scholarly journals Correlates of Transitions in Food Insecurity Status during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Ethnically Diverse Households in Central Texas

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2597
Author(s):  
Kathryn M. Janda ◽  
Nalini Ranjit ◽  
Deborah Salvo ◽  
Aida Nielsen ◽  
Pablo Lemoine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Central Texas ◽  
June July

Food insecurity increased substantially in the USA during the early stages of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to identify potential sociodemographic and food access-related factors that were associated with continuing or transitioning into food insecurity in a diverse population. An electronic survey was completed by 367 households living in low-income communities in Central Texas during June–July 2020. Multinomial logistic regression models were developed to examine the associations among food insecurity transitions during COVID-19 and various sociodemographic and food access-related factors, including race/ethnicity, children in the household, loss of employment/wages, language, and issues with food availability, accessibility, affordability, and stability during the pandemic. Sociodemographic and food access-related factors associated with staying or becoming newly food insecure were similar but not identical. Having children in the household, changes in employment/wages, changing shopping location due to food availability, accessibility and/or affordability issues, issues with food availability, and stability of food supply were associated with becoming newly food insecure and staying food insecure during the pandemic. Identifying as Latino and/or Black was associated with staying food insecure during COVID-19. These findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic did not create new food insecurity disparities. Rather, the pandemic exacerbated pre-existing disparities.

scholarly journals Food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among adults during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Stefanie Vandevijvere ◽  
Karin De Ridder ◽  
Sabine Drieskens ◽  
Rana Charafeddine ◽  
Finaba Berete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Soft Drink ◽  
Household Composition ◽  
Healthy Diet ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutritional Habits ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Soft Drink Consumption ◽  
Snack Consumption

Abstract Objective: To assess food insecurity and its association with changes in nutritional habits among Belgian adults during confinement due to COVID-19. Design: Three cross-sectional online health surveys were conducted during March–May 2020. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine associations between self-reported changes in fruit, vegetable, soft drink and sweet and salted snack consumption or weight as dependent variables and food insecurity indicators as independent variables, adjusted for gender, household composition, educational attainment and household income. Setting: Belgium. Participants: In total, 8640 adults recruited by convenience sampling. Results: About 10·4 % of Belgians often or sometimes feared food shortages, 5·0 % were often or sometimes short of food without money to buy more and 10·3 % often or sometimes could not afford to eat a healthy diet during confinement. These percentages were highest among single-parent families (26·7, 14·4 and 23·4 %, respectively). Adults who often or sometimes feared that food would run out during confinement had significantly higher odds of decreased v. unchanged fruits (3·53; 95 % CI = 2·06, 6·05) and vegetables (5·42; 95 % CI = 2·90, 10·11) consumption and significantly higher odds of increased v. unchanged soft drink consumption (3·79; 95 % CI = 2·20, 6·54). Similar results were found for adults who often or sometimes ran out of food and for adults who often or sometimes were not able to afford a healthy diet. Conclusion: Food insecurity during the COVID-19 confinement measures in Belgium was associated with adverse changes in most dietary behaviours. A strong government response is needed to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity to protect public health from ongoing and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Use of Formal and Informal Food Resources by Food Insecure Families in Lima, Peru: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. D. Brewer ◽  
M. P. Santos ◽  
M. A. Lopez ◽  
V. A. Paz-Soldan ◽  
M. P. Chaparro
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Resources ◽  
Food Assistance Programs ◽  
Assistance Programs ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Financial Need ◽  
June July ◽  
Food Insecure Households

AbstractThe goal of this study was to measure food insecurity among families with children in a low-income district of Lima, Peru and to identify the formal and informal food resources available to them that may affect their food security status. In June-July 2019, we collected data from 329 randomly selected households in Villa El Salvador (Lima, Peru). Following a mixed methods approach, we found that the percentage of households using food assistance programs (FAPs) increased with increasing levels of food insecurity, but two FAPs were heavily used by households regardless of food (in)security. The main reasons for using FAPs included financial need, already being signed up in the program, and believing that the food was of nutritional value; the main reasons for non-use were finding the program unnecessary, dislike or poor perceived quality of the food, and not being able to sign up for the program. Similarly, informal food resources, such as buying food on credit or receiving food from someone outside the household, were incrementally used with increased levels of food insecurity. Our study clarifies the relationship between level of household food insecurity and FAP use – FAPs more commonly used by food insecure households were used because of financial need, whereas the FAPs most commonly used by food secure households were those with automatic enrollment. At a programmatic level, our research highlights the need for making nutritious and preferred foods available in FAPs and standardizing the application of enrollment criteria.

