationship of food insecurity with nutrient intake and depression. Data from the 2014 Korea and the 2013-2014 US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were analyzed, and a total of 3102 Korean and 3234 American adults aged 20-64 years were included. Study subjects were classified into three groups according to degree of food insecurity assessed by the 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module: food secure (FS), mildly food insecure (FI 1), and moderately-to-severely food insecure (FI 2) groups. Energy and nutrient intake were assessed using a 24-h dietary recall. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) screener. The prevalence of food insecurity was 17.2% in Korea and 26.4% in the US. In both countries, the people in the FI 2 group had lower incomes and education levels and were mostly single. Energy and nutrient intake differed by food insecurity status. In both Korea and the US, adults with moderate-to-severe food insecurity (FI 2) consumed fewer proteins, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Additionally, the FI 2 groups had higher proportions of people not meeting the Dietary Reference Intake for protein, potassium, niacin, and vitamin C than the FS groups in Korea and the US. FI 2 people were three times more likely to be depressed than FS group; this difference was stronger in Korea than the US. We found that the prevalence of food insecurity was higher in the US than in Korea, and food insecurity was associated with reduced nutrient intake and increased odds of depression in both Korean and US adults. Therefore, food insecurity is an important public health issue at both the individual and national levels. Continuous monitoring and new intervention activities to promote food security are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Jae Lee
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
| | - Kyung Won Lee
- Department of Home Economics Education, Korea National University of Education, Cheongju 28173, Korea;
| | - Mi Sook Cho
- Department of Nutritional Science and Food Management, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
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Dou N, Xie D, Gao X, Palacios N, Falcon LM, Tucker KL, Na M. Psychosocial Risk Factors for Food Insecurity in Puerto Ricans Living in the USA from Baseline to 5-Year Follow-Up. J Nutr 2020; 150:2199-2203. [PMID: 32614404 PMCID: PMC7398775 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is prevalent among Puerto Rican adults in the USA and is associated with adverse psychosocial outcomes. However, the direction of this association has not been established in this understudied population. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal association between a group of psychosocial risk factors and subsequent food insecurity in a cohort of Puerto Rican adults. METHODS Secondary analysis was conducted using data from the prospective Boston Puerto Rican Health Study. A total of 517 Puerto Rican participants aged 45-75 y in the Boston area who were food secure at baseline, and who completed food security surveys at baseline and 5 y were included. Psychosocial factors, including depressive symptoms, stress, tangible social support, and acculturation were assessed with validated instruments. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the risk of food insecurity at 5 y, as a function of psychosocial factors at baseline and their changes over 5 y, adjusting for age, sex, education, baseline and change in total annual household income, and in family size. RESULTS The cumulative incidence of food insecurity at 5 y was 12.6%. The odds of incident food insecurity was significantly associated with baseline depressive symptom score [OR = 1.78 (1.16, 2.76) per each 10 score units], with change in depressive symptom score [OR = 1.50 (1.07, 2.09) per each 10-unit increase], and with change in perceived stress [OR = 1.59 (1.01, 2.51) per each 10-unit increase], after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSION In this cohort of Puerto Rican adults, depressive symptoms at baseline, and increases in depressive symptoms and perceived stress over 5 y were associated with a higher risk of food insecurity. Psychosocial health and environment appear to play important roles in predicting risk of food insecurity in the Puerto Rican community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Dou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Dixin Xie
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Natalia Palacios
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA,Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA,Department of Veterans Affairs, ENRM VA Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Luis M Falcon
- College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Katherine L Tucker
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Muzi Na
- Address correspondence to MN (E-mail: )
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16
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Flint KL, Davis GM, Umpierrez GE. Emerging trends and the clinical impact of food insecurity in patients with diabetes. J Diabetes 2020; 12:187-196. [PMID: 31596548 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.12992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity is a major public health concern in the United States affecting 15 million households according to data in 2017 from the US Department of Agriculture. Food insecurity, or the inability to consistently obtain nutritious food, disproportionately affects socioeconomically disadvantaged households, as well as those with chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM). This review article explores the literature over the past 10 years pertaining to the complex relationship between food insecurity, social determinants of health, and chronic disease with an emphasis on diabetes and glycemic control. Those with diabetes and food insecurity together have been shown to have worse glycemic control compared to those who are food secure, but it remains unclear exactly how food insecurity affects glycemic control. Prior interventional studies have targeted aspects of food insecurity in patients with diabetes but have reported variable outcomes with respect to improvement in glycemic control despite effectively reducing rates of food insecurity. Additionally, few data exist regarding long-term outcomes and diabetes-related complications in this population. It is likely that many factors at both the community and individual levels impact glycemic control outcomes in the setting of food insecurity. Further studies are needed to better understand these factors and to create multifaceted targets for future interventional studies aimed at improving glycemic control in this population.
