scholarly journals Food Insecurity and Food Label Comprehension among Libyan Migrants in Australia

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2433
Author(s):  
Reima Mansour ◽  
James Rufus John ◽  
Pranee Liamputtong ◽  
Amit Arora
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Food Store ◽  
Food Labelling ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Store Location

Food security among migrants and refugees remains an international public health issue. However, research among ethnic minorities in Australia is relatively low. This study explored the factors that influence the understanding of food labelling and food insecurity among Libyan migrants in Australia. An online survey was completed by 271 Libyan migrant families. Data collection included the 18-item US Household Food Security Survey Module (for food security) and a question from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand Consumer Label Survey (for food labelling comprehension). Multivariable logistic regression modelling was utilised to identify the predictors of food label comprehension and food security. Food insecurity prevalence was 72.7% (n = 196) while 35.8% of families (n = 97) reported limited food label understanding. Household size, food store location, and food affordability were found to be significantly related to food insecurity. However, gender, private health insurance, household annual income, education, and food store type and location were found to be significantly related to food labelling comprehension. Despite the population’s high educational status and food labelling comprehension level, food insecurity remained an issue among the Libyan migrants. Policy makers should consider the incorporation of food label comprehension within a broader food security approach for migrants.

scholarly journals Food Security among Libyan Migrants Living in Australia: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (24) ◽  
pp. 13853
Author(s):  
Reima Mansour ◽  
Pranee Liamputtong ◽  
Amit Arora
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Food Labelling ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Disadvantaged Communities ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Migrant Families ◽  
Food And Nutrition

Food security among migrants and refugees is a concern across the globe, with the dearth of evidence on food labels and their influence on food security affecting disadvantaged communities especially. This paper discusses the experiences of food security among Libyan migrant families in Australia. The study is situated within the food and nutrition security framework. A qualitative approach was adopted with in-depth interviews conducted with 27 Libyan migrants. Thematic analysis identified three themes: food security, food label comprehension, and strategies for dealing with food insecurity and food labelling difficulties. Food security had different meanings to different individuals. Access to culturally appropriate (halal) foods was problematic for families in regional and rural areas due to a lack of availability outside the main cities. In terms of food labelling, the language and terms used were a common issue for most families in both rural and city environments. Many families attempted to find ways to counteract food insecurity; however, lower-income families found this more burdensome. It is crucial that health and social welfare providers consider means to reduce food insecurity among Libyan migrants to allow them to live a healthier life in Australia.

scholarly journals Changes in Eating Behaviors During COVID-19 and Association With Food Insecurity: Results From a Nation-Wide Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 202-202
Author(s):  
Shahmir Ali ◽  
Niyati Parekh ◽  
Ariadna Capasso ◽  
Yesim Tozan ◽  
Abbey Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Security Risk ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed both a health and economic crisis in the US, with growing concerns on how eating behaviors and food security (risk factors of non-communicable disease) have changed. This study examines changes in food insecurity and eating behaviors during the early months of the pandemic among US adults. Methods A nationwide survey of US adults was conducted in April 2020 through social-media advertisement-based recruitment to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity was measured using a six-item validated USDA Household Food Security instrument. Eating behaviors were assessed by asking participants how their eating has changed since the pandemic (“Much More” to “Much Less”). Sociodemographic differences in food behaviors were assessed with chi-square tests, and an adjusted logistic regression model evaluated the association between food insecurity and eating behaviors. Results Overall, 5256 participants had data on eating behaviors; 58.6% were female, 43.8% aged 40–59 years old, and 56.4% were employed. Eating remained unchanged for most participants (52.7%), while 34.6% noted eating more, and 12.7% noted eating less since the pandemic. 85.3% of participants displayed high/marginal food insecurity, while 14.7% displayed low/very-low food security. Compared to those eating more during the pandemic, those eating less were more likely to be younger (24.7% vs. 17.4% aged 18–39), male (42.0% vs. 33.4%), not working, or unemployed (17.1% vs. 13.7%), and make <$30,000 a year (20.7% vs. 12.6%). When adjusting for socio-demographic variables, compared to those whose eating behavior did not change, the adjusted odds of low/very-low food insecurity was higher among both those who were eating less (AOR:6.44, 95%CI:4.96–8.37) and eating more (AOR:1.67, 95%CI:1.33–2.09). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed significant food insecurity, with food insecurity being associated with bidirectional changes in food consumption. Public health professionals must critically examine the various contributors of eating behaviors during the pandemic and their link with food insecurity to develop targeted interventions. Funding Sources N/A

scholarly journals Food insecurity among households with children during the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a study among social media users across the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niyati Parekh ◽  
Shahmir H. Ali ◽  
Joyce O’Connor ◽  
Yesim Tozan ◽  
Abbey M. Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Households With Children

