Food insecurity among veterans of the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

AbstractObjectiveFood insecurity, or lack of access to sufficient food for a healthful lifestyle, has been associated with many aspects of poor health. While the economic struggles among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been documented, it is unknown how commonly this population struggles to afford food. Our purpose was to document the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among US veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SubjectsUS military veterans who had served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since October 2001.SettingSubjects responded to a survey mailed to them in summer 2012. Food security was measured by the US Household Food Security Module: Six Item Short Form. Demographic and behavioural health items were also included. Survey data were matched to medical record data from the Department of Veterans Affairs.ResultsOver one in four veterans reported past-year food insecurity with 12 % reporting very low food security. Food-insecure veterans tended to be younger, not married/partnered, living in households with more children, earning lower incomes, had a lower final military pay grade, were more likely to use tobacco, reported more frequent binge drinking and slept less, compared with those who were food secure (P<0·05 for all associations listed).ConclusionsPreviously undocumented, the problem of hunger among our newest veterans deserves attention.

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Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Predictors of Food Insecurity in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12092682 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 2682 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katherine Kent ◽

Sandra Murray ◽

Beth Penrose ◽

Stuart Auckland ◽

Denis Visentin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Household Income ◽

Short Form ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

University Education ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Food ◽

Vulnerable Households

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic vulnerabilities and disrupted the Australian food supply, with potential implications for food insecurity. This study aims to describe the prevalence and socio-demographic associations of food insecurity in Tasmania, Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional survey (deployed late May to early June 2020) incorporated the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form, and fifteen demographic and COVID-related income questions. Survey data (n = 1170) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression. The prevalence of food insecurity was 26%. The adjusted odds of food insecurity were higher among respondents with a disability, from a rural area, and living with dependents. Increasing age, a university education, and income above $80,000/year were protective against food insecurity. Food insecurity more than doubled with a loss of household income above 25% (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 2.02; 95% CI: 1.11, 3.71; p = 0.022), and the odds further increased with loss of income above 75% (AOR: 7.14; 95% CI: 2.01, 24.83; p = 0.002). Our results suggest that the prevalence of food insecurity may have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among economically vulnerable households and people who lost income. Policies that support disadvantaged households and ensure adequate employment opportunities are important to support Australians throughout and post the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The assessment of food security in homeless individuals: a comparison of the Food Security Survey Module and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980011001327 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 2254-2259 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Anna C Holland ◽

Matthew C Kennedy ◽

Stephen W Hwang

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Homeless Population ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Food ◽

The Us ◽

Food Insecurity Access

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), the US Food Security Survey Module (US FSSM) and a modified version of the US FSSM in which references to buying food were changed to references to getting food, in terms of their classification of food security levels among homeless individuals, and to determine which of these instruments was most preferred by homeless individuals.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SettingRecruitment of participants took place at seven shelters and from three drop-in programmes that serve homeless individuals in Toronto, Canada.SubjectsFifty individuals who were ≥18 years of age, able to communicate in English and currently homeless.ResultsThe modified US FSSM assigned 20 % of participants to a lower ordinal food security category compared with the US FSSM, and only 8 % to a higher food security category. The HFIAS assigned 30 % of participants to a lower food security category compared with either the US FSSM or the modified US FSSM, and only 10–16 % of participants to a higher food security category. When asked to compare all three instruments, the majority of respondents (62 %) selected the HFIAS as the best instrument for people who are homeless.ConclusionsA majority of homeless individuals selected the HFIAS as the best food security instrument for people who are homeless. Our findings suggest that the HFIAS is a more appropriate instrument than the US FSSM for measuring food security in the homeless population.