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17
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Weigel MM, Armijos RX. Food Insecurity, Cardiometabolic Health, and Health Care in U.S.-Mexico Border Immigrant Adults: An Exploratory Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2020; 21:1085-1094. [PMID: 30159707 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Household food insecurity (HFI) has been linked to poorer cardiometabolic health and reduced health care access but few studies have examined these issues in the large Mexican immigrant population living on the U.S.-Mexico border. This exploratory study examined the association of HFI with cardiometabolic conditions and health care in 40-84 year urban border immigrants (n = 75). Data were collected on HFI, self-reported and clinical cardiometabolic conditions, health care sources and use. HFI affected 45% of participants. HFI was associated with self-reported and clinical diabetes but not hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, or metabolic syndrome. It also was associated with increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations but not source of primary health care or preventative health care use. These findings highlight the need for additional research on the relationship of HFI with cardiometabolic health and health care in border immigrants as well as reassessment of current immigrant food security and health laws and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Margaret Weigel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, USA.
| | - Rodrigo X Armijos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, USA
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18
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Frongillo EA, Fram MS, Escobar-Alegría JL, Pérez-Garay M, Macauda MM, Billings DL. Concordance and Discordance of the Knowledge, Understanding, and Description of Children's Experience of Food Insecurity Among Hispanic Adults and Children. FAMILY & COMMUNITY HEALTH 2019; 42:237-244. [PMID: 31403984 DOI: 10.1097/fch.0000000000000237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity is highly detrimental for children, who experience food insecurity differently than do adults. We aimed to understand concordance and discordance of adults' and children's knowledge, understanding, and description of children's experience of food insecurity. In-depth interviews were conducted with the primary caregiver, another caregiver, and a child 9 to 16 years of age in 16 Hispanic families at risk of food insecurity in South Carolina. Adults often lacked knowledge of the food insecurity experiences of their children, which presents challenges for adults with roles as caregivers, educators, or policy makers to recognize and address these experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior (Drs Frongillo, Macauda, and Billings and Ms Pérez-Garay), College of Social Work (Dr Fram), Core for Applied Research and Evaluation (Dr Macauda), and Institute for Families in Society (Dr Billings), University of South Carolina, Columbia; and FHI 360, Washington, District of Columbia (Dr Escobar-Alegría)
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19
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Weigel MM, Armijos RX. Food Insecurity, Cardiometabolic Health, and Health Care in U.S.-Mexico Border Immigrant Adults: An Exploratory Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2018. [PMID: 30159707 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0817-3+[doi]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Household food insecurity (HFI) has been linked to poorer cardiometabolic health and reduced health care access but few studies have examined these issues in the large Mexican immigrant population living on the U.S.-Mexico border. This exploratory study examined the association of HFI with cardiometabolic conditions and health care in 40-84 year urban border immigrants (n = 75). Data were collected on HFI, self-reported and clinical cardiometabolic conditions, health care sources and use. HFI affected 45% of participants. HFI was associated with self-reported and clinical diabetes but not hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, or metabolic syndrome. It also was associated with increased emergency room visits and hospitalizations but not source of primary health care or preventative health care use. These findings highlight the need for additional research on the relationship of HFI with cardiometabolic health and health care in border immigrants as well as reassessment of current immigrant food security and health laws and policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Margaret Weigel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA. .,Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, USA.
