Food insecurity among graduate students: prevalence and association with depression, anxiety and stress

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaime A Coffino ◽  
Samantha P Spoor ◽  
Rae D Drach ◽  
Julia M Hormes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Financial Strain ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Present Sample ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: The impact of food insecurity on mental health has not yet been examined in graduate students, a population widely considered at elevated risk for financial strain and negative mental health outcomes. This study aimed to derive initial prevalence estimates of food insecurity in a sample of current graduate students at a large state university and to elucidate the relationship between food insecurity and depression, anxiety and stress in this sample. Design: Cross-sectional online survey including the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21). Setting: University in the northeastern region of the USA. Participants: Two hundred sixty-three graduate students. Results: In the present sample, 59·7 % of participants reported high/marginal food security, 18·5 % reported low food security and 21·8 % reported very low food security. Graduate students with very low food security reported significantly greater depression (η2 = 0·09), anxiety (η2 = 0·10) and stress (η2 = 0·10), compared with those with low food security and high food security (all P’s < 0·001). Conclusions: Food insecurity occurred in nearly half of the graduate students surveyed, and very low food security was associated with elevated levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Findings highlight the need to address food insecurity and associated elevated mental health problems present among graduate students.

scholarly journals 1284Food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Aguiar ◽  
Isabel Maia ◽  
Marta Pinto ◽  
Raquel Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
The United States ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Health Features ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting population’s health and economies, in which food insecurity appears as important concern, particularly considering its associations with mental health and adverse behaviours. This study explored the relationship between food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional study using data from an online survey was performed, including Portugal’s residents aged ≥18 years. Data on sociodemographics, behaviours, mental health features and food security status were collected. Food security status was evaluated with the United States Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-item Short Form. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, were used to explore the relationship between food security status and categorical variables. Results Food insecurity prevalence was 6.8%; showed to be significantly higher among less educated individuals (≤12 years of schooling) (p&lt;0.001), those who were employed and remained since the beginning of the pandemic (p&lt;0.001) and among those reporting need to be careful about expenses (p&lt;0.001). Comparing to individuals who were food secure, food insecure participants were more likely to smoke (p=0.009), to report depressive symptoms (p&lt;0.001) and anxiety (p&lt;0.001), measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Conclusions From the present study, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic can affect food security in different subpopulations. Key messages The findings of this study have several implications for health policy and reinforce the need for investment in contexts of populations vulnerable to food insecurity

scholarly journals High food insecurity in Latinx families and associated COVID-19 infection in the Greater Bay Area, California

BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milagro Escobar ◽  
Andrea DeCastro Mendez ◽  
Maria Romero Encinas ◽  
Sofia Villagomez ◽  
Janet M. Wojcicki
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Employment Status ◽  
The United States ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Bay Area ◽  
Household Food ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Food insecurity impacts nearly one-in-four Latinx households in the United States and has been exacerbated by the novel coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We examined the impact of COVID-19 on household and child food security in three preexisting, longitudinal, Latinx urban cohorts in the San Francisco Bay Area (N = 375 households, 1875 individuals). Households were initially recruited during pregnancy and postpartum at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) and UCSF Benioff prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. For this COVID-19 sub-study, participants responded to a 15-min telephonic interview. Participants answered 18 questions from the US Food Security Food Module (US HFSSM) and questions on types of food consumption, housing and employment status, and history of COVID-19 infection as per community or hospital-based testing. Food security and insecurity levels were compared with prior year metrics. Results We found low levels of household food security in Latinx families (by cohort: 29.2%; 34.2%; 60.0%) and child food security (56.9%, 54.1%, 78.0%) with differences between cohorts explained by self-reported levels of education and employment status. Food security levels were much lower than those reported previously in two cohorts where data had been recorded from prior years. Reported history of COVID-19 infection in households was 4.8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI); 1.5–14.3%); 7.2% (95%CI, 3.6–13.9%) and 3.5% (95%CI, 1.7–7.2%) by cohort and was associated with food insecurity in the two larger cohorts (p = 0.03; p = 0.01 respectively). Conclusions Latinx families in the Bay Area with children are experiencing a sharp rise in food insecurity levels during the COVID-19 epidemic. Food insecurity, similar to other indices of poverty, is associated with increased risk for COVID-19 infection. Comprehensive interventions are needed to address food insecurity in Latinx populations and further studies are needed to better assess independent associations between household food insecurity, poor nutritional health and risk of COVID-19 infection.

scholarly journals Farmer Reported Pest and Disease Impacts on Root, Tuber, and Banana Crops and Livelihoods in Rwanda and Burundi

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Okonya ◽  
Walter Ocimati ◽  
Anastase Nduwayezu ◽  
Déo Kantungeko ◽  
Nicolas Niko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cassava Mosaic Disease ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Crop Losses ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Production Constraints ◽  
Root Tuber ◽  
The Impact

