Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Policy Implications Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Food Security In Rural America: Evidence From Appalachia, Kathryn M. Cardarelli, Emily M. Dewitt, Rachel Gillespie, Rachel Hogg-Graham, Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Janet T. Mullins

Dietetics and Human Nutrition Faculty Publications

Rural communities are disproportionally affected by food insecurity, making them vulnerable to the consequences of supply disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While access to food was initially diminished due to food supply disruptions, little is known about the mechanisms through which federal emergency assistance programs impacted food access in rural populations. Through a series of five focus groups in spring 2021, we examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food access in a rural Appalachian community in Kentucky. Data were analyzed using a Grounded Theory Approach. Findings revealed the following four primary themes: food scarcity in grocery stores; …

“Now I Feel A Little Bit More Secure”: The Impact Of Snap Enrollment On Older Adult Ssi Recipients, Katie Savin, Alena Morales, Ronli Levi, Dora Alvarez, Hilary Seligman

All Faculty Scholarship

In June 2019, California expanded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries for the first time. This research assesses the experience and impact of new SNAP enrollment among older adult SSI recipients, a population characterized by social and economic precarity. We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 20 SNAP participants to explore their experiences with new SNAP benefits. Following initial coding, member-check groups allowed for participants to provide feedback on preliminary data analysis. Findings demonstrate that SNAP enrollment improved participants’ access to nutritious foods of their choice, contributed to overall budgets, eased mental distress resulting from …

Income Predicts Fpg, But Food Security Is The Mediator, Amy Blansit

eJournal of Public Affairs

This research was aimed at studying the RISE pilot program and stability factors of low socioeconomic groups. Self-sufficiency programs focus on households moving from crisis to empowerment; no longer relying on subsidies. Gaining employment and housing alone do not create socioeconomic stability. It was therefore determined that the RISE Program should be evaluated to determine the effectiveness at ending dependency. Methods: Thirty-four (30.6%) participants were included in this evaluation. Using logistic regression techniques, sixteen items on the RISE Self-sufficiency Assessment were explored. Results: RISE participants derived significant economic benefits, and that food security seemed to be the greatest mediator of …

The Assessment Of An Extended Set Of Socio-Economic Determinants To Explain Anxiety And Uncertainty, Insufficient Quality And Food Intake Of Afghan Refugees, Mohammad Reza Pakravan-Charvadeh, Hassan Vatanparast, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Mahasti Khakpour, Cornelia Flora

Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVES:

In this study, socio-economic factors associated with Afghan refugee households' food insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality and food intake were determined.

DESIGN:

Household Food Insecurity Assess Scale measurement was applied to assess food insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty, insufficient quality and insufficient food intake. Descriptive analysis and multivariable regression models were used to determine the associated factors.

SETTING:

The study was carried out in urban areas of Tehran province in Iran. PARTICIPANTS: To collect data, interviews were conducted among 317 Afghan households. The questionnaire was administered via face-to-face interviews to either the breadwinner of the selected households or a …

Water Insecurity Is Associated With Lack Of Viral Suppression And Greater Odds Of Aids-Defining Illnesses Among Adults With Hiv In Western Kenya, Jason M. Nagata, Joshua D. Miller, Craig R. Cohen, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Elly Weke, Rachel Burger, Pauline Wekesa, Lila A. Sheira, A Rain Mocello, Phelgona Otieno, Lisa M. Butler, Elizabeth A. Bukusi, Sheri D. Weiser, Sera L. Young

Faculty Publications

Reliable access to safe and acceptable water in sufficient quantities (i.e., water security) is important for medication adherence and limiting pathogen exposure, yet prior studies have only considered the role of food security as a social determinant of HIV-related health. Therefore, the objective of this analysis was to assess the relationships between household water insecurity and HIV-related outcomes among adults living with HIV in western Kenya (N = 716). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from Shamba Maisha (NCT02815579), a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multisectoral agricultural and asset loan intervention. Baseline data were collected from June …

