scholarly journals Food security and coping strategies of a rural community within the Valley of a Thousand Hills

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Leigh Felt
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Coping Strategy ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Anthropometric Features ◽  
Food Variety ◽  
The Mean ◽  
24 Hour Recall

Food security is a global concern and the insecurity thereof is prevalent in South Africa even though the country is deemed to be secure in terms of food availability. The study was conducted to determine the socio-economic, health and nutrition and food security status of the community living in the Valley of a Thousand Hills in KwaZulu Natal, in addition to analysing their coping strategies. Two hundred and fifty seven respondents were required to participate in this study. Data were collected by interviewing the respondents using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaires; socio demographic questionnaires, dietary intake questionnaires- namely 24 hour recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the coping strategy questionnaires were used. Lastly anthropometric measurements were taken to determine BMI. A prevalence of extreme poverty exists as a magnitude of the high unemployment rate, out of which 75.8% had been unemployed for more than 3 years. The household monthly income was less than R500 per month for 37.3% of the respondents. The mean Food Variety Scores (FVS) (±SD) for all foods consumed from the food groups during seven days was 22.45 (±10.32), indicating a low food variety score. In this study the food group diversity is summarized as the majority of the respondents (91.1%, n=226) being classified with a good dietary diversity score using 6-9 food groups. The mean of the three 24-Hour recall nutrient analysis indicated a deficient intake by both men and women in all of the nutrients (100% of the men and women could not meet the DRI’s for energy and calcium) except for the mean (±SD) carbohydrate intake by men aged 19-50 (214.71 ± 80.22). The main source of food intake was from the carbohydrate food group with an insufficient intake of animal products, dairy products and fruits and vegetables respectively; contributing to the macro and micro nutrient inadequacies. Ninety six percent of this community experienced some level of food insecurity with the worst Coping Strategy Index food insecurity score being 117 out of a possible 175. Four percent of this community was classified as being food secure. Overweight and obesity were the most exceptional anthropometric features by the women respondents with 26.5% (n=66) being overweight and 57% (n=142) obese. The men’s anthropometric features were predominantly normal weight. This study has established poverty and unemployment as being the principal contributors for the food insecurity experienced by the populace and poor dietary intakes. The low food variety diet consumed by the respondents resulted in the DRI’s not achieved for most nutrients. The majority of the respondents only consumed two meals a day, as a coping strategy to reduce/prevent temporary food insecurity. Intervention strategies are needed to improve the food security status and dietary intake of the community members to overcome the crisis of malnutrition.

scholarly journals Food Security Status of Pregnant Women in Yazd, Iran, 2014-2015

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afsaneh Rajizadeh ◽  
Maryam Tavakoli ◽  
Mahmoud Hajipour ◽  
Maryam Rabiey-Faradonbeh ◽  
Amin Salehi-Abargouei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Mean

Background: Food security status is an important indicator for measuring the level of individuals' access to sufficient and nutritious food. This study was conducted to investigating the food security status in pregnant women in Yazd, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 351 pregnant women with gestational age of 24 to 32 weeks were randomly selected. Food security status was measured by household food insecurity access scale (HAFIS) questionnaire. Demographic information was extracted from the health records of mothers. The data were analyzed using logistic regression test. Results: The mean age of studied women was 27.84 ± 5.46 years and the mean of their food security score was 3.45 ± 4.40. Food secure, marginal insecurity, and severe insecurity were observed in 45.6, 39, and 15.4 percent of participants, respectively. Socioeconomic status (SES) and non-Persian ethnicity had a significant relationship (P = 0.40) with food insecurity. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of severe food insecurity in the low SES was 13 times higher than its odds in the high SES. The odds ratio of severe food insecurity for non-Persian was also 6 times higher than its odds for Persian people. Conclusion: More than half of the pregnant women were in the mild to severe range of food insecurity and the prevalence of this situation was higher in women with low social economic status and non-native groups.

scholarly journals Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Soldavini ◽  
Hazael Andrew ◽  
Maureen Berner
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Security Module ◽  
Adult Food