| | - Rodrigo X Armijos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.,Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, USA
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20
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Food Insecurity, Cardiometabolic Health, and Health Care in U.S.-Mexico Border Immigrant Adults: An Exploratory Study. J Immigr Minor Health 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10903-018-0817-3 [doi]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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21
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Becerra MB, Mshigeni SK, Becerra BJ. The Overlooked Burden of Food Insecurity among Asian Americans: Results from the California Health Interview Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15081684. [PMID: 30087306 PMCID: PMC6121379 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15081684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Food insecurity remains a major public health issue in the United States, though lack of research among Asian Americans continue to underreport the issue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and burden of food insecurity among disaggregated Asian American populations. Methods: The California Health Interview Survey, the largest state health survey, was used to assess the prevalence of food insecurity among Asian American subgroups with primary exposure variable of interest being acculturation. Survey-weighted descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable robust Poisson regression analyses, were conducted and alpha less than 0.05 was used to denote significance. Results: The highest prevalence of food insecurity was found among Vietnamese (16.42%) and the lowest prevalence was among Japanese (2.28%). A significant relationship was noted between prevalence of food insecurity and low acculturation for Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese subgroups. Language spoken at home was significant associated with food insecurity. For example, among Chinese, being food insecure was associated with being bilingual (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.51) or speaking a non-English language at home (PR = 7.24), while among South Asians, it was associated with speaking a non-English language at home was also related to higher prevalence (PR = 3.62), as compared to English speakers only. Likewise, being foreign-born also related to being food insecure among Chinese (PR = 2.31), Filipino (PR = 1.75), South Asian (PR = 3.35), Japanese (PR = 2.11), and Vietnamese (PR = 3.70) subgroups, when compared to their US-born counterparts. Conclusion: There is an imperative need to address food insecurity burden among Asian Americans, especially those who have low acculturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monideepa B Becerra
- Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA.
| | - Salome Kapella Mshigeni
- Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA.
| | - Benjamin J Becerra
- School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, 24951 North Circle Drive, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
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22
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Allen NL, Becerra BJ, Becerra MB. Associations between food insecurity and the severity of psychological distress among African-Americans. ETHNICITY & HEALTH 2018; 23:511-520. [PMID: 28140616 DOI: 10.1080/13557858.2017.1280139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little research exists on the association between food insecurity and mild to moderate psychological distress (MPD) among Black/African-Americans. In this study, we assess the relationship between food insecurity with and without hunger to that of both MPD and serious psychological distress (SPD) among this population. METHODS 2009 and 2011/2012 adult public-use data from African-American respondents of the California Health Interview Survey were utilized for this study (n = 4003). Descriptive statistics were utilized to identify prevalence of psychological distress among sociodemographic and mental-health associated variables. Bivariate analyses were conducted between these variables and psychological distress using survey-weighted chi-square analyses. To evaluate the association between psychological distress, our primary exposure variable of food security, and other variables, we utilized survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Prevalence of mild to MPD was higher among those reporting food insecurity while SPD was highest for those with food insecurity and hunger. Results of multinomial logistic regression analysis demonstrate that while MPD was significantly associated with food insecurity, Black/African-Americans with food insecurity and hunger displayed over sixfold odds of higher serious psychological distress, as compared to those living at or above 200% federal poverty level. CONCLUSION Our findings add to this growing segment of the literature on psychological distress and food insecurity. Further focus should be placed on improving the efficacy and reach of both formal and informal food support networks to improve the collective health and well-being of poor Black/African-American communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickolas L Allen
- a Department of Health Science and Human Ecology , California State University, San Bernardino , San Bernardino , CA , USA
| | - Benjamin J Becerra
- b School of Allied Health Professions , Loma Linda University , Loma Linda , CA , USA
| | - Monideepa B Becerra
- c Department of Health Science and Human Ecology , California State University, San Bernardino , San Bernardino , CA , USA
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23
