Household Food Insecurity during Pregnancy as a Predictor of Anthropometric Indices Failures in Infants Aged Less than Six Months: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Karim Karbin ◽  
Fatemeh Khorramrouz ◽  
Ehsan Mosa Farkhani ◽  
Seyyed Reza Sobhani ◽  
Negin Mosalmanzadeh ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To investigate the impact of household food insecurity during the third trimester of pregnancy on the growth indicators of infants aged less than six months. Design: Retrospective longitudinal study. Setting: 137 healthcare centres (15 cities) in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. Data were extracted from the Sina Electronic Health Record System (SinaEHR®). Participants: This study was conducted on 2,481 mother and infant dyads during November 2016-March 2019. The household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS; nine-item version) was used to measure food insecurity in the third trimester of pregnancy. Women who delivered singleton infants were included in the study, and anthropometric indices of infants were measured throughout the first sixth months of life. Results: Approximately 67% of the participants were food-secure, while 33% had varying degrees of food insecurity. The children born to the mothers in the food-insecure households were respectively 2.01, 3.03, and 3.83 times more likely to be stunted at birth (95% CI: 1.17-3.46), four months (95% CI: 1.21-7.61), and six months of age (95% CI: 1.37-10.68) compared to their counterparts in the food-secure households. However, there were no significant differences in mean birthweight, birth height, and head circumference at birth between the two groups. Conclusions: Household food insecurity during pregnancy is a risk factor for stunting in infants aged less than six months. Therefore, national nutrition programs could considerably support women in food-insecure households during and before pregnancy.

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 149-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Mohammadi ◽  
Nasrin Omidvar ◽  
Anahita Houshiar-Rad ◽  
Mohammad-Reza Khoshfetrat ◽  
Morteza Abdollahi ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the validity of a locally adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) in the measurement of household food insecurity (FI) in the city of Tehran.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingUrban households were selected through a systematic cluster sampling method from six different districts of Tehran. The socio-economic status of households was evaluated using a questionnaire by means of interviews. An adapted HFIAS was used to measure FI. Content validity was assessed by an expert panel, and the questionnaire was then tested among ten households for clarity. Criterion validity was assessed by comparing the measure with a number of determinants and consequences of FI. Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach'sαand exploratory factor analysis. For repeatability, the questionnaire was administered twice to twenty-five households at an interval of 20 d and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated.SubjectsA total of 416 households.ResultsIn all, 11·8 %, 14·4 % and 17·5 % of the households were severely, moderately and mildly food insecure, respectively. Cronbach'sαwas 0·855. A significant correlation was observed between the two administrations of the questionnaire (r= 0·895,P< 0·001). Factor analysis of HFIAS items revealed two factors: the first five items as factor 1 (mild-to-moderate FI) and the last four as factor 2 (severe FI). Heads of food-secure households had higher education and higher job position compared with heads of food-insecure households (P< 0·001). Income and expenditure were lower in food-insecure households compared with food-secure households.ConclusionsAdapted HFIAS showed acceptable levels of internal consistency, criterion validity and reliability in assessing household FI among Tehranians.


FACETS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 969-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghose Bishwajit ◽  
Sanni Yaya

Introduction: Food insecurity at the individual level has been shown to be associated with the adoption of risky behavior and poor healthcare-seeking behavior. However, the impact of household food insecurity (HFI) on the utilization of maternal healthcare services (MHS) remains unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether or not household food insecurity was associated with non/inadequate utilization of MHS. Methods: Participants consisted of 3562 mothers aged between 15 and 49 years and with at least one child. The outcome variable was the utilization of MHS, e.g., institutional delivery, attendance ante-, and pre-natal visits. The explanatory variables included various sociodemographic factors (e.g., age, residence, education, wealth) apart from HFI. HFI was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Result: The prevalence of non- and under-utilization of MHS was 5.3 and 36.5, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, HFI, wealth index, and educational level were independently associated with MHS status. The odds of non- and under-utilization of MHS were 3.467 (CI = 1.058–11.354) and 4.104 (CI = 1.794–9.388) times higher, respectively, among women from households reporting severe food insecurity. Conclusion: Severe HFI was significantly associated with both under- and non-utilization of MHS. Interventions programs that address HFI and the empowerment of women can potentially contribute to an increased utilization of MHS.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 620-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Máximo Rossi ◽  
Zuleika Ferre ◽  
María Rosa Curutchet ◽  
Ana Giménez ◽  
Gastón Ares