Abstract The prevalence of food insecurity in the USA has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, past studies have not examined how the food security status of college students has been impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students. We administered a cross-sectional online survey to students from a large public university in the Southeastern USA. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Module was used to assess food security status during the spring 2020 semester both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students self-reported a variety of individual characteristics. The overall prevalence of food insecurity increased by approximately one-third during the spring 2020 semester from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining the types of changes in food security status experienced by students, 12% improved, 68% stayed the same, and 20% worsened. A variety of characteristics were associated with an improvement or worsening of food security status category from before to during the pandemic. Similar to what is seen in other reports, we found that the overall proportion of college students in our sample experiencing food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some students showed improvements in food security status. Approaches for addressing food insecurity during and beyond the pandemic are needed.

scholarly journals Measuring household food security: the global experience

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (suppl) ◽  
pp. 27s-37s ◽  
Author(s):  
Hugo Melgar-Quinonez ◽  
Michelle Hackett
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
The United States ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
United States Department ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Governmental Agencies ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
New Research

Measuring household food insecurity represents a challenge due to the complexity and wide array of factors associated with this phenomenon. For over one decade, researchers and agencies throughout the world have been using and assessing the validity of variations of the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Supplemental Module. Thanks to numerous studies of diverse design, size, and purpose, the Household Food Security Supplemental Module has shown its suitability to directly evaluate the perceptions of individuals on their food security status. In addition, challenges and limitations are becoming clearer and new research questions are emerging as the process advances. The purpose of this article is to describe the development, validation procedures, and use of the Household Food Security Supplemental Module in very diverse settings. The most common Household Food Security Supplemental Module related studies have been conducted using criterion validity, Rasch modeling and Cronbach-Alpha Coefficient. It is critical that researchers, policy makers, governmental and non-governmental agencies intensify their efforts to further develop tools that provide valid and reliable measures of food security in diverse population groups. Additional work is needed to synthesize a universally applicable tool able to capture the global human phenomenon of food insecurity.

scholarly journals Food insecurity, psychosocial health and academic performance among college and university students in Georgia, USA

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana G Raskind ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Carla J Berg
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Food Security ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
College And University ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Effect Of Food

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether psychosocial health mediates the association between food insecurity and grade point average (GPA) among college and university students.DesignData for the present study are from a longitudinal cohort study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed mediation hypothesis. Food insecurity was measured using the US Department of Agriculture’s Six-Item Short Form. Psychosocial health was operationalized as a latent factor with three indicators: depression, anxiety and hope. Validated scales were used to measure each indicator. GPA was self-reported.SettingSeven colleges and universities in Georgia, USA.ParticipantsStudents aged 18–25 years were recruited via email and surveyed every four months over a two-year period (analytic n 2377).ResultsApproximately 29 % of students were food insecure. In the final SEM, food insecurity was associated (standardized β, se) with poorer psychosocial health (0·22, 0·03, P<0·0001) and poorer psychosocial health was associated with a lower GPA (−0·21, 0·03, P<0·0001). The indirect effect of food security status on GPA, as mediated by psychosocial health, was significant (−0·05, 0·01, P<0·0001) and accounted for 73 % of the total effect. After accounting for psychosocial health, the direct effect of food security status on GPA was not significant (−0·02, 0·02, P=0·43).ConclusionsPsychosocial health may be an important mechanism through which food insecurity affects academic performance among college and university students. Multicomponent interventions that address immediate food security needs as well as co-occurring mental health and academic concerns are needed to ensure student success.

scholarly journals Food variety and dietary diversity scores in children: are they good indicators of dietary adequacy?