Factors associated with workability in Spanish health centre workers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Mateo-Rodríguez ◽  
E Knox ◽  
A Daponte-Codina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Spanish Health

Abstract Background The concept of workability provides a conceptual framework and proposes measures for the evaluation of relevant actions focused on a healthy workforce. In Spain, one of the countries with the highest life expectancy, there are practically no scientific studies on workability and its associated factors. Aims The objective of this study is to examine the associations between workability and variables related to health and work in a sample of workers from Spanish health centres. Methods Cross-sectional study including 1184 health centre workers who completed a questionnaire at baseline, comprising measures of workability, health and other work-related factors. Workability has been analysed as a one-factor construct, and as a two-factor construct. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to analyse factors associated with workability. Results As a one-dimensional construct, workability is associated with physical and mental health, number of hours of worked, insomnia, work and family life balance, adequate training, never having had an accident and type of contract. When the two-factor measure was used, sensitivity of findings increased, and it was identified that those participants who were older, lived alone and have more years of service in their profession also show worse workability. Conclusions The present study identified factors associated with the workability of health centre workers. The two-factor workability index (WAI) has better psychometric properties and used in combination with the global measure of WAI, identifies important additional aspects, specifically, age and years of professional experience as additional considerations for the intervention.

scholarly journals Perceptions of the Food Environment and Access among Predominantly Black Low-Income Residents of Rural Louisiana Communities

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5340
Author(s):  
Denise Holston ◽  
Jessica Stroope ◽  
Matthew Greene ◽  
Bailey Houghtaling
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Environment ◽  
Food Access ◽  
The United States ◽  
Grocery Store ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Food insecurity in rural settings is complex and not fully understood, especially from the perspective of low-income and Black residents. The goal of this study was to use qualitative methods to better understand experiences with food access and perceptions of the food environment among low-income, predominately Black rural Louisiana residents in the United States. Data were collected from focus group discussions (FGD) and focus group intake forms. Study participants were all rural residents eligible to receive at least one nutrition assistance program. FGD questions focused on perceptions of the food environment, with an emphasis on food access. Participants (n = 44) were predominately Black and female. Over half (n = 25) reported running out of food before the end of the month. Major themes included: store choice, outshopping, methods of acquiring foods other than the grocery store, and food insecurity. Concerns around price, quality, and transportation emerged as factors negatively impacting food security. Understanding residents’ perceptions and experiences is necessary to inform contextually appropriate and feasible policy and practice interventions that address the physical environment and social conditions that shape the broader physical food environment in order to achieve equitable food access and food security.

scholarly journals Obesity and underweight among Brazilian elderly: the Bambuí Health and Aging Study

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 605-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandhi M. Barreto ◽  
Valéria M. A. Passos ◽  
Maria Fernanda F. Lima-Costa
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Social Deprivation ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Nutritional Deficiencies ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Cruzi Infection

The coexistence of obesity (body mass index, BMI > or = 30kg/m²) and underweight (BMI <= 20kg/m²) and related factors were investigated among all residents aged 60+ years in Bambuí, Minas Gerais State, using multinomial logistic regression. 1,451 (85.5%) of the town's elderly participated. Mean BMI was 25.0 (SD = 4.9kg/m²) and was higher for women and decreased with age. Prevalence of obesity was 12.5% and was positively associated with female gender, family income, hypertension, and diabetes and inversely related to physical activity. Underweight affected 14.8% of participants, increased with age, and was higher among men and low-income families. It was negatively associated with hypertension and diabetes and directly associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection and > or = 2 hospitalizations in the previous 12 months. Both obesity and underweight were associated with increased morbidity. The association of underweight with T. cruzi infection, increased hospitalization, and low family income may reflect illness-related weight loss and social deprivation of elderly in this community. Aging in poverty may lead to an increase in nutritional deficiencies and health-related problems among the elderly.

scholarly journals Assessing the relevance of neighbourhood characteristics to the household food security of low-income Toronto families

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1139-1148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon I Kirkpatrick ◽  
Valerie Tarasuk
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Neighbourhood Social Capital ◽  
Neighbourhood Characteristics