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the factor structure of the Latin American & Caribbean Household Food Security Scale (ELCSA) and to study the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on each of the identified dimensions in Montevideo, Uruguay.DesignCross-sectional survey with a representative sample of urban households. Household food insecurity was measured using the ELCSA. The percentage of respondents who gave affirmative responses for each of the items of the ELCSA was determined. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out to determine the ELCSA’s factor structure. A probit model was used to determine the impact of some individual and household sociodemographic characteristics on the identified dimensions of food insecurity.SettingMetropolitan area centred on Montevideo, the capital city of Uruguay, April–September 2014.SubjectsAdults aged between 18 and 93 years (n 742).ResultsThe percentage of affirmative responses to the items of the ELCSA ranged from 4·4 to 31·7 %. Two factors were identified in the exploratory factor analysis performed on data from households without children under 18 years old, whereas three factors were identified for households with children. The identified factors were associated with different severity levels of food insecurity. Likelihood of experiencing different levels of food insecurity was affected by individual characteristics of the respondent as well as characteristics of the household.ConclusionsThe influence of sociodemographic variables varied among the ELCSA dimensions. Household income had the largest influence on all dimensions, which indicates a strong relationship between income and food insecurity.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Domingo ◽  
Jerry Spiegel ◽  
Martin Guhn ◽  
Hannah Wittman ◽  
Amy Ing ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: To further understandings of household food insecurity in First Nations communities in Canada and its relationship with obesity. Design: Analysis of a cross-sectional dataset from the First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study representative of First Nations communities south of the 60th parallel. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess associations between food insecurity and sociodemographic factors, as well as the odds of obesity among food-insecure households adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Setting: Western and Central Canada. Participants: First Nations peoples aged ≥19 years. Results: Forty-six percent of First Nations households experienced food insecurity. Food insecurity was highest for respondents who received social assistance; had ≤10 years of education; were female; had children in the household; were 19–30 years old; resided in Alberta; and had no year-round road access into the community. Rates of obesity were highest for respondents residing in marginally food-insecure households (female 56·6 %; male 54·6 %). In gender-specific analyses, the odds of obesity were highest among marginally food-insecure households in comparison with food-secure households, for both female (OR 1·57) and male (OR 1·57) respondents, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. For males only, those in severely food-insecure (compared with food-secure) households had lower odds of obesity after adjusting for confounding (OR 0·56). Conclusions: The interrelated challenges of food insecurity and obesity in First Nations communities emphasise the need for Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate and food sovereign approaches to food security and nutrition in support of holistic wellness and prevention of chronic disease.


Author(s):  
Meredith T. Niles ◽  
Farryl Bertmann ◽  
Emily H. Belarmino ◽  
Thomas Wentworth ◽  
Erin Biehl ◽  
...  

Background COVID-19 has disrupted food access and impacted food insecurity, which is associated with numerous adverse individual and public health outcomes. Methods We conducted a statewide population-level survey in Vermont from March 29-April 12, 2020, during the beginning of a statewide stay-at-home order. We utilized the USDA six-item validated food security module to measure food insecurity before COVID-19 and since COVID-19. We assessed food insecurity prevalence and reported food access challenges, coping strategies, and perceived helpful interventions among food secure, consistently food insecure (pre-and post COVID-19), and newly food insecure (post COVID-19) respondents. Results Among 3,219 respondents, there was a 33% increase in household food insecurity since COVID-19 (p<0.001), with 35.6% of food insecure households classified as newly food insecure. Respondents experiencing a job loss were more likely to experience food insecurity (OR 3.43; 95% CI, 2.45-4.80). Multiple physical and economic barriers, as well as concerns related to food access during COVID-19, are reported, with respondents experiencing household food insecurity more likely to face access challenges (p<0.001). Significant differences in coping strategies were documented between respondents in newly food insecure vs. consistently insecure households. Conclusions Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in food insecurity in Vermont, accompanied by major food access barriers. These findings have important potential impacts on individual health, including mental health and malnutrition, as well as on future healthcare costs. We suggest proactive strategies to address food insecurity during this crisis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Benjamin-Neelon ◽  
Carter Allen ◽  
Brian Neelon