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Household access to traditional and indigenous foods positively associated with food security and dietary diversity in Botswana

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898001700369x ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

pp. 1200-1208 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Salome Nduku Kasimba ◽

Boitumelo Stokie Motswagole ◽

Namukolo Margaret Covic ◽

Nicole Claasen

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Food ◽

Food Security And Nutrition ◽

Indigenous Foods

AbstractObjectiveTo determine access to traditional and indigenous foods (TIF) and the association with household food security, dietary diversity and women’s BMI in low socio-economic households.DesignSequential explanatory mixed-methods design, including a random household cross-sectional survey on household food insecurity access (HFIA), household dietary diversity (HDD) and women’s BMI, followed by focus group discussions.SettingTwo rural and two urban areas of Botswana.SubjectsPersons responsible for food preparation or an adult in a household (n400); for BMI, non-pregnant women aged 18–49 years (n253).ResultsAlmost two-thirds of households experienced moderate or severe food insecurity (28·8 and 37·3 %, respectively), but more than half of women were overweight or obese (26·9 and 26·9 %, respectively). Median HDD score was 6 (interquartile range 5–7) out of a total of 12. A positive correlation was found between number of TIF accessed and HDD score (r=0·457;P<0·001) and a negative correlation between number of TIF accessed and HFIA score (r=−0·272;P<0·001). There was no correlation between number of TIF accessed and women’s BMI (r=−0·066;P=0·297). TIF were perceived as healthy but with declining consumption due to preference for modern foods.ConclusionsTIF may potentially have an important role in household food security and dietary diversity. There is need to explore potential benefits that may be associated with their optimal use on food security and nutrition outcomes.

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Food Insecurity and Associated Factors in the Portuguese Population

Food and Nutrition Bulletin ◽

10.1177/156482651403500401 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

pp. S395-S402 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Luísa Álvares ◽

Teresa F. Amaral

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Low Income ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

National Health Survey ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Portuguese Population ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Socioeconomic And Demographic Factors

Background The burden of food insecurity in Portugal, and the socioeconomic and demographic factors that are related to this condition, are unknown. Objective To evaluate the frequency of food insecurity and to identify its associated characteristics in the Portuguese population. Methods Data from 3,552 heads of family respondents of the 2005/06 Portuguese National Health Survey were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Food insecurity was evaluated with the use of the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module 6-Item Short Form. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted. Significance was indicated at p < .05. Results Among the respondents, 16.5% were food insecure and 3.5% had very low food security. The odds of being food insecure were highest for women (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.91), smokers (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.02), younger people (OR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.69 to 3.80), unemployed people (OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 2.01 to 4.60), those with lower education (OR, 7.98; 95% CI, 4.73 to 13.49), and those with lower income (OR, 6.27; 95% CI, 4.23 to 9.30). Conclusions The present study explored for the first time the burden of food insecurity in Portugal, revealing that it was highly prevalent, affecting one in six Portuguese citizens. Low education and low income were the main factors associated with food insecurity.

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Food Insecurity and Associated Factors Among University Students

Food and Nutrition Bulletin ◽

10.1177/0379572119826464 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (2) ◽

pp. 271-281 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Patricia Ukegbu ◽

Blessing Nwofia ◽

Uchechi Ndudiri ◽

Nnenna Uwakwe ◽

Ada Uwaegbute

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status

Background: Food insecurity is a growing public health issue and a barrier to students achieving adequate nutrition. Data regarding food insecurity among university students in Nigeria are scarce. Objective: The study assessed the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among university students, southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 398 randomly selected students recruited from 2 universities in southeast Nigeria was conducted. Food security status was assessed using the 10-item US Household Food Security Scale Module. Anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with food insecurity. Results: A majority of the students were categorized as food insecure. Of this, about 35.7% and 45.0% were considered to have low and very low food insecurity, respectively. Food insecurity was significantly associated with monthly allowance, daily amount spent on food, and source of income. The odds of food insecurity was significantly higher for students whose fathers were farmers (4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.453-14.737), but lower for those whose mothers were farmers (0.18, 95% CI: 0.059-0.564). Conclusion: The result provides an insight into the food security status of university students in Nigeria. The prevalence of food insecurity was high among the students. Therefore, further studies involving different urban and rural (and/or public and private) universities in Nigeria are suggested in order to have a deeper understanding of the magnitude and contributing factors among this population group.

