scholarly journals Food Insecurity in Households with Children Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from the Household Pulse Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 232949652110115
Author(s):  
Danielle Xiaodan Morales ◽  
Stephanie Alexandra Morales ◽  
Tyler Fox Beltran

As the coronavirus pandemic stretched on, millions of U.S. children and their families faced food insecurity. However, limited empirical studies have systemically investigated food insecurity and food insecurity transitions among households with children in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was based on a nationally representative sample of households with children (including all 50 states and the District of Columbia, n = 20,543 households) collected by the 2020 Household Pulse Survey. Two generalized estimating equations models were developed, and the results indicated that most sociodemographic factors contributing to severe household food insecurity during the pandemic were similar to those before the pandemic. However, having children enrolled in schools did not protect families from food insecurity during COVID-19. Furthermore, among previously food-secure households, those that were relatively disadvantaged transitioned into food insecurity during COVID-19. As the pandemic persists, more coordinated efforts to ensure all households with children receive adequate nutrition are desperately needed.

Author(s):  
Andrea Daniela González-Martell ◽  
Edison Enrique Sánchez-Quintanilla ◽  
Nadia García-Aguilar ◽  
Tiaré Hernández-Contreras ◽  
V. Gabriela Cilia-López

Indigenous communities in Mexico are vulnerable to food insecurity (FI) due to a series of factors that prevent them from having access to sufficient and nutritious food. Therefore, this population group has the highest chronic malnutrition in the country. Objective: This study describes the FI conditions of an indigenous community in the Potosina Huastec. Methodology: FI was measured with the Household Food Insecurity Access Component Scale (HFIAS). Results: There is food insecurity ranging from concern about food lack, food reduction, and hunger. The 95.57% of households with children under 18 years were in some state of food insecurity, with severe food insecurity dominating. Limitations: Was a cross-sectional study carried out in a community of the Potosina Huastec. However, it is the municipality with the highest degree of marginalization in the area, but the community chosen is the largest in the municipality. Nonetheless, the results can be considered representative of the area. Conclusions: The food security community depends on climatic, socioeconomic, demographic, geographic, cultural factors, food preference conditions, among others. In addressing food insecurity, it is necessary to consider all factors to have a real diagnosis of food insecurity conditions in rural and indigenous communities.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Rosa Elena Ponce-Alcala ◽  
Jose Luis Ramirez-Garcia Luna ◽  
Teresa Shamah-Levy ◽  
Hugo Melgar-Quiñonez

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.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Khorram Rouz ◽  
Azam Doustmohammadian ◽  
Omid Eslami ◽  
Majid Khadem-Rezaiyan ◽  
Parisa Pourmohammadi ◽  
...  

Abstract ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the relationship between household food insecurity (HFI) with food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) in a sample of Iranian children. This cross sectional study was performed on 315 children aged 9 to 12 years recruited from the primary schools throughout Mashhad, Iran. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to assess the HFI. Also, overall FNLIT score and its sub-categories were evaluated using a validated 40-item questionnaire.Results The prevalence of HFI in the total sample was about 56 %. Also, almost 14 % of students had a low FNLIT score. Food insecure children had significantly lower levels of FNLT and some subscales including nutrition knowledge, food choice literacy, and food label literacy than the food-secure subjects, moreover, they had a higher likelihood of having low FNLIT score (OR = 2.89, CI: 1.03-8.09; p = 0.04). In conclusion, there is a negative association between HFI and FNLIT in children. Further studies to confirm this finding are needed.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e020574 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽  
Euridice Martinez Steele ◽  
Daniela Silva Canella ◽  
Carlos Augusto Monteiro