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Kim-Mozeleski JE, Tsoh JY. Food Insecurity and Psychological Distress Among Former and Current Smokers With Low Income. Am J Health Promot 2018; 33:199-207. [PMID: 29950100 DOI: 10.1177/0890117118784233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine how food insecurity and psychological distress interact in its association with smoking and to explore how food insecurity and psychological distress are associated with quitting smoking using quit ratio estimates. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Data from the 2015 California Health Interview Survey. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3007 lower income adults who have ever smoked. MEASURES Ever smoking was defined as smoking 100+ cigarettes in the entire lifetime, with current smoking defined as smoking "every day" or "some days" and former smoking defined as smoking "not at all." Psychological distress and food insecurity were measured by the 6-item K6 Psychological Distress Scale and the 6-item Food Security Survey Short Form, respectively. ANALYSIS Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine correlates of smoking status. Quit ratios (percentage of ever smokers who have quit) were calculated across study variables. RESULTS Reporting food insecurity with psychological distress was independently associated with lower odds of being a former smoker, compared to reporting food security without psychological distress. The quit ratio was lower among ever smokers reporting food insecurity with distress (41%) compared to ever smokers reporting food security without distress (63%). CONCLUSIONS Specific conditions of impoverishment, such as food insecurity, interact with psychological distress in its association with continued smoking. Interventions to reduce socioeconomic disparities in smoking should consider the interacting role of food insecurity and psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin E Kim-Mozeleski
- 1 Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Janice Y Tsoh
- 2 Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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24
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Hall M, Fullerton L, FitzGerald C, Green D. Suicide Risk and Resiliency Factors Among Hispanic Teens in New Mexico: Schools Can Make a Difference. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2018; 88:227-236. [PMID: 29399842 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth suicide is a serious public health problem in the United States. School environments, and the attention of school adults, are promising but minimally studied avenues for promoting mental health among students. METHODS The 2013 New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey data were analyzed to identify ways in which the school environment influences suicide attempts in a sample of Hispanic students. Factors examined were: relationships with school adults, speaking a language other than English at home, being born outside the United States and not having enough to eat. Odds ratios were used to measure relationships. RESULTS Factors influencing suicide attempt were similar for boys and girls. The odds of suicide attempt declined by approximately one third as measures of positive relationships with school adults increased. Post-high school education plans also were protective. Being born outside the United States and not having enough to eat increased the odds of past-year suicide attempt. Speaking a language other than English at home was a weak risk factor for suicide attempt only among Hispanic girls. CONCLUSIONS Teachers and other school adults can decrease suicide risk for Hispanic teens by forming supportive relationships with students. Special consideration should be given to providing free breakfast in schools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryn Hall
- University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico, MSC11 6025, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Lynne Fullerton
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC11 6025, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Courtney FitzGerald
- University of New Mexico Prevention Research Center, MSC11 6145, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Dan Green
- Epidemiology and Response Division, New Mexico Department of Health, 1190 St. Francis Dr. N1320, Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110
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25
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Cowell WJ, Wright RJ. Sex-Specific Effects of Combined Exposure to Chemical and Non-chemical Stressors on Neuroendocrine Development: a Review of Recent Findings and Putative Mechanisms. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 4:415-425. [PMID: 29027649 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-017-0165-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Environmental toxicants and psychosocial stressors share many biological substrates and influence overlapping physiological pathways. Increasing evidence indicates stress-induced changes to the maternal milieu may prime rapidly developing physiological systems for disruption by concurrent or subsequent exposure to environmental chemicals. In this review, we highlight putative mechanisms underlying sex-specific susceptibility of the developing neuroendocrine system to the joint effects of stress or stress correlates and environmental toxicants (bisphenol A, alcohol, phthalates, lead, chlorpyrifos, and traffic-related air pollution). RECENT FINDINGS We provide evidence indicating that concurrent or tandem exposure to chemical and non-chemical stressors during windows of rapid development is associated with sex-specific synergistic, potentiated and reversed effects on several neuroendocrine endpoints related to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, sex steroid levels, neurotransmitter circuits, and innate immune function. We additionally identify gaps, such as the role that the endocrine-active placenta plays, in our understanding of these complex interactions. Finally, we discuss future research needs, including the investigation of non-hormonal biomarkers of stress. We demonstrate multiple physiologic systems are impacted by joint exposure to chemical and non-chemical stressors differentially among males and females. Collectively, the results highlight the importance of evaluating sex-specific endpoints when investigating the neuroendocrine system and underscore the need to examine exposure to chemical toxicants within the context of the social environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney J Cowell
