Acquisition, mobility, and food insecurity: Integrated food systems opportunities across urbanicity levels highlighted by COVID-19

Abstract Objective: Investigate acquisition and mobility experiences of food-insecure individuals across urbanicity levels (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Cross-sectional study using a nationally representative online panel to measure where food-insecure individuals acquired food, food acquisition barriers, and mobility to food sources, which were evaluated across urbanicity levels using chi-squared tests and 95% CIs. Setting: United States Participants: 2,011 adults (18 years or older) Results: Food insecurity impacted 62.3% of adults in urban areas, 40.5% in rural areas, and 36.7% in suburban areas (p<0.001). Food acquisition barriers that were significantly more prevalent among food-insecure adults in urban areas were a change in employment status (34.2%; 95% CI = 27.2%, 41.1%; p<0.0001) and limited availability of food in retailers (38.8%; 95% CI = 31.7%, 45.9%; p<0.001). In rural areas, food-insecure adults primarily acquired food for the household from supercenters (61.5%; 95% CI = 50.4%, 72.5%; p<0.05), while locally sourced foods were less common among food-insecure adults in rural areas (6.9%; 95% CI = 0.01%, 13.0%) compared to urban areas (19.8%; 95% CI = 14.3%, 25.4%; p<0.01). Transportation as a barrier did not vary significantly by urbanicity, but food-insecure adults across urbanicity levels reported utilizing a range of transportations modes to acquire food. Conclusions: A planning approach that links urban and rural areas could address food insecurity by enhancing the integration of food production, transportation, and food distribution, building toward a more resilient and equitable food system for all Americans.

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Food system sustainability and vulnerability: food acquisition during the military occupation of Kuwait

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980014003048 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 18 (16) ◽

pp. 3060-3066 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Fahhad Alajmi ◽

Shawn M Somerset

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Local Population ◽

Local Environment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Military Occupation ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Food Acquisition ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveTo document food acquisition experiences during Iraqi military occupation in Kuwait.DesignRetrospective cross-sectional study.SettingUrban areas in Kuwait during occupation.SubjectsThose living in Kuwait during the period of occupation, and aged between 15 to 50 years at the time of occupation, recruited by snowball sampling. A total of 390 completed questionnaires (response rate 78 %, 202 female and 188 male) were returned.ResultsDuring the occupation, food became increasingly difficult to acquire. Two food systems emerged: (i) an underground Kuwaiti network linked to foods recovered from local food cooperatives and (ii) a black market supplied by food imported through Iraq or stolen locally. Food shortages led to reductions in meal size and frequency. Some respondents (47·7 %) reported not having sufficient income to purchase food and 22·1 % had to sell capital items to purchase food. There was a significant increase (P<0·01) in home production, with 23·1 % of people growing vegetables and 39·0 % raising animals to supplement food needs. Reduction in food wastage also emerged as a significant self-reported behaviour change. Respondents reported deterioration in the quality and availability of fish, milk, and fruit in particular. Despite a decrease in opportunities for physical activity, most respondents reported that they lost weight during the occupation.ConclusionsAlthough the Kuwaiti population fell by about 90 % and domestic food production increased during the 7-month occupation, the local population continued to rely heavily on imported food to meet population needs. The high prevalence of self-reported weight loss indicates the inadequacies of this food supply. High apparent food security in systems which significantly exceed the ecological carrying capacity of the local environment and rely on mass food importation remains vulnerable.

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Sources, Bioavailability And Adequacy of Zinc Intake Among Rural-Resident Men In Malawi

10.21203/rs.3.rs-829176/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lydia Pakira ◽

Alexander Kalimbira

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Food Systems ◽

Dietary Assessment ◽

Serum Zinc ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Food Sources ◽

Small Fish ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Zinc Bioavailability ◽