Water Insecurity Is Associated With Lack Of Viral Suppression And Greater Odds Of Aids-Defining Illnesses Among Adults With Hiv In Western Kenya, Jason M. Nagata, Joshua D. Miller, Craig R. Cohen, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Elly Weke, Rachel Burger, Pauline Wekesa, Lila A. Sheira, A. Rain Mocello, Phelgona Otieno, Lisa M. Butler, Elizabeth A. Bukusi, Sheri D. Weiser, Sera L. Young

Faculty Publications

Reliable access to safe and acceptable water in sufficient quantities (i.e., water security) is important for medication adherence and limiting pathogen exposure, yet prior studies have only considered the role of food security as a social determinant of HIV-related health. Therefore, the objective of this analysis was to assess the relationships between household water insecurity and HIV-related outcomes among adults living with HIV in western Kenya (N = 716). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from Shamba Maisha (NCT02815579), a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multisectoral agricultural and asset loan intervention. Baseline data were collected from June …

Economic Insecurity, Poverty, And Parental Alcohol Misuse, Joey Tucciarone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Because parental alcohol misuse is associated with numerous negative outcomes for drinkers and other family members, it is important to examine factors predictive of alcohol misuse patterns among parents living with at least one child under the age of 18. Two possible factors include economic insecurity and poverty. This study sought to address whether measures of economic insecurity (i.e., housing and/or food insecurity in the past 12 months) and a dichotomous measure of poverty predict parental binge drinking and parental heavy alcohol consumption in a large population-based sample. It was hypothesized that economic insecurity and poverty, analyzed separately, would predict …

Geospatial Analysis Of Rurality And Food Banks In Appalachian Ohio, Cooper T. Johnson, Rebecca Fischbein, Kristin Baughman

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Food insecurity is a problem for individuals across Ohio, including those living in Appalachia. Adequate access to resources that help combat food insecurity is important for these populations.

Purpose: To examine how rurality relates to food insecurity and need for food resources, as well as availability of those resources including food pantries and soup kitchens, in 15 northern Ohio Appalachian counties.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with a geographical analysis was conducted using data from the American Community Survey census data, County Health Rankings data, and regional foodbank websites.

Results: Rural counties had a higher ratio of potential clients per …

Household Food Security, Lifestyle Factors, And Glycemic Control Among Youth And Young Adults With Diabetes, Lauren A. Reid

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between household food insecurity (HFI) and glycemic control, physical activity, and diet quality in youth and young adults (YYA) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Among older adults, HFI has been shown to complicate diabetes management due to the essential role of diet in diabetes management and the financial stress associated with HFI. Although HFI is more prevalent among YYA with diabetes than the general population, there are only a handful of studies that have focused on this population and, studies that include YYA with T2D …

Impact Of Covid-19 On The Severe Acute Malnutrition Admissions Among Children Under 5 Years Of Age Seeking Nutrition Services In Afghanistan, Sahar Sayedy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the number of admissions of severe acute malnutrition among children under 5 years of age seeking nutrition services in Afghanistan especially in the provinces where the prevalence of COVID-19 was high, for the period of February – September 2020. The study used comparison and analysis of secondary datasets of the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition – a national program for detection and management of moderate and severe acute malnutrition in the country.

This study analyzed the association between COVID-19 cases and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admissions of …

Perspective: The Importance Of Water Security For Ensuring Food Security, Good Nutrition, And Well-Being, Sera L. Young, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Zeina Jamaluddine, Hugo Melgar-Quinonez, Rafael Perez-Escamilla, Claudia Ringler, Asher Y. Rosinger

Faculty Publications

Water security is a powerful concept that is still in its early days in the field of nutrition. Given the prevalence and severity of water issues and the many interconnections between water and nutrition, we argue that water security deserves attention commensurate with its importance to human nutrition and health. To this end, we first give a brief introduction to water insecurity and discuss its conceptualization in terms of availability, access, use, and stability. We then lay out the empirical grounding for its assessment. Parallels to the food-security literature are drawn throughout, both because the concepts are analogous and food …

Food Insecurity And Frailty Among Women With And Without Hiv In The United States: A Cross-Sectional Analysis, Judy Y. Tan, Lila A. Sheira, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Deborah Gustafson, Anjali Sharma, Daniel Merenstein, Mardge H. Cohen, Elizabeth Golub, Andrew Edmonds, Igho Ofotokun, Margaret Fischl, Deborah Konkle-Parker, Torsten Neilands, Phyllis Tien, Sheri D. Weiser

Faculty Publications

Introduction: Frailty is frequently observed among people with HIV, and food insecurity is associated with frailty in the general population. Evidence is scarce on the associations between food insecurity and frailty among women with HIV who maybe particularly vulnerable to the impacts of food insecurity. The goal of this study was to assess associations between food insecurity and frailty among women with and without HIV.

