Do food skills protect from food insecurity? A study among asylum seekers living in Norway

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Terragni ◽  
C Arnold ◽  
S Henjum
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Food insecurity has a high prevalence among asylum seekers living in Western countries. Previous studies suggest that food skills can protect against food insecurity. This study investigates the impact of food skills on food security and dietary diversity among refugees living in Norwegian reception centers. Methods The study has a cross-sectional research design. Eight asylum reception centers where selected and 205 asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) were recruited through convenience sampling among the largest asylum seeking groups. We measured food skills by adopting questions from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2013 Rapid Response on Food Skills. Food skills were divided into cooking skills (ability to prepare meals) and shopping skills (ability to plan meals and budgeting). Food security was measured with the 10-item version of the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Scale. Dietary data was collected via a 24-hour recall, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dietary diversity score was calculated to assess dietary quality. Data were analyzed with bivariate logistic analysis. Results Cooking skills and shopping skills contribute differently to food security and dietary diversity. Higher cooking skills were associated with higher dietary diversity but not with food security. Shopping skills were not associated with either food security or dietary diversity. Women had better cooking skills then men, but there were no gender differences in shopping skills. Married asylum seekers had better shopping skills than those who were not married. Conclusions Cooking skills have an impact on dietary diversity, initiatives promoting cooking skills should be encouraged. Further research is needed on what kind of purchasing skills can be useful for asylum seekers coping. Despite high food skills the level of food insecurity remained high. Initiatives addressing the multiple causes of food insecurity are needed. Key messages Food skills alone do not protect from food insecurity. Cooking skills are easier to transfer in a new food environment than shopping skills.

scholarly journals Enhancing Social Support System for Improving Food Security Among the Elderly Headed Household in Communal Areas of Zimbabwe

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kefasi Nyikahadzoi ◽  
Byron Zamasiya ◽  
George Alex Muchinako ◽  
Charles Dziro
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Farm Income ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Communal Areas ◽  
Food Insecurity Access

The study sought to establish factors that contribute towards food security among elderly headed households and then seek ways of enhancing them. The study was conducted in Mudzi District in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe. Data was collected from wards 11, 12 and 16. The study used cross sectional household data collected using a structured questionnaire. Two measures of food security are used; namely household food insecurity access score and household dietary diversity score. The results showed that food insecurity access score was statistically higher for elderly headed household when compared to those headed by younger people. The study revealed that social capital, remittances, and off farm income generating projects can increase the elderly headed household’s likelihood of being food secure. The study also showed that public assistance is not making a positive contribution towards food security of elderly headed household. This paper argues that it is important for government and civil society to promote social capital and support channels of remittances to elderly headed households in communal areas.

scholarly journals Exploring the Impact of Crises on Food Security in Lebanon: Results from a National Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 8753
Author(s):  
Maha Hoteit ◽  
Youssef Al-Atat ◽  
Hussein Joumaa ◽  
Suheir El Ghali ◽  
Rania Mansour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Assessment System ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The People ◽  
Food Consumption Score ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

This study aims to explore the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among Lebanese households since the ordeals of COVID-19, economic crisis, and Beirut port explosions. At the core of the study, a mobile application entitled Nutrition Assessment System (NAS) that simplified the data collection was used as toolkit and a technical test was carried out in all Lebanese governorates between November 2020 and March 2021. Findings show that food insecurity is an immediate problem for households in Beirut and in many governorates in Lebanon. Nine in every 16 households ate less than 2 meals per day and more than 70% of them skipped their meals to spare food. Even though half the population studied had a low food consumption score, 82.4% of the people were not relying on livelihood coping strategies. However, more than three out of ten of these households relied on at least three food-based coping strategies. In addition, as for the livelihoods, this assessment found that most Lebanese households reported a drop in income along with an expansion in debt incurrence in the last 24 months to be able to buy food. Improving food security in Lebanon requires effort not only on the part of the government, but through regional and international actions.

scholarly journals “I feel like eating rice 24 hours per day, 7 days a week”: A Study of Dietary Diversity Among Asylum Seekers in Norway (OR21-06-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun Henjum ◽  
Laura Terragni
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Diet ◽  
Adequate Food