Old Men

Abstract Background: Zinc deficiency (ZnD), measured using serum zinc (Zn) prevails in 66% of 20–54 year-old men in Malawi, and is higher than that of other demographic groups. We conducted this study to identify local plant and animal sources of Zn; to determine the frequency of intake of Zn-rich foods; and, to assess the bioavailability of Zn in the food sources.Methods: We employed a descriptive cross-sectional study of 20–54 year-old men (n=101) who are residents of a rural area of Lilongwe district in central Malawi. Dietary assessment was done using a food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. Dietary adequacy was assessed using modified NutriSurvey 2007. Zinc bioavailability was estimated using Murphy’s model of algorithm based on FAO/WHO Zn bioavailability factors.Results: Only 20.3% of the participants were knowledgeable of Zn, and mostly cited rice, cassava, sweet potato, milk and fish as sources of Zn. Degermed-dehulled hard porridge (locally called nsima) (53.5%), small fish (30.7%), mangoes (69.3%), groundnuts (20.8%), pumpkin leaves (65.3%) and sunflower oil (24.8%) were the most frequently consumed foods. Slightly over one third (36.6%) of the participants met the recommended dietary allowance for Zn (mean intake of 14.4±14 mg), but ˂1% consumed Zn that was bioavailable (mean 2.2±2.5 mg).Conclusion: Habitual intake of plant-based diets with poorly bioavailable Zn was widespread among men in this rural population in Malawi, which led to inadequate dietary Zn intake. Food systems-based operational research should be conducted to understand barriers and facilitators of adequate intake of bioavailable Zn in rural areas of Malawi.

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Acute food insecurity and short-term coping strategies of urban and rural households of Bangladesh during the lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic of 2020: report of a cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043365 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e043365

Author(s):

Subhasish Das ◽

Md. Golam Rasul ◽

Md Shabab Hossain ◽

Ar-Rafi Khan ◽

Md Ashraful Alam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Rural Households ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Insecure Households

IntroductionWe conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the extent and to identify the determinants of food insecurity and coping strategies in urban and rural households of Bangladesh during the month-long, COVID-19 lockdown period.SettingSelected urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.Participants106 urban and 106 rural households.Outcome variables and methodHousehold food insecurity status and the types of coping strategies were the outcome variables for the analyses. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were done to identify the determinants.ResultsWe found that around 90% of the households were suffering from different grades of food insecurity. Severe food insecurity was higher in urban (42%) than rural (15%) households. The rural households with mild/moderate food insecurity adopted either financial (27%) or both financial and food compromised (32%) coping strategies, but 61% of urban mild/moderate food insecure households applied both forms of coping strategies. Similarly, nearly 90% of severely food insecure households implemented both types of coping strategies. Living in poorest households was significantly associated (p value <0.05) with mild/moderate (regression coefficient, β: 15.13, 95% CI 14.43 to 15.82), and severe food insecurity (β: 16.28, 95% CI 15.58 to 16.97). The statistically significant (p <0.05) determinants of both food compromised and financial coping strategies were living in urban areas (β: 1.8, 95% CI 0.44 to 3.09), living in poorest (β: 2.7, 95% CI 1 to 4.45), poorer (β: 2.6, 95% CI 0.75 to 4.4) and even in the richer (β: 1.6, 95% CI 0.2 to 2.9) households and age of the respondent (β: 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.21).ConclusionBoth urban and rural households suffered from moderate to severe food insecurity during the month-long lockdown period in Bangladesh. But, poorest, poorer and even the richer households adopted different coping strategies that might result in long-term economic and nutritional consequences.

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Eating rough: food sources and acquisition practices of homeless young people in Adelaide, South Australia

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2005848 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 212-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Sue Booth

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Homeless Youth ◽

South Australia ◽

Food Sources ◽

Snowball Sampling ◽

Food Acquisition ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Services ◽

City Agencies

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the food sources and acquisition practices used by homeless youth in Adelaide. This work is part of a larger study that aimed to examine the extent and nature of food insecurity among homeless youth.DesignCross-sectional design involving quantitative and qualitative methods.SettingFour health and welfare inner-city agencies serving homeless youth in Adelaide, South Australia.SubjectsA sample of 150 homeless youth aged between 15 and 24 years recruited from these agencies. Fifteen were selected via snowball sampling for interview.ResultsUse of welfare food sources was high (63%). Food from welfare agencies was supplemented by unorthodox food acquisition methods such as theft (65%), begging for money for food (61%), begging for food items (44%) and asking for help from friends and relatives (34%). Reasons given for non-usage of welfare food services included affordability, access, being too busy, shame or embarrassment.ConclusionsFood insecurity is a salient issue for some homeless youth in Adelaide. Clarifying food acquisition practices of food-insecure homeless youth is essential for rational planning and improvement of food-related services to meet their needs. Such an understanding also underpins the development of broader public policy responses that improve individual and household skills and resources to acquire food and ensure food security. Nutrition professionals, welfare professionals and policy-makers need to work sensitively with welfare food agencies and others to improve food access and food security for homeless youth.