AbstractObjectiveAlthough the sociodemographic characteristics of food-insecure households have been well documented, there has been little examination of neighbourhood characteristics in relation to this problem. In the present study we examined the association between household food security and neighbourhood features including geographic food access and perceived neighbourhood social capital.DesignCross-sectional survey and mapping of discount supermarkets and community food programmes.SettingTwelve high-poverty neighbourhoods in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.SubjectsRespondents from 484 low-income families who had children and who lived in rental accommodations.ResultsFood insecurity was pervasive, affecting two-thirds of families with about a quarter categorized as severely food insecure, indicative of food deprivation. Food insecurity was associated with household factors including income and income source. However, food security did not appear to be mitigated by proximity to food retail or community food programmes, and high rates of food insecurity were observed in neighbourhoods with good geographic food access. While low perceived neighbourhood social capital was associated with higher odds of food insecurity, this effect did not persist once we accounted for household sociodemographic factors.ConclusionsOur findings raise questions about the extent to which neighbourhood-level interventions to improve factors such as food access or social cohesion can mitigate problems of food insecurity that are rooted in resource constraints. In contrast, the results reinforce the importance of household-level characteristics and highlight the need for interventions to address the financial constraints that underlie problems of food insecurity.

scholarly journals Assessing Inconsistency in Home Food Supply and Association with Brain Activation for Palatable Foods Among Low-Income Women

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 202-202
Author(s):  
Alla Hill ◽  
Conner Wallace ◽  
Steven Fordahl ◽  
Jigna Dharod
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Total Energy ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Dietary Pattern ◽  
Brain Activation ◽  
Home Food ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Low Income Women ◽  
In The Beginning

Abstract Objectives The objectives of this study were to investigate: 1) home food availability and dietary pattern in the beginning and end of the month, and; 2) brain activation for highly palatable and nutrient-dense food stimuli, among low-income women prone to food insecurity. Methods An in-depth exploratory study was conducted with low-income women receiving SNAP (n = 13) involving home food inventories, 24-h diet recalls and brain MRIs at two time points of ‘beginning’ and ‘end’ of month. Upon meeting the following main selection criteria: 1) 18 years or older; 2) no absolute and relative MRI contraindications, women provided their informed consent. Participants’ individual dates of monthly income and benefits receipt were used to define the ‘beginning of the month’ period as 1–7 days within receiving benefits and the ‘end of the month’ period starting 21–30 days following. Interviews and MRI scans were completed during these periods. Functional MRI scans were conducted to measure brain activation in response to both highly palatable and nutrient-dense food image stimuli. The study was approved by the UNC-Greensboro IRB. Frequencies, descriptives, and nonparametric statistical tests were used in analysis and results were considered statistically significant at P &lt; 0.10. Results Comparison of home food indicated there was a significant decrease in variety of food in the end of the month period with specific reduction in fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and meat groups. Food insecurity was prevalent (69%) among participants, where one-third of the participants reported running out of food at the end of the month. In dietary pattern, mean percentage of total energy intake by carbohydrates and added sugars increased in the end of the month. For instance, 42% of total energy intake came from carbohydrates in the beginning of the month vs. 48% in the end of month. Analysis of brain MRI scan data is currently underway to investigate overall and monthly differences in sensitivity to food between beginning and end of the month. Conclusions Inconsistency in food availability is occurring in low-income households related to monthly food resources. It is possible that food insecurity affects food habits through a bio-behavioral pathway of increasing sensitivity and liking for highly palatable food to negate inconsistency in household food availability. Funding Sources UNCG internal funding.

scholarly journals Cartography And Management Of Food-Insecure Areas In Garut

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 458-463
Author(s):  
Rina Rifqie Mariana, Mohammad Efendi, Malizal Widaningsih
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
System 2 ◽  
Access To Food ◽  
Food Staples

The objective of this research was to investigate the situation of food insecurity and its handling in Garut District, West Java, Indonesia. An analysis based on the national food insecurity indicators and the Food Insecurity Atlas has identified food-insecure areas, resulting in nine indicators reflecting the three pillars of food security, i.e.,food availability, access to food, and use of food. Results on food insecurity status show that priority 1 belongs to the nine villages under study 1. The local government has imposed five policies to address food insecurity, i.e., 1) setting up a monthly program called the Food and Nutrition Security System, 2) direct assistance in the form of food staples, 3) developing the Food Security and Vulnerability Atlas, 4) improving food access, and 5) developing self-sufficient villages. These attempts are quite efficient. After three years, more areas have moved from Priority 1 to Priority 3 in food security.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Farmers Markets in Selected Counties in Washington State: an Analysis of Accessibility, Location, and Product Selection