Methods: There were 1265 participants from the Women’s Interagency HIV Study who participated in frailty assessments in2017. Frailty was measured using the Fried Frailty Phenotype, and women were subsequently categorized as robust, pre-frailor frail. …

Household Food Insecurity And Children’S Physical Activity And Sedentary Behaviour In The United States: The Healthy Communities Study, Sophia M. Navarro, Marisa M. Tsai, Lorrene D. Ritchie, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Barbara A. Laraia, Russell R. Pate, Lauren E. Au

Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between household food insecurity and children's physical activity and sedentary behaviours. DESIGN: Secondary analysis was conducted on the Healthy Communities Study, an observational study from 2013 to 2015. Household food insecurity was assessed by two items from the US Department of Agriculture's 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module. Physical activity was measured using the 7-d Physical Activity Behavior Recall instrument. Data were analyzed using multilevel statistical modelling. SETTING: A total of 130 communities in the USA. PARTICIPANTS: In sum, 5138 US children aged 4-15 years. RESULTS: No associations were found for the relationship between household …

Food Availability And Cost Patterns In Mississippi Retail Stores Participating In The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Virginia B. Gray, Sylvia H. Byrd, Laura Downey

The Journal of Extension

Research has suggested that availability of healthful food varies according to rurality/urbanicity, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation, and sociodemographic variables. We investigated differences in variety and cost of fruits and vegetables in convenience stores, grocery stores, and supermarkets across Mississippi. We collected data using the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey–Corner Store. Among stores surveyed (n = 453), fruit and vegetable variety was greater in nonmetro versus metro areas for convenience and grocery stores but not supermarkets. Elucidation of food availability in retail establishments serving SNAP Education (SNAP-Ed) clients is valuable for planning outreach efforts; smaller retailers may be important …

Food Insecurity And Risky Sexual Behaviors Among College Students, Bertille Octavie Mavegam Tango Assoumou M

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Food insecurity and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are growing public health problems in the United States. Young people in general, and particularly college students, exhibit high prevalence of food insecurity, STIs, and risky sexual behaviors (RSB). Food insecurity and STIs among college students can have short- and long-term impacts on their academic success and their lives. Several studies have reported an association between food insecurity and some risky sexual behaviors among specific populations including HIV-infected people and homeless people. However, little is known about the relationship between food insecurity and RSB among college students. Given the high prevalence of food …

Assessing Basic Needs Insecurity Prevalence And Associated Factors Among College Students Enrolled At A Large, Public University In The Southeastern U.S., Mary Kathleen Robbins

Masters Theses

Abstract

Background: Basic needs insecurity (BNI), defined as having both food and housing insecurity, is an emerging issue on college campuses. Students experiencing basic needs insecurity may be more likely to have poorer academic performance, as well as poorer physical and mental health compared to other students. This research assesses the prevalence of food, housing, and basic needs insecurity among college students enrolled at a large, public university and identifies factors associated with experiencing food, housing, and basic needs insecurity.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted at a large, public university in the Southeast U.S. Eligible, enrolled students (n=23,444) …

Food Insecurity And Adiposity Among Children And Adults Nhanes 2015-2016, Denise Vidal

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Obesity is a preventable disease that has been associated with many adverse health outcomes. A possible factor that may influence adiposity development is food insecurity. Although several epidemiological studies have been conducted examining the association between food insecurity and adiposity among children and adults, results have been inconsistent. Objective: This cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between food insecurity and adiposity among children and adults using recent data from a representative sample of the US population. Methods: We examined 3,391 adults and 2,837 children from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016. Household food insecurity was assessed using …