Abstract Background In the United States, approximately 11% of households were food insecure prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among adults and households with children living in the United States during the pandemic. Methods This study utilized social media as a recruitment platform to administer an original online survey on demographics and COVID-related food insecurity. The survey was disseminated through an advertisement campaign on Facebook and affiliated platforms. Food insecurity was assessed with a validated six-item United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module, which was used to create a six-point numerical food security score, where a higher score indicates lower food security. Individual-level participant demographic information was also collected. Logistic regressions (low/very-low compared with high/marginal food security) were performed to generate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95%CIs for food insecurity and select demographic characteristics. Results Advertisements reached 250,701 individuals and resulted in 5,606 complete surveys. Overall, 14.7% of participants self-identified as having low or very low food security in their households, with higher prevalence (17.5%) among households with children. Unemployment (AOR:1.76, 95%CI:1.09–2.80), high school or lower education (AOR:2.25, 95%CI:1.29–3.90), and low income (AOR[$30,000-$50,000]:5.87, 95%CI:3.35–10.37; AOR[< $30,000]:10.61, 95%CI:5.50–20.80) were associated with higher odds of food insecurity in multivariable models among households with children (and the whole sample). Conclusions These data indicate exacerbation of food insecurity during the pandemic. The study will be instrumental in guiding additional research and time-sensitive interventions targeted towards vulnerable food insecure subgroups.

scholarly journals Food-Insecure Household’s Self-Reported Perceptions of Food Labels, Product Attributes and Consumption Behaviours

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 828 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy M. Butcher ◽  
Maria M. Ryan ◽  
Therese A. O’Sullivan ◽  
Johnny Lo ◽  
Amanda Devine
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Food Labels ◽  
Product Attributes ◽  
The Impact

Dietary compromises related to food insecurity profoundly undermine health and constitute a serious public health issue, even in developed nations. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of food labelling and product attributes on the purchasing choices of food-insecure households in Australia. An online survey containing 19 food choice and 28 purchasing behaviours questions was completed by 1056 adults responsible for household grocery shopping. The short form of the US Household Food Security Survey Module was used as the food security indicator. Multinomial logistic regression modelling was employed to analyse the survey data. Respondents were classified as having either high-marginal (63.4%, n = 670), low (19.8%, n = 209) or very low (16.8%, n = 177) food security. Respondents with low or very low food security status were less likely to self-report understanding the information on the back of packaging (p < 0.001), find information on food labels useful (p = 0.002) or be influenced by product nutrition information (p = 0.002). Convenience (p < 0.001), organic (p = 0.027) and supermarket-branded products (p < 0.001) were more likely to be rated as important by food-insecure respondents when compared to their food-secure counterparts. When asked to rate “how healthy” their diet was, high–marginal FS respondents were twice as likely describe their diet as healthy than very low FS respondents (p = 0.001).

scholarly journals Prevalence of Italian children living in food insecure households and their health status

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Zace ◽  
C de Waure ◽  
A Teleman ◽  
L Reali ◽  
M L Di Pietro
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Children's Health ◽  
Children’S Health ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Food Insecure Households