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 728-728
Author(s):  
Samara Sullivan ◽  
June Kloubec ◽  
Alexandra Kazaks ◽  
Ekaterini Papadopoulou ◽  
Kara Bensley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sense Of Community ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Word Of Mouth ◽  
Farmers Markets ◽  
Assistance Program ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Nutrition Assistance

Abstract Objectives Farmers markets (FM) may be able to bridge the gap between food insecurity (experienced by 12% of Washingtonians) and access to nutritionally sufficient foods by accepting programs such as supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits (SNAP) and Fresh Bucks (matching incentive program). These programs have potential to make FM produce affordable to all. This study intends to identify the perspectives of Washington (WA) FM shoppers regarding access, atmosphere, and prices and selection of produce at the FM. This research located WA FMs in low-income and low food access areas, and assessed activity and perspectives of populations using FMs. Methods Identified FMs in interest areas of WA using mapping tools (PolicyMap, USDA ERS data map). Shoppers at 16 FMs participated in public dot surveys using stickers to answer questions centered around awareness, access, and perspective of the market and the products offered by placing stickers on predetermined answers. Shoppers were asked to participate in an anonymous ballot survey (Likert scale) with more sensitive questions on perspectives of the market and the shoppers’ food security status. Results Sixteen FMs were identified in eleven cities in WA that accept SNAP benefits and are located in or near low food access and low-income areas of WA. At least 30 ballots were distributed at each market; the range of ballots returned was 9 to 36 ballots. Respondents were asked how they learned of the market in the dot survey: 35.6% responded “word of mouth,” 34.6% answered “drive/walk by,” and 10.5% learned via an advertisement. When asked if respondents had experience with food insecurity, 20% of respondents answered “yes.” Of this subpopulation, 45% perceived produce at FMs to be more expensive than produce at supermarkets and 81.7% reported feeling a sense of community at the FM. Conclusions Most respondents learned about the FM via word of mouth or by physically passing the market; lack of awareness of the FM may lead to a lack of access to the FM. Shoppers perceived FM products to be pricier than produce at conventional markets; however, FM shoppers with food insecurity experience still chose to shop at FMs and most of this subpopulation indicated feeling a sense of community at the FM. Funding Sources Supported by Bastyr University Faculty Student Research Grant.

scholarly journals The rise of hunger among low-income households: an analysis of the risks of food insecurity between 2004 and 2016 in a population-based study of UK adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (7) ◽  
pp. 668-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Loopstra ◽  
Aaron Reeves ◽  
Valerie Tarasuk
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Exact Matching ◽  
Nutrition Survey ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Low Income Households

BackgroundRising food bank use in the past decade in the UK raises questions about whether food insecurity has increased. Using the 2016 Food and You survey, we describe the magnitude and severity of the problem, examine characteristics associated with severity of food insecurity, and examine how vulnerability has changed among low-income households by comparing 2016 data to the 2004 Low Income Diet and Nutrition Survey.MethodsThe Food and You survey is a representative survey of adults living in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (n=3118). Generalised ordered logistic regression models were used to examine how socioeconomic characteristics related to severity of food insecurity. Coarsened exact matching was used to match respondents to respondents in the 2004 survey. Logistic regression models were used to examine if food insecurity rose between survey years.Results20.7% (95% CI 18.7% to 22.8%) of adults experienced food insecurity in 2016, and 2.72% (95% CI 2.07% to 3.58%) were severely food insecure. Younger age, non-white ethnicity, low education, disability, unemployment, and low income were all associated with food insecurity, but only the latter three characteristics were associated with severe food insecurity. Controlling for socioeconomic variables, the probability of low-income adults being food insecure rose from 27.7% (95% CI 24.8% to 30.6 %) in 2004 to 45.8% (95% CI 41.6% to 49.9%) in 2016. The rise was most pronounced for people with disabilities.ConclusionsFood insecurity affects economically deprived groups in the UK, but unemployment, disability and low income are characteristics specifically associated with severe food insecurity. Vulnerability to food insecurity has worsened among low-income adults since 2004, particularly among those with disabilities.

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