Abstract Objectives Infancy represents a critical period for growth and development, and food insecurity during this time may impact later health. Few previous studies have assessed food insecurity and obesity in young children in the US, and even fewer have targeted infants. Moreover, the ability of federal food assistance programs to affect this relation remains unclear. Methods We examined 666 infants in the US-based Nurture birth cohort. We conducted home visits when infants were 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. We measured household food insecurity via maternal report using the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form. We categorized infants as living in full, marginal, low, or very low food security households. We calculated infant body mass index (BMI) z-score from measured lengths and weights using World Health Organization reference standards. We documented participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at each home visit. We used repeated-measures linear regression models with imputed data to examine covariate-adjusted associations between household food security and BMI z-score throughout infancy. Results Nearly 70% of infants were black and 49% were female. At 3 months, 32.8% of infants were from households with low or very low food security. Infant BMI increased from months 3 to 12 in all food security groups (Figure). However, after adjustment for potential confounders, low household food insecurity (0.18; 95% CI 0.05, 0.32; P = 0.01) and very low household food insecurity (0.22; 95% CI 0.05, 0.38; P = 0.01) were associated with higher infant BMI z-score throughout infancy but marginal household food security was not (0.001; 95% CI −0.13, 0.13; P = 0.99). There was no evidence of effect modification by participation in either WIC (P = 0.36) or SNAP (P = 0.67). Conclusions Infants from food insecure households had higher BMIs throughout infancy, and this association was not attenuated by WIC or SNAP participation. About one-third of infants in this cohort were living in food insecure households, which raises substantial concern from both a public health and obesity prevention perspective. Funding Sources NIDDK, National Institutes of Health. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Yun Hwang ◽  
Seoungwoo John Lee ◽  
Mi Nae Yang

AbstractIntroductionLao PDR is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranked the 138th of 188 developing countries. Although household food insecurity has been prevalent in Northern Rao PDR, no valid measurement of household food insecurity exists. Therefore, the study was to develop a household food insecurity questionnaire and verify the validity of the questionnaire in the rural areas of Lao PDR.Materials and MethodsUsing a multistage-sampling cross-sectional study, the sample included 373 households with children under 5 years of age living in Xieng Khouang, Lao PDR. The questionnaire was composed of 18 items based on the US household Food Security Survey Module and partially modified to local circumstances. Internal consistency of questions measured with Cronbach's α was adequate, result of 0.746. External validity was evaluated through comparison analyses between food insecurity levels and household socioeconomic indicators.Results and discussionAmong 373 households, 42.7% were food-insecure and 4.3% were food-insecure with hunger. There were more food-insecure households in those with lower maternal education levels (P < 0.001), greater number of household members (P < 0.001), longer travel time to farmland (P = 0.003), and lower household asset scores (P < 0.001). Households with the residence made of natural material for walls (P < 0.001), roofs (P < 0.001) and floors (P < 0.001) as well as without electricity (P < 0.001), pipe to supply drinking water (P < 0.001), and income other than agriculture (P < 0.001) had higher food insecurity than their counterparts. In addition, inadequate maternal prenatal care and education, child health care, and vaccinations increased household food insecurity. Mothers and children in food-insecure households had lower intakes of various food groups including protein-source foods. This study would provide a valid instrument to assess food insecurity and be used in the future as an evaluation tool for the improvement of nutritional deficiencies as well as a tool for selection of target subjects in Northern Rao PDR.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lamis Jomaa ◽  
Farah Naja ◽  
Samer Kharroubi ◽  
Leila Itani ◽  
Nahla Hwalla

Abstract Objectives To derive dietary patterns (DPs) of Lebanese adolescents (10–18 years) and evaluate associations between identified DPs and household food insecurity (HFI). Methods Data was drawn from a national survey on a representative sample of Lebanese households (n = 1204, 2015). HFI was assessed using a locally-validated, Arabic-translated version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Dietary intake was assessed using a 187-item locally-validated food frequency questionnaire. Principal component factor analysis was used to derive the DPs. Partial correlations were conducted to investigate the associations between DPs and macro- and micron-nutrient intakes (energy-adjusted). Multiple linear regression models were applied to examine the association between HFI scores and derived DPs. Results Two DPs were derived from the study population: Western and Lebanese-Mediterranean (LM). The Western DP was characterized by higher consumption of sweetened beverages, fast foods, sweets, salty snacks and refined grains; whereas the Lebanese DP was characterized by higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains. The Western DP was positively associated with alcohol (r = 0.3) and negatively associated with fiber (−0.35), calcium (−0.31), iron (−0.17), vitamins A (−0.31) and D (−0.15); P < 0.05. LM pattern was positively and highly correlated with fiber, proteins, iron, Vitamin A (r ≥ 0.30); moderately correlated with carbohydrates, calcium and Vitamin D (r < 0.3); and negatively correlated with total fat, saturated and polyunsaturated fats (r ≥ −0.26, P < 0.05). After adjustment for socio-demographics, Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the higher HFI score was associated with lower adherence to LM DP among adolescents (β = −0.026, P = 0.012, 95% CI −0.046, −0.006). No significant association was observed between HFI and the Western DP. Conclusions In conclusion, adolescents in food insecure households are less likely to consume the LM DP; the latter being associated with better nutrients’ intake vs. Western DP. Findings of this study can guide the development of preventive strategies emphasizing the adoption of a LM pattern among food insecure households and youth to promote better dietary quality and prevent risk of chronic diseases. Funding Sources Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research.


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