Biotic constraints cause major crop losses and, hence, food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa. This study documented the popularity, production constraints, pests and diseases, farmers’ perceptions on the severity of biotic constraints and the impact of related crop losses on household food security for the key root, tuber and banana (RTB) crops (cassava, potato, sweetpotato and banana). Farmer interviews were conducted in 2014 covering 811 households in Rwanda and Burundi. Farmers were asked to list their RTB crop production constraints, name insect pests and diseases of RTB crops, estimate crop loss due to pests and diseases, and mention if their household experienced any form of food insecurity due to pests and diseases. Cutworms and late blight in potato, banana weevils and banana Xanthomonas wilt in banana, cassava whitefly and cassava mosaic disease in cassava, sweetpotato weevils, and sweetpotato virus disease in sweetpotato were the most predominant pests and diseases reported. Crop losses due to pests and diseases for sweetpotato, banana, potato and cassava were estimated at 26%, 29%, 33%, and 36%, respectively, in Rwanda and 37%, 48%, 38%, and 37% in Burundi. Pests and diseases reduce the profitability of RTB crops, threaten food security, and constitute a disincentive for investment. Sustainable and affordable integrated pest management packages need to be developed.

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

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 &gt;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.

scholarly journals The relationship between childhood adversity and food insecurity: ‘It’s like a bird nesting in your head’

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 2643-2653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Chilton ◽  
Molly Knowles ◽  
Jenny Rabinowich ◽  
Kimberly T Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveAdverse childhood experiences, including abuse, neglect and household instability, affect lifelong health and economic potential. The present study investigates how adverse childhood experiences are associated with food insecurity by exploring caregivers’ perceptions of the impact of their childhood adversity on educational attainment, employment and mental health.DesignSemi-structured audio-recorded in-person interviews that included (i) quantitative measures of maternal and child health, adverse childhood experiences (range: 0–10) and food security using the US Household Food Security Survey Module; and (ii) qualitative audio-recorded investigations of experiences with abuse, neglect, violence and hunger over participants’ lifetimes.SettingHouseholds in Philadelphia, PA, USA.SubjectsThirty-one mothers of children <4 years old who reported low or very low household food security.ResultsTwenty-one caregivers (68 %) reported four or more adverse childhood experiences, and this severity was significantly associated with reports of very low food security (Fisher’s exact P=0·021). Mothers reporting emotional and physical abuse were more likely to report very low food security (Fisher’s exact P=0·032). Qualitatively, participants described the impact of childhood adverse experiences with emotional and physical abuse/neglect, and household substance abuse, on their emotional health, school performance and ability to maintain employment. In turn, these experiences negatively affected their ability to protect their children from food insecurity.ConclusionsThe associations between mothers’ adverse experiences in childhood and reports of current household food security should inspire researchers, advocates and policy makers to comprehensively address family hardship through greater attention to the emotional health of caregivers. Programmes meant to address nutritional deprivation and financial hardship should include trauma-informed approaches that integrate behavioural interventions.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity and Mental Health Outcomes among Low Income, Minority Cohorts during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sai Kodukula ◽  
Amy Han
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Anecdotal Evidence ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Anxiety Depression ◽  
The Impact

Objective:   To examine the impact of the COVID-19 shutdowns on food insecurity and mental health outcomes among low income, minority communities in Northwest Indiana.    Methods:   Surveys were distributed to 160 households during the Northwest Indiana food bank distribution hours to assess food security mental health status. The survey assessed participant food security through questions adapted from the USDA food security survey module. Participant anxiety, depression, and stress scores were aggregated from questions adapted from the PHQ-4. A multiple logit regression model was utilized to estimate the risk associated with food security status and the surveyed variables. Anecdotal evidence was also collected to understand pandemic specific factors impacting participant food security.     Results:   Food insecurity was linked to significantly increased risk of anxiety, depression and stress. Those who identify to be food insecure have an 811 % increased risk of anxiety, 411% increased risk of depression, and 535% increased risk of stress compared to those who are food secure. In addition, a significant correlation exists between median household income and poor mental health. Anecdotal evidence identifies poor job security, food distributions, and support networks as exacerbating factors towards participant’s declining mental health.     Conclusions:   Our findings highlights the exacerbated impact the pandemic has had on the food security and mental health of vulnerable populations. In the light of these results and anecdotal feedback, public health measures must focus on getting increased funding towards local food banks to increase the frequency of mobile distribution markets coupled with direct subsidies to allow for food purchases, especially for those households with children. Given its impact on mental health, food insecurity status should regularly be screened by physicians access to the right resources must be provided for those screening as high risk.   