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Examining the Dietary Diversity of Children in Niger

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13092961 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 2961

Author(s):

Nafissatou Cisse Egbuonye ◽

Ariun Ishdorj ◽

E.L.J. McKyer ◽

Rahma Mkuu

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Wealth Index ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Health Concern ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Child Factors

Malnutrition is a major public health concern in Niger. The stunting rate in children in Niger is over 50%, one of the highest in the world. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine children’s dietary diversity (CDD) and the maternal factors that impact CDD. A total of 1265 mother–child pairs were analyzed. Descriptive analysis was conducted to present maternal and child characteristics. To compare the mean scores of CDD in relation to the region, an independent sample t-test was conducted. A one-way ANOVA test was conducted to evaluate the CDD score by different age groups. A linear regression model was estimated to identify household, maternal and child factors that affect the CDD score. Our results indicate that most of the participants of our survey resided in rural areas and the majority (80.7%) of the mothers had no education. Factors such as region, children’s age, woman’s empowerment, vitamin A intake and wealth index were significant predictors of CDD (p < 0.05). The children residing in rural areas were more likely to have lower CDD scores (p < 0.05) than the children in urban areas, therefore becoming more susceptible to malnutrition.

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Prevalence and Correlates of Secondhand Smoking Exposure Among Pregnant and Postnatal Chinese Women

10.21203/rs.3.rs-96643/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

YUAN YANG ◽

Meng Zhang ◽

Haixin Bo ◽

Dongying Zhang ◽

Liangkun Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Secondhand Smoke ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Chinese Women ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Postnatal Period ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Secondhand Smoking ◽

Smoking Exposure ◽

Postnatal Women

Abstract BackgroundInhalation of secondhand smoke during pregnancy and postnatal period is detrimental to developing infants and increases risk for health problems throughout the lifespan. This study examined the prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoke, its correlates, and its association with QOL among pregnant and postnatal Chinese women.MethodsThis multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted between February and October 2019 in China. Participants were pregnant and postnatal women. We assessed associations of frequency and location of secondhand smoking with sample characteristics as well as depression and quality of life based on EPDS and WHOQOL-BREF, respectively.ResultsA total of 992 women participated in the study, of whom, 211 (21.3%, 95%CI=18.7-23.8%) had been exposed to secondhand smoking. Secondhand smoking was most common in public areas (56.4%), and residential homes (20.5%), while workplaces had the lowest rate of secondhand smoking (13.7%). Women with physical comorbidities were more likely to report secondhand smoking exposure, while younger women, women living in urban areas, and those with college or higher education level were less likely to report exposure to secondhand smoking.ConclusionThe prevalence of exposure to secondhand smoking is becoming lower among pregnant and postnatal women in China compared to findings reported in previous studies. Due to the detrimental impact of secondhand smoking on physical health, legal legislation should be promptly enforced to establish smoke-free environments in both public and private urban/rural areas for protection of pregnant and postnatal women, especially those who are physically vulnerable and less educated.

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The Quality of Life of Coronavirus Disease Survivors Living in Rural and Urban Area of Riau Province, Indonesia

Infectious Disease Reports ◽

10.3390/idr14010005 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 33-42

Author(s):

Suyanto Suyanto ◽

Shashi Kandel ◽

Rahmat Azhari Kemal ◽

Arfianti Arfianti

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

Rural And Urban ◽

The Status ◽

Rural And Urban Area

This study assesses the status of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among coronavirus survivors living in rural and urban districts in Riau province, Indonesia. The cross-sectional study was conducted among 468 and 285 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) survivors living in rural and urban areas, respectively in August 2021. The St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to measure the HRQOL of COVID-19 survivors. A higher total score domain corresponds to worse quality of life status. Quantile regression with the respect to 50th percentile found a significant association for the factors living in rural areas, being female, having comorbidities, and being hospitalized during treatment, with total score of 4.77, 2.43, 7.22, and 21.27 higher than in their contra parts, respectively. Moreover, having received full vaccination had the score 3.96 in total score. The HRQOL of COVID-19 survivors living in rural areas was significantly lower than in urban areas. Factors such as living in rural areas, female sex, having comorbidities, and history of symptomatic COVID-19 infection were identified as significant predictors for lower quality of life. Meanwhile, having full vaccination is a significant predictor for a better quality of life. The results of this study can provide the targeted recommendations for improvement of HRQOL of COVID-19 survivors.