Abstract Objectives Poor nutrition and food insecurity is highly prevalent among asylum seekers residing in western countries. Lack of economic resources, unfamiliarity with new foods, and language barriers are some challenges that asylum seekers encounter upon resettlement. Despite the importance of an adequate diet for good health, limited knowledge, exist on food intake and dietary quality among asylum seekers. We described dietary intake and assessed dietary quality among asylum seekers at Norwegian reception centers. Methods In 2017, a cross-sectional study in eight ordinary asylum reception centers in the South Eastern part of Norway were performed and 205 asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) were included. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-hour dietary recall and dietary diversity score (DDS) calculated according to FAO and FANTA, 2014. In addition, field notes of the asylum seekers thoughts on dietary intake and living condition provided contextual aspects of their nutritional situation. Results Two-third of the asylum seekers had dietary intakes with low quality; they ate from less than five food groups (low DDS). The asylum seekers ate in average two meals per day and one-third ate their first meal after noon. Meals tend to consist of food that was familiar in their country of origin. Women had significantly higher DDS than men with a higher consumption of vegetables and fruits. Asylum seekers residing in Norway for a longer time had a higher dietary diversity, than asylum seekers with a shorter stay. Most asylum seekers told about a reduced dietary intake, few meals and by the end of the month, hunger. They chose the cheapest food, food on sale or food that had expired and chose quantity over quality. The kitchen facilities at the reception centers were inadequate with limited storage place, low quality of the cooking equipment and crowded kitchen. Conclusions The asylum seekers had a monotonous diet with few meals, in contrast to the food abundance that most Norwegian are accustomed to, revealing, the emergence of new groups and new forms of poverty and social exclusion also in rich countries with otherwise good welfare state systems. The situation appear particularly critical given Norway's commitment through the United Nations (UN) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to ensure human rights such as the right to adequate food and health. Funding Sources The study was funded by Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway.

scholarly journals “I Feel like I’m Eating Rice 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week”: Dietary Diversity among Asylum Seekers Living in Norway

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun Henjum ◽  
Bess L. Caswell ◽  
Laura Terragni
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
Inadequate Dietary Intake

Food insecurity is widespread among asylum seekers resettled in Western countries. Limited information exists on the quality of food intake in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary quality among asylum seekers living in Norwegian reception centers. This study has a cross-sectional research design. Dietary intake was assessed through a qualitative 24-hour dietary recall, and the dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated. This study was conducted in eight Norwegian reception centers. A total of 205 adult asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) participated in the study. The asylum seekers ate on average two meals per day, and one-third ate their first meal after noon. Mean (SD) DDS was 4.0 (1.6) and 2/3 had low dietary diversity, eating from fewer than five food groups. Women had a significantly higher mean DDS (4.5) than men (3.8) (β (95% CI): 0.47 (0.00, 0.95) and a higher consumption of vegetables and fruits. The longer the period of residence in Norway, the higher the DDS, β (95% CI): 0.01 (0.00, 0.02). The asylum seekers’ inadequate dietary intake reveals new forms of poverty and social exclusion in Europe. An inadequate dietary intake may increase the magnitude of difficulty involved in the settlement process and contribute to poorer health.

scholarly journals Why Are Hungry College Students Not Seeking Help? Predictors of and Barriers to Using an On-Campus Food Pantry

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aseel El Zein ◽  
Anne Mathews ◽  
Lisa House ◽  
Karla Shelnutt
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Social Stigma ◽  
The United States ◽  
Student Loan ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
The Impact

Background: The number of food pantries on U.S. college campuses has increased in response to students’ food insecurity, but limited information is available to describe the impact of this resource. The objective of this cross-sectional investigation was to examine the relationship between food insecurity and food pantry awareness, use, and perceived barriers to use. Methods: Students attending the University of Florida in fall 2017 (n = 899) completed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Adult Food Security Survey and responded to questions about food pantry awareness and use. Sociodemographic data were also collected and included in multivariate logistic regression models. Results: While most students (70%) were aware of the existing food pantry, nearly a third of respondents were classified as being food insecure. After adjusting for sociodemographic correlates, factors such as identifying as being food insecure, international status, and receiving a student loan or a need-based federal financial aid (Pell grant) increased the likelihood of utilizing the campus food pantry. Despite these predictors, only 38% of food insecure students reported food pantry use. Among students who provided qualitative insights, four main barriers to using the on-campus food pantry were identified: social stigma, insufficient information on pantry use policies, self-identity, and inconvenient hours. Conclusions: Food security interventions and administrative policy should consider a new model of the traditional campus food pantry that reduces concerns of social stigma and is supported by clear and ongoing communications of operational procedures tailored for the college student population.

scholarly journals Food security of food recipients of a food pantry and soup kitchen

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1451-1460
Author(s):  
Tamara Y Mousa ◽  
Jeanne H Freeland-Graves
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Pantry ◽  
Soup Kitchen ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo discern the impact of food donations provided by a food pantry and soup kitchen on food security.DesignIn this cross-sectional study, participants completed a demographic questionnaire, core food security module, FFQ and list of food donations. The FFQ was utilized to assess diet quality as estimated via the 2010 Healthy Eating Index.SettingClients were selected randomly from a food pantry and soup kitchen in Central Texas, USA.ParticipantsA total of 222 adults.ResultsApproximately 73 % of participants lacked food security. Compared with the food secure, the food insecure consisted of 61 % men, 42 % Caucasians, 56 % single and 67 % homeless. Also, of the food insecure, 60 % were soup kitchen clients and 64 % had an annual income <$US 1000 (P<0·01). The probability of food insecurity was reduced by ≥1·17-fold when the total dietary intake included the food donations, as these were rich in fruits, total vegetables and grains, dairy and protein foods (P<0·05).ConclusionsFood insecurity was quite prevalent in this sample of individuals who visited food pantries and soup kitchens. The addition of food donations improved the quality of the participants’ total diet and had a positive influence on food security. Thus, community organizations should financially support these food assistance agencies and strive to offer a variety of healthy and tasty foods in adequate quantities to provide optimum diet quality.