scholarly journals Changes in Eating Behaviors During COVID-19 and Association With Food Insecurity: Results From a Nation-Wide Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 202-202
Author(s):  
Shahmir Ali ◽  
Niyati Parekh ◽  
Ariadna Capasso ◽  
Yesim Tozan ◽  
Abbey Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Security Risk ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed both a health and economic crisis in the US, with growing concerns on how eating behaviors and food security (risk factors of non-communicable disease) have changed. This study examines changes in food insecurity and eating behaviors during the early months of the pandemic among US adults. Methods A nationwide survey of US adults was conducted in April 2020 through social-media advertisement-based recruitment to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity was measured using a six-item validated USDA Household Food Security instrument. Eating behaviors were assessed by asking participants how their eating has changed since the pandemic (“Much More” to “Much Less”). Sociodemographic differences in food behaviors were assessed with chi-square tests, and an adjusted logistic regression model evaluated the association between food insecurity and eating behaviors. Results Overall, 5256 participants had data on eating behaviors; 58.6% were female, 43.8% aged 40–59 years old, and 56.4% were employed. Eating remained unchanged for most participants (52.7%), while 34.6% noted eating more, and 12.7% noted eating less since the pandemic. 85.3% of participants displayed high/marginal food insecurity, while 14.7% displayed low/very-low food security. Compared to those eating more during the pandemic, those eating less were more likely to be younger (24.7% vs. 17.4% aged 18–39), male (42.0% vs. 33.4%), not working, or unemployed (17.1% vs. 13.7%), and make &lt;$30,000 a year (20.7% vs. 12.6%). When adjusting for socio-demographic variables, compared to those whose eating behavior did not change, the adjusted odds of low/very-low food insecurity was higher among both those who were eating less (AOR:6.44, 95%CI:4.96–8.37) and eating more (AOR:1.67, 95%CI:1.33–2.09). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed significant food insecurity, with food insecurity being associated with bidirectional changes in food consumption. Public health professionals must critically examine the various contributors of eating behaviors during the pandemic and their link with food insecurity to develop targeted interventions. Funding Sources N/A

scholarly journals Food Insecurity and Associated Factors in the Portuguese Population

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. S395-S402 ◽  
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.

Sustainable agricultural intensification practices and rural food security

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (2) ◽  
pp. 468-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iddrisu Yahaya ◽  
Krishna P. Pokharel ◽  
Abdul-Fatahi Alidu ◽  
Fred Amofa Yamoah
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Household Food Insecurity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Resource Degradation ◽  
Food Insecurity Access ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of participation in sustainable agricultural intensification practices (SAIPs) on household food security status in Northwestern Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study utilised the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) indicator for the measurement of food access data from 168 households in ten communities from the Northwestern region of Ghana for the analyses. Households were categorised into participating households (treatment) and non-participating households (control). The endogenous treatment effects model was employed to evaluate the impact of participation in SAIPs training on food insecurity access scale. Findings The results show that participation in SAIPs training lowers, on average, the household food insecurity access by 2.95 points, approximately an 11 per cent reduction in HFIAS score. Other significant factors found to influence household food insecurity access scale are age of household head, experience in farming, total acres owned by household, income level of the household and occupation of the head of the household. Research limitations/implications The training programme of participation in SAIPs has massive implications for food security, rural economy and farmers’ livelihoods. However, due to the unique conditions prevailing in Northwestern Ghana, the findings of this research are limited in terms of their generalisability. Future research direction in the area of SAIPs trainings and impact study replications in all qualifying rural food production areas in Ghana, which are susceptible to household food insecurity, will provide a national picture of the efficacy of SAIPs trainings on household food insecurity. Practical implications A proven means to decrease natural resource degradation, increase crops yields, and increase subsistence farmers’ income, and food security is an important intervention to resolve the seasonal food shortage, which last for five months in a typical year for agro-food-dependent farming communities in Northwestern Ghana. Social implications Ensuring household food security improvement and environmental sustainability will help improve living standards of food producers and reduce the adverse social challenges associated with food insecure communities such as health problems due to food deficiencies, social inequalities, environmental pollution and natural resource degradation in Northwestern Ghana. Originality/value The contribution of this paper is the novel thought and approach to examine the impact of the SAIPs trainings on household food security in Northwestern Ghana using the household food insecurity access scale indicator. The study also examined the factors that affect household food security using the endogenous treatment model, which also evaluates the impact of the training programme on the outcome variable.

scholarly journals Food-Insecure Household’s Self-Reported Perceptions of Food Labels, Product Attributes and Consumption Behaviours

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy M. Butcher ◽  
Maria M. Ryan ◽  
Therese A. O’Sullivan ◽  
Johnny Lo ◽  
Amanda Devine
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Product Attributes ◽  
The Impact

Dietary compromises related to food insecurity profoundly undermine health and constitute a serious public health issue, even in developed nations. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of food labelling and product attributes on the purchasing choices of food-insecure households in Australia. An online survey containing 19 food choice and 28 purchasing behaviours questions was completed by 1056 adults responsible for household grocery shopping. The short form of the US Household Food Security Survey Module was used as the food security indicator. Multinomial logistic regression modelling was employed to analyse the survey data. Respondents were classified as having either high-marginal (63.4%, n = 670), low (19.8%, n = 209) or very low (16.8%, n = 177) food security. Respondents with low or very low food security status were less likely to self-report understanding the information on the back of packaging (p < 0.001), find information on food labels useful (p = 0.002) or be influenced by product nutrition information (p = 0.002). Convenience (p < 0.001), organic (p = 0.027) and supermarket-branded products (p < 0.001) were more likely to be rated as important by food-insecure respondents when compared to their food-secure counterparts. When asked to rate “how healthy” their diet was, high–marginal FS respondents were twice as likely describe their diet as healthy than very low FS respondents (p = 0.001).

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