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The association between household food insecurity and obesity in Mexico: a cross-sectional study of ENSANUT MC 2016

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980021003153 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Rosa Elena Ponce-Alcala ◽

Jose Luis Ramirez-Garcia Luna ◽

Teresa Shamah-Levy ◽

Hugo Melgar-Quiñonez

Keyword(s):

Food Insecurity ◽

Abdominal Obesity ◽

Urban Areas ◽

National Level ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Household Food Insecurity ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Household Food ◽

Mexican Adults

Abstract Objective: To examine the association between household food insecurity and overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity in Mexican adults. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: We analysed data from the Mexican Halfway National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016, a nationally representative survey that accounted for rural and urban areas in four regions of Mexico: North, Centre, Mexico City and South. Participants: Adults from 20 to 59 years old (n 5456, which represents 45 804 210 individuals at the national level). Results: 70·8 % of the Mexican adults had some degree of household food insecurity. This situation showed larger proportions (P < 0·05) among indigenous people, those living in a rural area, in the Southern region or the lowest socio-economic quintiles. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was higher in female adults (P < 0·001), with the highest proportions occurring among those experiencing severe household food insecurity. Among women, mean BMI and waist circumference were higher as household food insecurity levels increased (P < 0·001). According to multivariate logistic regression models, severe household food insecurity showed to be positively associated with obesity (OR: 2·36; P = 0·001) in Mexican adult females. Conclusions: Our findings confirm the association between household food insecurity and obesity among Mexican women. Given the socio-demographic characteristics of the food-insecure population, it is alarming that prevailing socio-economic inequalities in the country might also be contributing to the likelihood of obesity. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain and bolster surveillance systems to track both problems and implement adequate policies and interventions.

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Nutritional status of Tunisian adolescents: associated gender, environmental and socio-economic factors

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980008002693 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1306-1317 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Hajer Aounallah-Skhiri ◽

Habiba Ben Romdhane ◽

Pierre Traissac ◽

Sabrina Eymard-Duvernay ◽

Francis Delpeuch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Abdominal Obesity ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Cultural Tradition ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the nutritional status of Tunisian adolescents and associated factors.DesignA cross-sectional study based on a national stratified random cluster sample.Subjects and methodsIn all, 1295 boys and 1577 girls aged 15–19 years, of whom 28·4 % had already left school. Socio-economic characteristics of the parents, anthropometric measurements, food behaviours and physical activity of the adolescents were recorded during home visits.ResultsPrevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity (WHO/National Center for Health Statistics reference) were, respectively, 8·1 %, 17·4 % and 4·1 % among boys and 1·3 %, 20·7 % and 4·4 % among girls; abdominal obesity was highly prevalent among both sexes. Prevalence of overweight differed by region (from 11·5 % to 22·2 %) and was higher in urban v. rural areas for males (21·7 % v. 10·4 %) but not for females (21·7 % v. 19·2 %). These differences were partially mediated by socio-economic and lifestyle factors for males. For females, influence of cultural factors is hypothesised. In rural areas, overweight was more prevalent among boys of higher economic level households, having a working mother or a sedentary lifestyle; for girls, prevalence increased with the level of education of the mother. In urban areas, prevalence of overweight was related to eating habits: it was higher for boys with irregular snacking habits and for girls skipping daily meals. Urban girls having left school were also more overweight.ConclusionOverweight and abdominal obesity in late adolescence have become a true public health problem in Tunisia with the combined effects of cultural tradition for girls in rural areas, and of rapid economic development for boys and girls in cities.

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Diabetes Burden in Urban and Rural Senegalese Populations: A Cross-Sectional Study in 2012

International Journal of Endocrinology ◽

10.1155/2015/163641 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2015 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

S. M. Seck ◽

D. G. Dia ◽

D. Doupa ◽

A. Diop-Dia ◽

I. Thiam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Abdominal Obesity ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Biological Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Family History Of Diabetes ◽

Rural And Urban Areas ◽

History Of

Diabetes represents a challenging global health issue in the 21st century. Data from sub-Saharan African populations are scarce and are usually restricted to urban settings. The objective of this study was to compare prevalence and risk factors of diabetes in rural and urban areas in Senegal.Methods.In a community-based survey between January and May 2012, we included 1027 adults aged≥18 years living in northern Senegal. Sociodemographic, clinical, and biological data were collected during household visits. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetes.Results.Mean age of participants was48.0±16.9years and 65.7% were female. Participants from urban area represented 55.7%. The age-standardized prevalence of diabetes was 7.6% (6.0% in men versus 9.0% in women). Prevalence of diabetes was higher in urban areas (8.1%) compared to rural areas (4.6%). Disease awareness rate was 43%. After multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.63,p=0.001), familial history of diabetes (OR = 1.42,p=0.001), and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.17,p=0.05) were associated with diabetes.Conclusion.Diabetes is frequent in urban and rural areas in Senegal. Awareness rate is very low among populations. Age, family history of diabetes, and abdominal obesity are the main risk factors identified.

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