Does Social Support Moderate The Association Between Income And Food Security Status Among Seniors Living In Southern Nevada?, Adugna Teka Siweya

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Income is the strongest predictor of food insecurity among seniors, and social support also an essential factor to help mitigate the effects of food insecurity. However, little is known about the potential role that social support may play as a moderator of the association between income and food insecurity. Thus, we aim to examine social support as a moderator for the relationship between income and food insecurity among seniors. Methods: Logistic regression models were used to analyze data collected in 2019 from seniors residing in Southern Nevada. Predictors of food insecurity, sociodemographic factors, social support variables, and income and …

More Than A Meal : A Resource For Communities Striving For Food Sovereignty Through The Charitable Food System, Kaitlin J. Robertson

Food Systems Master's Project Reports

The 2020 pandemic and economic crisis showcased the fragility of the American food system. In the months of quarantine and lockdowns, a growing number of Americans searched for ways to feed themselves and their families. Community-based and volunteer-supported feeding programs worked to bridge the divide between the hungry and their next meal. In many cases, these programs rely on an unpaid workforce and donations – of time, food, and facilities. With limited resources, volunteer-led programs often lack centralized training options; this guidebook seeks to fill that void. This project is a streamlined, introductory-level guide for volunteers and community members working …

Exploring The Lived Experiences Of Pediatric Primary Care Clinicians In A Novel Produce Prescription Food Insecurity Intervention, Simran Gupta, Sheryl Johnson, Jessica Lazerov, Judith Singletary, Kofi Essel

GW Research Showcase 2021-2024

No abstract provided.

Making Change In The Nickel City: Food Banking And Food Insecurity In Buffalo, Ny During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Sarah E. Bradley

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In March 2020, the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began to spread across the United States. The pandemic disrupted the food system in an unprecedented fashion, exacerbating existing inequalities and contributing to increased rates of food insecurity and charitable food use. This research project considers the food system of Buffalo, New York and seeks to capture the way in which both food insecure households and the food pantries that serve them adapted to the pandemic. Using data from 75 client surveys, 52 qualitative semi-structured interviews with food pantry staff and clients, and 15 participatory GIS mapping interviews, this mixed-methods project describes …

Food Insecurity Is Associated With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cognitive Impairment, And Immune Activation In People Living With Hiv, Javier A. Tamargo

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Food insecurity (FI) is a socioeconomic condition characterized by inadequate access to enough food and nutrition to sustain health and wellbeing. Food insecurity is a risk factor for chronic and age-related conditions, raising concerns for the aging population of people living with HIV (PLWH), in whom food insecurity is disproportionately prevalent. PLWH are at increased risk of nutrition-related complications and chronic co-morbidities, thus food insecurity may exacerbate adverse health outcomes in this population. This study investigated whether food insecurity was associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cognitive impairment, and immune activation among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults living with and without …

Perspective: The Importance Of Water Security For Ensuring Food Security, Good Nutrition, And Well-Being, Sera L. Young, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Zeina Jamaluddine, Hugo Melgar-Quiñonez, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, Claudia Ringler, Asher Y. Rosinger

Faculty Publications

Water security is a powerful concept that is still in its early days in the field of nutrition. Given the prevalence and severity of water issues and the many interconnections between water and nutrition, we argue that water security deserves attention commensurate with its importance to human nutrition and health. To this end, we first give a brief introduction to water insecurity and discuss its conceptualization in terms of availability, access, use, and stability. We then lay out the empirical grounding for its assessment. Parallels to the food-security literature are drawn throughout, both because the concepts are analogous and food …

Food Insecurity Experiences Of Idaho Head Start Families, Sherry Deiter, Yitza A. Arcelay-Rojas

Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences

Using the social-ecological model, this basic interpretive qualitative study sought to examine the phenomenon of food insecurity among Idaho Head Start enrolled families, focusing on barriers and deterrents to accessing available nutrition assistance programs. A total of 11 interviews were conducted with parents who had children enrolled in five Idaho Head Start programs. The data were coded and analyzed and are reflective of how individual, interpersonal, community, and organizational levels factors are reflected in participants’ decisions to access available nutrition assistance programs. Participants reported feelings of stigma and shame and transportation concerns as individual barriers as well as the interpersonal …