Abstract Background Food insecurity poses a major threat to population’s health status. Children, if affected, are particularly vulnerable to the possible sequels of food insecurity. Considering that, we aimed to assess the prevalence of children (born in Italy, from Italian parents) living in food insecure households and the association with their health and socio-economic conditions. Methods The study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2018 in pediatric offices. Parents answered to the 18-items of the Household Food Security Index, 8 of which specifically concern children. Households were classified in 4 categories: very low, low, marginal and high food security, creating then a dichotomized variable (food secure and insecure). Pediatricians answered a dedicated questionnaire on children’s health status. We used logistic regression to assess the socio-economic variables predicting food insecurity and chi2 test to evaluate the association between food insecurity and children’s health status. Results Based on parents’ answers, among 573 households with children, 15.4% were food insecure. Food insecurity was associated to lower parent’s education and employment, worse household’s economic condition, higher number of children within a family and geographic location (living in south Italy rather than north). There was a significant association between food insecurity and the presence of visual, relational, psychomotor, dental and physical impairments in children. Conclusions Almost 1 Italian child in 7 lives in food insecure households. Children living in food insecure households have higher probability of having physical, mental and social health problems. Considering the impact on children’s health, food insecurity emerges as a public health issue and should be addressed through the appropriate measures. Key messages Food insecurity among children represents a public health issue even in a developed country such as Italy, affecting children’s present and future health. Policy makers should consider screening children for food insecurity and taking appropriate actions, especially for the at-risk population.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity and Associated Factors Among University Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Ukegbu ◽  
Blessing Nwofia ◽  
Uchechi Ndudiri ◽  
Nnenna Uwakwe ◽  
Ada Uwaegbute
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Security Status

Background: Food insecurity is a growing public health issue and a barrier to students achieving adequate nutrition. Data regarding food insecurity among university students in Nigeria are scarce. Objective: The study assessed the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among university students, southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 398 randomly selected students recruited from 2 universities in southeast Nigeria was conducted. Food security status was assessed using the 10-item US Household Food Security Scale Module. Anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with food insecurity. Results: A majority of the students were categorized as food insecure. Of this, about 35.7% and 45.0% were considered to have low and very low food insecurity, respectively. Food insecurity was significantly associated with monthly allowance, daily amount spent on food, and source of income. The odds of food insecurity was significantly higher for students whose fathers were farmers (4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.453-14.737), but lower for those whose mothers were farmers (0.18, 95% CI: 0.059-0.564). Conclusion: The result provides an insight into the food security status of university students in Nigeria. The prevalence of food insecurity was high among the students. Therefore, further studies involving different urban and rural (and/or public and private) universities in Nigeria are suggested in order to have a deeper understanding of the magnitude and contributing factors among this population group.

Food insecurity, food skills, health literacy, and food preparation activities among young Canadian adults: A cross-sectional analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Alexandra Pepetone ◽  
Lana Vanderlee ◽  
Christine M. White ◽  
David Hammond ◽  
Sharon I. Kirkpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Meal Preparation ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
At Home

Abstract Objective: To assess associations between household food security status and indicators of food skills, health literacy, and home meal preparation, among young Canadian adults. Design: Cross-sectional data were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear models to assess associations between food security status and food skills, health literacy, and the proportion of meals prepared at home, by gender. Setting: Participants recruited from five Canadian cities (Vancouver (BC), Edmonton (AB), Toronto (ON), Montreal (QB), and Halifax (NS)) completed an online survey. Participants: 1,389 men and 1,340 women aged 16-30 years. Results: Self-reported food skills were not associated with food security status (P>0.05) among men or women. Compared to those with high health literacy (based on interpretation of a nutrition label), higher odds of food insecurity were observed among men (AOR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.74-3.82 and 1.56, 95% CI: 1.07-2.28), and women (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.48-3.70 and 1.92, 95% CI: 1.34-2.74) with lower health literacy. Women in food-insecure households reported preparing a lower proportion of breakfasts (β= -0.051, 95% CI: -0.085 – -0.017), lunches (β= -0.062, 95% CI: -0.098 – -0.026) and total meals at home (β= -0.041, 95% CI: -0.065 – -0.016). Men and women identifying as Black or Indigenous, reporting financial difficulty, and with lower levels of education had heightened odds of experiencing food insecurity. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with other studies underscoring the financial precarity, rather than lack of food skills, associated with food insecurity. This precarity may reduce opportunities to apply health literacy and undertake meal preparation.

scholarly journals College Students With Disabilities Report Higher Rates of Food Insecurity

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 186-186
Author(s):  
Grace Stott ◽  
Jesse Stabile Morrell
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Students With Disabilities ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Disability Status ◽  
College Students With Disabilities ◽  
Students With A Disability