ObjectivesTo compare ultra-processed food consumption across sociodemographic groups and over time (2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2011–2012) in the USA.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingNational Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2012.ParticipantsAll individuals aged ≥2 years with at least one 24-hour dietary recall were included (n=23 847).Main outcome measuresAverage dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods (expressed as a percentage of the total caloric value of the diet), obtained after classifying all food items according to extent and purpose of industrial food processing using NOVA classification.Data analysisLinear regression was used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics or NHANES cycles and dietary contribution of ultra-processed foods.ResultsAlmost 60% of calories consumed in the period 2007–2012 came from ultra-processed foods. Consumption of ultra-processed foods decreased with age and income level, was higher for non-Hispanic whites or non-Hispanic blacks than for other race/ethnicity groups and lower for people with college than for lower levels of education, all differences being statistically significant. Overall contribution of ultra-processed foods increased significantly between NHANES cycles (nearly 1% point per cycle), the same being observed among males, adolescents and high school education-level individuals.ConclusionsUltra-processed food consumption in the USA in the period 2007–2012 was overall high, greater among non-Hispanic whites or non-Hispanic blacks, less educated, younger, lower-income strata and increased across time.


Food Security ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Drieda Zaҫe ◽  
Maria Luisa Di Pietro ◽  
Laura Reali ◽  
Chiara de Waure ◽  
Walter Ricciardi

AbstractConsidering food insecurity is a problem, even in developed countries, and the evidence gap regarding this issue in Italy, we aimed to assess the prevalence of food insecurity in a sample of Italian children and examine socio-economic and health correlates. This cross-sectional study was conducted in paediatric practices. Parents answered to the 18-items of the Household Food Security Module, 8 of which concern children. Paediatricians answered a questionnaire on children’s health. Socio-economic and health correlates of food insecurity in children were assessed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Among 573 households with children, 15·4% were food insecure, while 9·1% of children were food insecure. Socio-economic factors associated to food insecurity were living in south Italy, households with three or more children, lower household yearly income, worse economic situation description and younger parents. Food insecure children were less likely to have a normal relational [ aOR 0.31 (CI 0.11-0.85)] and physical development [aOR 0.32(CI 0.15-0.65) and had more school difficulties [aOR 3.1(CI 1.33-7.24)] compared to their food secure peers. Food insecure children had higher odds of a deterioration in their health since birth and of a worse perceived health status, as reported by their parents. Considering the results in this sample and the lack of research regarding this issues in Italy and Europe more broadly, we call for consistent, national monitoring to determine the magnitude of the problem of food insecurity in households with children in Italy and to examine the socio-economic variables and health implications in different contexts.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Khorramrouz ◽  
Azam Doustmohammadian ◽  
Omid Eslami ◽  
Majid Khadem-Rezaiyan ◽  
Parisa Pourmohammadi ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between household food insecurity (HFI) with food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) in a sample of Iranian children. This cross sectional study was performed on 315 children aged 9 to 12 years recruited from the primary schools throughout Mashhad, Iran. The Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) was used to assess the HFI. Also, overall FNLIT score and its sub-categories were evaluated using a validated 40-item questionnaire. Results The prevalence of HFI in the total sample was about 56%. Also, almost 14% of students had a low FNLIT score. Food insecure children had significantly lower levels of FNLT and some subscales including nutrition knowledge, food choice literacy, and food label literacy than the food-secure subjects, moreover, they had a higher likelihood of having low FNLIT score (OR = 2.89, CI 1.03–8.09; p = 0.04). In conclusion, there is a negative association between HFI and FNLIT in children. Further studies to confirm this finding are needed.


Author(s):  
Gizem Deniz Bulucu Büyüksoy ◽  
Aslıhan Çatıker ◽  
Kamuran Özdil

Abstract Objective: To examine the incidence of food insecurity and affecting factors in households with children in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: This is a cross-sectional study. Setting: The participants were recruited by the snowball sampling method and the data were collected via a link sent to their smart mobile phones through their social media accounts. Participants: This study included 211 households with at least one child. Results: The study revealed that 21.8% households had food insecurity that was not at the hunger threshold. The monthly income of 80.6% of the households was below the poverty line and monthly income decreased in more than half of the households during the pandemic. Food insecurity increased 2.5 times when the households comprised workers or self-employed individuals (OR=2.529, p=0.002), increased 3 times when the monthly income of the households decreased (OR=3.131, p=0.000), and increased 2 times when total monthly income of the household fell below poverty line during the pandemic (OR=2.001, p=0.049). Conclusion: It is determined that nearly half the households have food insecurity and that the pandemic poses a risk in terms of food security. We recommend that public health studies should be planned to ensure accessibility to healthy foods.


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