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Food Insecurity in Portugal Among Middle- and Older-Aged Adults at a Time of Economic Crisis Recovery: Prevalence and Determinants

Food and Nutrition Bulletin ◽

10.1177/0379572119858170 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 504-513 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Isabel Maia ◽

Teresa Monjardino ◽

Brenda Frias ◽

Helena Canhão ◽

Jaime Cunha Branco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Economic Crisis ◽

Household Income ◽

Short Form ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Crisis Recovery

Background: To characterize the scenario of food insecurity in Portugal at a time of economic crisis recovery is of the utmost relevance. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and to identify the determinants of food insecurity during economic crisis recovery in a population-based urban sample of middle- and older-aged Portuguese adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 604 participants of the EPIPorto cohort was conducted. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and on food security status were collected. Food security status was assessed using the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form. Logistic regression models, crude and adjusted for sex, age, education, and household income perception, were performed. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 16.6%. Women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-3.54), those less educated (OR = 5.46; 95% CI: 2.84-10.46), and those who had the perception of an insufficient household income (OR = 10.39; 95% CI: 5.00-21.56) were more likely to belong to a food insecure household. Unmarried individuals (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.05-3.06) and lower white-collar workers (OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.03-4.77) were also more prone to live within a food insecure household, regardless of sex, age, education, and household income perception. Conclusions: The obtained information is valuable for the development of intervention strategies to reduce food insecurity in middle- and older-aged adults, suggesting that women, unmarried, less educated individuals, less skilled workers, and lower income families should be targeted.

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Food insecurity prevalence among college students at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980009990735 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 2097-2103 ◽

Cited By ~ 110

Author(s):

M Pia Chaparro ◽

Sahar S Zaghloul ◽

Peter Holck ◽

Joannie Dobbs

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Freshmen Students ◽

Increased Risk ◽

The Us ◽

University Of Hawai'i ◽

The University

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and identify possible predictors of food insecurity among college students at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.DesignCross-sectional survey, including the US Department of Agriculture’s Household Food Security Survey Module, demographic and spending variables.SettingUniversity of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai’i (USA).SubjectsFour hundred and forty-one non-freshmen students from thirty-one randomly selected classes.ResultsTwenty-one per cent of students surveyed were food-insecure, while 24 % were at risk of food insecurity. Students at higher risk of food insecurity included those who reported living on campus and those living off-campus with room mates. Those identifying themselves as Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, Filipinos and mixed were also at increased risk of food insecurity.ConclusionsFood insecurity is a significant problem among college students at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. Food availability and accessibility should be increased for these students through the establishment of on-campus food banks and student gardens. Future studies should assess the prevalence of food insecurity in other college campuses nationwide.

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The Prevalence and Associated Characteristics of Food Insecurity Among U.S. Army Soldiers

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_046 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 195-195

Author(s):

Carolyn Greene ◽

Bethany Deschamps ◽

Brenda Bustillos

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Short Form ◽

Grey Literature ◽

The United States ◽

Study Data ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Army Soldiers ◽

Main Effects ◽

Female Soldiers

Abstract Objectives Food insecurity affects 11% of the United States (U.S.) population and leads to decrements in health and quality of life. Aside from grey literature, little is known about food insecurity among military personnel. The purpose of this study was to identify prevalence, gender discrepancies, and characteristics associated with food insecurity among U.S. Army soldiers. Investigators hypothesized that female soldiers who experience food insecurity will have higher body mass indices (BMI) than male soldiers, and that earning less income, being un-partnered, and having dependents while unmarried would be associated with food insecurity, irrespective of gender. Methods In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 218 soldiers using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module: Six Item Short Form and a demographics questionnaire. Independent samples T-test and Chi square determined differences between samples. Two-way analysis of variance assessed interaction and main effects of food insecurity and gender on BMI. Logistic regressions determined likelihood of food insecurity based on paygrade, gender, marital status, number of dependents, and barracks residence. Results Over 22% of the sampled population was food insecure. When compared to food secure individuals, food insecure soldiers were younger (23.6 vs. 26.6 years) and had fewer dependents (0.70 vs. 1.16). Food insecure women had higher BMIs (25.3 vs. 23.5 kg/m2). Barracks residency was associated with food insecurity (χ2 = 7.290, P = 0.007). Main effects were significant for gender on BMI (P = 0.001), but interaction effects for food insecurity on BMI were not (P = 0.16). Soldiers with the rank of Private (OR = 5.510, P = 0.029) and Specialist (OR = 5.750, P = 0.032) had increased likelihood of food insecurity compared to officers. Conclusions Female soldiers and barracks residents may be most affected by food insecurity, which may have health implications that could affect career advancement and retention. The potential impact of food insecurity on military readiness and resiliency indicates the phenomenon may pose a risk to national security. Funding Sources No funding was received to complete this study.