2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 644-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
NP Steyn ◽  
JH Nel ◽  
G Nantel ◽  
G Kennedy ◽  
D Labadarios
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
World Health ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Food Variety ◽  
The Mean

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether a food variety score (FVS) and/or a dietary diversity score (DDS) are good indicators of nutrient adequacy of the diet of South African children.MethodsSecondary data analyses were undertaken with nationally representative data of 1–8-year-old children (n = 2200) studied in the National Food Consumption Study in 1999. An average FVS (mean number of different food items consumed from all possible items eaten) and DDS (mean number of food groups out of nine possible groups) were calculated. A nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) is the ratio of a subject's nutrient intake to the estimated average requirement calculated using the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (2002) recommended nutrient intakes for children. The mean adequacy ratio (MAR) was calculated as the sum of NARs for all evaluated nutrients divided by the number of nutrients evaluated, expressed as a percentage. MAR was used as a composite indicator for micronutrient adequacy. Pearson correlation coefficients between FVS, DDS and MAR were calculated and also evaluated for sensitivity and specificity, with MAR taken as the ideal standard of adequate intake. The relationships between MAR and DDS and between anthropometric Z-scores and DDS were also evaluated.ResultsThe children had a mean FVS of 5.5 (standard deviation (SD) 2.5) and a mean DDS of 3.6 (SD 1.4). The mean MAR (ideal = 100%) was 50%, and was lowest (45%) in the 7–8-year-old group. The items with the highest frequency of consumption were from the cereal, roots and tuber group (99.6%), followed by the ‘other group’ (87.6%) comprising items such as tea, sugar, jam and sweets. The dairy group was consumed by 55.8%, meat group by 54.1%, fats by 38.9%, other vegetables by 30.8%, vitamin-A-rich by 23.8%, other fruit by 22%, legumes and nuts by 19.7% and eggs by 13.3%. There was a high correlation between MAR and both FVS (r = 0.726; P < 0.0001) and DDS (r = 0.657; P < 0.0001), indicating that either FVS or DDS can be used as an indicator of the micronutrient adequacy of the diet. Furthermore, MAR, DDS and FVS showed significant correlations with height-for-age and weight-for-age Z-scores, indicating a strong relationship between dietary diversity and indicators of child growth. A DDS of 4 and an FVS of 6 were shown to be the best indicators of MAR less than 50%, since they provided the best sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionEither FVS or DDS can be used as a simple and quick indicator of the micronutrient adequacy of the diet.

Abstract P317: An Activity Space Approach to Assessing the Food Environments of Food Secure and Insecure Women

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana G Raskind ◽  
Michelle C Kegler ◽  
Michael R Kramer
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Spatial Behavior ◽  
Activity Space ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Food Environments ◽  
Spatial Mobility ◽  
Activity Spaces ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Space Approach

Introduction: Community food environments (FE) are an important correlate of diet- and weight-related CV health. Conventional approaches to measuring the FE focus on residential neighborhoods, and do not assess the full extent of food sources regularly encountered and used. Further, little attention has been given to how individual diet-related experiences, like food insecurity, may interact with features of the FE to affect health. To address these limitations, we use an activity space approach, defined by the locations women routinely visit, to measure FE exposure and use, and assess differences by food security status. Hypothesis: Food-related spatial behavior and features of the FE differ between a) conventional and activity space definitions, and b) food secure and insecure women. Methods: We present initial results (n=51) from an ongoing clinic-based study of low-income African American women in Atlanta, GA. Data are collected in-person using a Google Map-powered activity space questionnaire. USDA’s 10-item adult scale is used to measure food insecurity. Retail FE data are from Dun & Bradstreet. ArcGIS 10.5 was used to define three environments: residential census tract (CT), and convex hull polygons of overall and food-specific activity spaces. We tested differences, by food security status, in mean behaviors and FE features with one-way ANOVAs. Results: Eighty-eight percent of women were food insecure. Food insecure women were lower income, less often employed, and less often had access to a car. CTs contained fewer supermarkets (μ=1.2 SD =1.4) and fast food restaurants (μ=3.9 SD =3.2) than activity spaces (μ=7.9 SD =7.0; μ=55.5 SD =44.1, respectively). On average, 6.7% ( SD =13.5) of utilized food sources fell within CT bounds, while 53.4% ( SD =35.5) fell within activity spaces. Compared to food secure women, food insecure women had smaller overall (μ=329.8km 2 SD =340.4 vs. μ=548.3km 2 SD =422.4; p =0.16) and food-specific (μ=48.1km 2 SD =74.3 vs. μ=85.6km 2 SD =106.4; p =0.28) activity spaces, and a smaller proportion of their utilized supermarkets fell within their activity spaces (μ=60.9% SD =42.4 vs. μ=81.9% SD =21.4; p =0.24). FE features did not differ by food security status. Conclusions: Conventional FE definitions likely underestimate the number of food sources women encounter, and do not capture the majority of sources used. Smaller activity spaces among food insecure women suggest that routine spatial mobility may be constrained by factors like transportation access. Still, food insecure women more often traveled outside of their activity spaces to utilize supermarkets, suggesting a dual burden of constrained spatial mobility and access. Interestingly, FE features did not differ by food security status. In planned future analyses, any observed differences in diet and weight may indicate variation in how women interact with the FE, rather than differences in exposure.