The Silence Of Food Insecurity: Disconnections Between Primary Care And Community Organizations, Nicole K. Runkle, David A. Nelson

Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews

Purpose: Food insecurity is a prominent issue in the United States, and it is well established that food insecurity is linked to health and chronic illnesses. Studies show that screening for food insecurity is not yet part of standardized practice among all primary care physicians, nor are care providers comfortable with how to proceed with a patient who presents with this issue. Food insecurity is often handled by community-based organizations (CBOs) such as food pantries. Family medicine and pediatric clinics (FMPC) and CBOs hold unique relationships with their clients and can benefit from partnerships with each other to improve health …

Food Insecurity In Vermont Households: An Analysis Of The Association With Tobacco Use, Alcohol Consumption And Physical Inactivity, Hannah R. Kaufman, Kyleigh Savoie, Emily Belanger, Kijonna Bowman, Darren Childs, Hendrika Maltby

Master of Public Health Culminating Projects

Objectives: To assess the relationship between chronic disease risk behaviors: tobacco usage, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and food insecurity (FI) among Vermonters. Methods: This cross-sectional study uses a sample (n= 1,378) from Vermont’s 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The examined outcome is FI. The predictor measures were defined as at-risk tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyles.The following were established as covariates on the association between the dependent and independent variables: income, sex, age, race/ethnicity, and activity limitations. Results: In the unadjusted binomial logistic regression (Table 2), tobacco users were 3.32 times more likely to be food …

Increasing Food Insecurity Screening, Coding, And Referral Among Emergency Department Providers, Jennifer Lee Watkins Bsn, Rn, Dnp-C

College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications

Background & Purpose. Food insecurity (FI) affects 1 in 9 Vermonters (Feeding America, n.d.), and is associated with many poor health outcomes and healthcare expenses (Malecha et al., 2018). Research identifies emergency departments (EDs) as key settings to address FI in high-risk populations (Cullen et al., 2019), guiding this project to the ED of a Critical Access Hospital and Federally Qualified Health Center. This project intended to increase ED providers’ knowledge and utilization of food insecurity screening (FIS), use of FI billing code Z59.4, and subsequent referral to the Community Health Team (CHT). Specific aims included: identify existing …

Impact Of Covid-19 On Participants Of A Fruit And Vegetable Program, Christabelle Ong

Public Health Theses

Objective: To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the participants of a multi-city fruit and vegetable incentive program.Design: A six-month cohort study was conducted. Pre-program and post-program data were collected using an online survey platform. Setting: Eight cities across the United States. Participants: A total of 822 individuals were recruited through local site partners to participate in a fruit and vegetable incentive program (n=822; 79.4% women, 20.6% men; median age: 57 years old). Intervention: Participants received $50 monthly fruit and vegetable vouchers, a sneaker gift card or gift basket, and access to a weight loss app. Main Outcome Measures: The …

Food Insecurity In Community College Students In The Central Valley Of California, Leah Carter

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

AbstractMany college students struggle with having enough money to pay for the costs of college and basic necessities, such as adequate food, which leads to food insecurity. Food insecurity results in a more challenging time focusing on studying and less success in school. This study addressed the lack of a profile of a food-insecure California community college student at Hiker’s Community College (HCC; pseudonym) in the Central Valley of California. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the profile of a food-insecure student and to determine relationships between food insecurity and ethnicity, gender, being a first-generation college student, …

Food Insecurity In Ny State. Solutions To Address The Multifaceted Problem, Janine Jurkowski, Tomoko Udo, Angela Hackstadt

Understanding and eliminating minority health disparities in a 21st-century pandemic: A White Paper Collection

Food is an essential determinant of health; the challenges in meeting nutritional needs for all are complex. Food insecurity involves the availability of enough safe and nutritious food, having access to that food, and being able to effectively utilize that food for household consumption. Availability has to do with the supply chain, which is affected directly by the social and physical environment. Access is related to the social and economic factors that determine individuals and households’ socioeconomic opportunities. Utilization has to do with having the ability, storage and tools for food preparation. Food insecurity is a growing social problem with …