scholarly journals Individual and household influences on food security and dietary diversity in seven Dominican batey communities

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 272-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor M McWade ◽  
Sheau-Chiann Chen ◽  
Fei Ye ◽  
Douglas C Heimburger ◽  
Troy D Moon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Multivariable Analyses

Abstract Background To identify individual and household characteristics associated with food security and dietary diversity in seven Haitian–Dominican bateyes. Methods A cross-sectional sample of 667 households were surveyed. Novel household food security scores were calculated from components of the Household Food Insecurity Assessment Scale, while the Food and Agricultural Organization’s Household Dietary Diversity Score was utilized to calculate individual dietary diversity scores. Multivariable analyses were performed using ordinal logistic regression models to estimate the association between these scores and the covariate variables. Secondary dietary diversity analyses were performed after removing non-nutritious food groups. Results Food security was significantly associated with being above the poverty line (OR 3.14, 95% CI 1.92 to 5.14), living in a rural batey (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.03), receiving gifts and/or donations (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.03 to 3.00) and having a salaried job (i.e., not being paid hourly; OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.64). Dietary diversity was significantly associated with living in a semi-urban batey (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.30), living with a partner (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.00), growing at least some of one’s own food (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.23), and receiving gifts and/or donations (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.73). Conclusions Food insecurity and low dietary diversity are highly prevalent in Haitian–Dominican bateyes. The inclusion of sweets and non-milk beverages in dietary diversity calculations appear to skew scores towards higher levels of diversity, despite limited nutritional gains.

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1200-1208 ◽  
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.

From the lens of food accessibility and dietary quality: Gaining insights from urban food security in Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-343
Author(s):  
Adesola Ikudayisi ◽  
Victor Okoruwa ◽  
Bolarin Omonona
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Food System ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diet Diversity

Do level of food demanded and dietary diversity jointly provide better estimates on household food security status or is this association modified by level of urbanization within urban setting? To better understand this relationship, we investigated the Nigerian urban household’s food security situation in terms of food access and utilization component through a demand system and diet diversity models using cross-sectional data. Results showed that the food groups considered were normal goods but with varying magnitudes. Most households were price-sensitive, especially to high-value food commodities, while cross-price effect showed a mix of substitute and complementary relationships. However, the level of dietary diversity was moderate. The quantile regression analysis revealed that income and urbanicity index significantly improved consumption of diverse diets, with higher impacts at the lowest quantile. The linkages between rising urbanization and the scourge of food insecurity will require more integration of strategies aimed at tackling the urban food system, infrastructural development and food policy consideration. Therefore, policy options tailored towards better food access and consumption of diverse diet were proffered.

scholarly journals Child-Report of Food Insecurity Is Associated with Diet Quality in Children

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Landry ◽  
Alexandra E. van den Berg ◽  
Fiona M. Asigbee ◽  
Sarvenaz Vandyousefi ◽  
Reem Ghaddar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Security Assessment ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Income Children

Food insecurity (FI) is adversely associated with physical and mental wellbeing in children. The mechanism underlying this association is assumed to be dietary intake; however, evidence has been mixed. This study examined the relationship between self-reported FI and dietary quality among low-income children. Cross-sectional data were used from TX Sprouts, a school-based cooking, gardening, and nutrition intervention. A sample of 598 children completed two 24-h dietary recalls and a questionnaire including an adapted version of the 5-item Child Food Security Assessment (CFSA). Food security was categorized as food secure or FI based on summed CFSA scores. Dietary quality was assessed using the Health Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015). Mixed effects linear regression models examined associations between FI and dietary quality. Children were 64% Hispanic, 55% female, and were 9.2 years old on average. Adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, BMI percentile, and energy intake, FI was associated with lower HEI-2015 total scores (β = −3.17; 95% CI = −5.28, −1.06; p = 0.003). Compared to food secure children, FI children had lower greens and beans (2.3 vs. 1.9, p = 0.016), seafood and plant protein (2.0 vs. 1.6, p = 0.006), and added sugar (7.4 vs. 8.0, p = 0.002) component scores. Interventions targeting low-income and FI children should investigate ways to improve dietary quality.

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