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Food Insecurity and Obesity Among American Indians and Alaska Natives and Whites in California

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Food insecurity is linked to obesity among some, but not all, racial and ethnic populations. We examined the prevalence of food insecurity and the association between food insecurity and obesity among American Indians (AIs) and Alaska Natives (ANs) and a comparison group of whites. Using the 2009 California Health Interview Survey, we analyzed responses from 592 AIs/ANs and 7371 white adults with household incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Food insecurity was measured using a standard 6-item scale. Sociodemographics, exercise, and obesity were all obtained using self-reported survey data. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations. The prevalence of food insecurity was similar among AIs/ANs and whites (38.7% vs 39.3%). Food insecurity was not associated with obesity in either group in analyses adjusted for sociodemographics and exercise. The ability to afford high-quality foods is extremely limited for low-income Californians regardless of race. Health policy discussions must include increased attention on healthy food access among the poor, including AIs/ANs, for whom little data exist.

Source: Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition

DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2013.816987

Authors: Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan, Eva Garroutte, Elizabeth M. Krantz, Dedra Buchwald

Institutions: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Boston College, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, No poverty, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Cancer Institute