Work

Factors associated with food insecurity among the chronically ill population during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Little is known about food insecurity among Americans with chronic diseases, one of the vulnerable groups in health care. Factors influencing food insecurity among this population group are especially poorly understood. Methods: Using data from the COVID Impact Survey, this cross-sectional study sought to examine food insecurity among adults with chronic diseases in the United States and to identify factors associated with their risks for food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Nearly 28% of the national and 32% of the regional samples from the COVID Impact Survey were at risk for food insecurity. The logistic regressions show that chronically ill US adults with one of the following characteristics have higher odds of being at risk for food insecurity: younger than 60 years, having financial stress, unemployed, having received food from a food pantry, without health insurance, having a household income lower than $100,000, and without a college degree. Discussion: Targeted policies and programs are warranted to address underlying determinants of food insecurity that adults with chronic illnesses experience.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1142603

Authors: Caress A. Dean, Echu Liu, Kimberly R. Enard, Zhengmin Qian, Keith T. Elder

Institutions: Oakland University, Saint Louis University, Mississippi College

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,295