Abstract Objectives To characterize the prevalence of food insecurity among college students with and without disabilities. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected between 2018–2020 at a mid-size, northeast public university as part of the ongoing College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey. An online survey collected self-reported data, including food security and disability status. Food security status was measured via the U.S Household Food Security Survey Module 6-Item Short Form, and categorized into very low, low, marginal, and high food security. Disability status was categorized into yes or no via affirmative answers to either one of two items related to limitations or use of specialized equipment. Chi-square was used to assess the differences in food insecurity prevalence among students with and without disabilities. Results The sample (n = 880) was 60.6% female, predominately white (94.3%), and had a mean age of 19 ± 1.2 years. One out of seven students (14.6%) reported a disability; 18.6% reported low or very low food security (13.2% and 5.5% respectively) and 81.4% reported high or marginal food security (67.6% and 13.8%, respectively). Students with a disability reported higher rates of food insecurity vs. those without a disability (35.9% vs. 16.0%, P &lt; 0.001). Among students with a disability, 12.8% reported very low food security and 23.1% reported low food security, compared to 4.3% and 11.7%, respectively, among those students without disabilities. Conclusions College students with disabilities experienced far greater rates of food insecurity than students without disabilities. Further research, including qualitative work, can help to understand and develop better supports for this underserved segment of the college population. Funding Sources The New Hampshire Agriculture Experiment Station and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project 1010738.

scholarly journals Examining the relationship between food security and perceived health among Memorial University students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Blundell ◽  
Maria Mathews
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Security Level ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objectives: The prevalence of student food insecurity at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is relatively high (58.0%) compared to the national population (12.7%). We explored the relationship between food security status, perceived health, and student experience among MUN students. Methods: Through an online survey of returning MUN students at the St. John’s campus, we assessed food security using Statistics Canada’s Canadian Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM), and self-reported physical health, mental health, and stress. We used logistic regression to compare health and stress ratings between students of different food security levels. We thematically coded open-ended responses to describe students’ experiences related to food insecurity. Results: Among the 967 study eligible students, 39.9% were considered food insecure, 28.2% were moderately food insecure, and 11.7% were severely food insecure. After controlling for significant predictors, students who were moderately or severely food insecure were 1.72 [95% CI:(1.20,2.48)] and 2.81 [95% CI:(1.79,4.42)] times as likely to rate their physical health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, and 1.66 [95% CI:( 1.22,2.27)] and 4.23 [95% CI: (2.71-6.60] times as likely to rate their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, respectively. Conclusion: Food security level experienced by MUN students was closely related to their perceived physical and mental health. As food security level worsened among participants, their self-reported physical and mental health also worsened. Health professionals working with university student populations should screen for food security and consider its relationship to students’ health.

Determining Student Food Insecurity at Memorial University of Newfoundland

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-21
Author(s):  
Lisa Blundell ◽  
Maria Mathews ◽  
Claire Bowley ◽  
Barbara Roebothan
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Newfoundland And Labrador ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Income Source ◽  
Student Groups ◽  
Memorial University Of Newfoundland ◽  
Eligible Student

Purpose: Our study compared the prevalence of food insecurity among 3 student groups attending Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN): International (INT), Canadian out-of-province (OOP), and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Factors associated with food insecurity were also investigated. Methods: Data were collected via an online survey distributed to an estimated 10 400 returning MUN students registered at a campus in St. John’s, NL. Respondents were recruited through e-mails, posters, and social media. Ten questions from the Canadian Household Food Security Survey Module adult scale were asked to assess food security. Logistic regression was used to compare rates of food insecurity between the three population subgroups. Results: Of the 971 eligible student respondents, 39.9% were food insecure (moderate or severe). After controlling for program type, parental status, living arrangement, and primary income source, OOP and INT students were 1.63 (95% CI = 1.11–2.40) and 3.04 (95% CI = 1.89–4.88) times more likely, respectively, to be food insecure than NL students. Conclusions: Approximately 40% of participating MUN students experienced food insecurity, a higher proportion than reported for the overall provincial population. Groups at high risk of food insecurity include INT students, students with children, and those relying on government funding as their primary income.

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