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Prevalence and Correlates of Food Insecurity in Latino Farm Worker Households in California's Central Valley

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_088 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 237-237

Author(s):

Susana Matias ◽

Maria Marois ◽

Marc Schenker

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Food Security ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Short Form ◽

Abdominal Fat ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Short Version ◽

Farm Worker

Abstract Objectives The twofold objective of the study was to assess the burden of food insecurity in Latino farm worker households and to identify its correlates in this population. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis using data from the Mexican Immigration to California: Agricultural Safety and Acculturation (MICASA) study, a cohort of Latino farm workers residing in Mendota, California. Interview data from a follow up assessment (when food security was first assessed), and clinical data from a sub-study conducted around the same time were analyzed. Food security was assessed using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form, but only asked to female participants (n = 346). Body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) was measured based on direct weight and height measurements. Abdominal fat was categorized as normal vs high risk (waist circumference >35 inches). Blood pressure was assessed based on two consecutive measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and categorized as normal, elevated or high blood pressure. Depression was measured using a short version of the CES-D scale; a score of ≥10 was used as indication of depressive symptoms. Sociodemographic and acculturation data were also collected. We conducted bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression, considering the study survey design. Results Fifty five % of respondents were food secure, while 45% reported food insecurity (39% without hunger and 6% with hunger). In bivariate analysis, food insecurity was associated with income, education, age at immigration, depressive symptoms and season, but not with age, years living in the US, BMI status, blood pressure or abdominal fat. After controlling for income, education and season, those who immigrated younger than 21 y of age had lower odds of reporting food insecurity, while food insecurity was associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms. Conclusions Food insecurity is prevalent among Latino farm worker families. Among women in these families, immigration to US at a younger age seems to protect them from suffering food insecurity, but experiencing it may be associated with poor mental health. Funding Sources The NIOSH, the California Endowment and the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety.

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Prevalence of food insecurity among military households with children 5 years of age and younger

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980016000422 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (13) ◽

pp. 2458-2466 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sarah Grenier Wax ◽

Susan M Stankorb

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Family Member ◽

Military Service ◽

San Antonio ◽

Short Form ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Supplemental Food ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Food Insecure Households

AbstractObjectiveFood insecurity increases risk of health conditions that may decrease military readiness. The aim of the present study was to define the prevalence of food insecurity among households with young children utilizing military installation childcare facilities and to describe household characteristics associated with food insecurity among this population.DesignCross-sectional survey including demographic questions and the US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module six-item short form given to households (n 248) enrolled in Joint Base San Antonio Child Development Centers (JBSA-CDC) during the spring of 2015.SubjectsDepartment of Defense families with at least one child less than 6 years old enrolled in a JBSA-CDC.SettingsJoint Base San Antonio, TX, USA.ResultsNearly one in seven families reported food insecurity. Households were more likely to be food-insecure if the head of household’s highest level of education was high school or equivalent (P=0·003) and if the head of household was unmarried/unpartnered (P=0·001). Among food-insecure households headed by military service members, all were junior enlisted or non-commissioned officers (E1–E9). Food-insecure households were less likely to live off-post in owned or rented homes compared with those who were food-secure (P=0·016). Other characteristics associated with food insecurity included at least one family member enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (P=0·020) and more children in the household (P=0·029). Few families reported enrolment in government supplemental food programmes.ConclusionsFood insecurity is prevalent in military families. Targeted interventions and policies can be developed using the demographic risk factors identified in the present study.

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