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 12th Floor, Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Investigating tangible and mental resources as predictors of perceived household food insecurity during pregnancy among women in a South African birth cohort study. Soc Sci Med 2017; 187:76-84. [PMID: 28666232 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Food insecurity during pregnancy is concerning given the increased nutritional needs of the mother for proper fetal development. However, research is lacking within the South African context to investigate the association of economic and psychosocial factors and food insecurity among pregnant women, using comprehensive, conceptually driven models. OBJECTIVE This study applies the Network-Individual-Resource (NIR) Model to investigate individual, intimate dyadic, and family level predictors of perceived household food insecurity for pregnant women. METHODS 826 pregnant women enrolled in the Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS), a birth cohort in two communities in a peri-urban area of South Africa. Hierarchical logistic regressions were used to investigate the impact of household/family, intimate dyads, and individual tangible and mental resources on perceived household food insecurity during the critical period of pregnancy. Perceived household food insecurity was assessed through an adapted version of the USDA Household Food Security Scale - Short Form. RESULTS Among 826 pregnant women in South Africa, individual-level tangible resources (e.g. income, social assistance, HIV status) and mental resources (e. g. depression, childhood trauma) predicted perceived household food insecurity and these predictors differed by community. Intimate dyadic and family level resources did not predict household food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings of the economic and psychosocial predictors of perceived household food insecurity among pregnant women in South Africa, mirror findings in general populations. This study provides support for the extension of the NIR model to perceived household food insecurity, particularly regarding individual-level mental and tangible resources, as well as the impact of community-level factors. Future research should investigate the extent to which resource sharing occurs within networks.
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Becerra MB, Allen NL, Becerra BJ. Food insecurity and low self-efficacy are associated with increased healthcare utilization among adults with type II diabetes mellitus. J Diabetes Complications 2016; 30:1488-1493. [PMID: 27474705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Food insecurity has been shown to negatively impact health outcomes, disease management and hospitalizations. Despite the increasing burden of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the United States, little research exists on the role of food insecurity and its association to T2DM-related healthcare utilization. The purpose of our study was to address such a gap in the literature by evaluating the role of food insecurity and T2DM-related past 12-month hospitalization or emergency department (ED) admission among adults with healthcare professional diagnosed T2DM. METHODS We utilized the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), 2009, 2011/2012 data to select CHIS participants who were aged 18 or older and reported doctor diagnosis of T2DM; resulting in a total of 8252 participants. Food insecurity was defined as: living at or above 200% federal poverty level (FPL), living below 200% FPL but food secure, living below 200% FPL and food insecure. A secondary exposure variable of interest was self-efficacy, based on the CHIS-provided variable of confidence to manage T2DM. All analyses were survey weighted with alpha less than .05 noting significance. RESULTS Those with low food security (12.96%) and low-self efficacy (15.14%), reported significantly higher prevalence of T2DM-related healthcare utilization, as compared to their counterparts. Both living with low food security and having low self-efficacy were also associated with over two-fold increase in healthcare utilization. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate the cumulative need for community-based resources to improve the continuum of care and ensure that such at-risk populations have adequate resources for disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monideepa B Becerra
- Department of Health Science and Human Ecology, California State University, San Bernardino, CA, United States.
| | | | - Benjamin J Becerra
- School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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Abstract
Food insecurity is an important issue in public health even in developed societies, particularly for vulnerable populations. Food insecurity refers to the uncertain or limited access to adequate and safe foods. Emerging evidence shows an association between food insecurity, type 2 diabetes risk factors, and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A review of the current literature describing the association between food insecurity and diabetes reveals possible mechanisms and pathophysiologic pathways. There is less evidence for effective interventions, and much of the current literature is limited to cross-sectional studies. Future work should evaluate longitudinal associations and ways to help vulnerable patients with diabetes access adequate food for effective diabetes management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utibe R Essien
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Naysha N Shahid
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Diabetes Population Health Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Seth A Berkowitz
- Harvard Medical School, 50 Staniford St, 9th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Diabetes Population Health Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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