scholarly journals Using Photography to Assess Foods Offered to Preschoolers in Parent Packed Lunches (P11-069-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Savannah Hobbs ◽  
Morgan McCloskey ◽  
Savanah Elliott ◽  
Taren Swindle ◽  
Laura Bellows
Keyword(s):  
Care Program ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Colorado State University ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Meal Quality ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Protein Milk ◽  
Serving Sizes

Abstract Objectives To examine the quality of meals offered to children ages 3–5 years in parent packed lunches at a university-based early childhood center. Methods Using a protocol based on the Remote Food Photography Method, trained research staff used iPads to take before and after photos of preschoolers’ packed lunches over 1 week. Meal quality was assessed using the Healthy Meal Index (HMI) and Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) standards. Photos were independently coded by 2 researchers for key meal details, including availability and type of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and dairy, which fed into established scoring criteria to generate a HMI adequacy score. The mean HMI adequacy score for all lunches and percentages of lunches containing each adequacy food group were calculated to assess total meal quality. Photos were also reviewed using CACFP standards for availability, type, and amount of foods offered. Researchers coded photos (k = .86) for the inclusion of 4 food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein; milk was not served), and serving sizes were visually estimated and compared with recommended CACFP serving sizes: 1.5 oz of protein and 0.25 c each of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Mean standardized servings offered to children were calculated from these standards. Results Lunches (n = 301) from 79 children were photographed (2-5 days/child). The mean HMI adequacy score was $\bar{\rm x}$ = 37.7 11.0 (out of 65), with a range of 15.0 to 65.0. For all meals, 89% contained a grain, 86% contained fruit, 75% contained dairy (non-milk), 60% contained protein, and 48% contained a vegetable. Compared to CACFP standards, lunches had an average of 2.77 0.78 food groups present out of 4. Standardized servings offered for grains ($\bar{\rm x}$ = 2.60 ± 1.49), fruits ($\bar{\rm x}$ = 1.89 ± 1.09), protein ($\bar{\rm x}$ = 1.42 ± .68), and vegetables ($\bar{\rm x}$ = 1.35 ± .74) were high when calculated based on recommended CACFP serving sizes. Conclusions In this study, parent packed lunches fell short of meeting CACFP guidelines by offering less than 3 of the recommended 4 food groups, with a large percentage of lunches containing grains, fruits, and dairy. Children were provided with larger amounts than recommended for all food groups, particularly for grains. Funding Sources Colorado State University Health Behaviors Lab.

scholarly journals Food Security Status is Associated with Academic Performance in Undergraduate and Graduate Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 282-282
Author(s):  
Jessica Soldavini ◽  
Maureen Berner
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
University Of North Carolina ◽  
High Food ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Chapel Hill ◽  
Food Security Status

Abstract Objectives To assess the association between food security status and outcomes related to academic performance in undergraduate and graduate students. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used data from 4897 students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who completed an online questionnaire in October and November of 2016. Food security status was assessed using the 10-item US Adult Food Security Survey Module. Students were classified as experiencing high food security, marginal food security, or food insecurity. Students rated their perceived academic performance using a 4-item academic performance scale (APS) that included items related to overall progress towards graduating on time, class attendance, attention span, and understanding of concepts taught in class. Students also self-reported GPA, whether they had taken fewer classes to save tuition money, and demographic information. Multinomial logistic regression and multiple linear regression assessed the association between food security status and academic performance-related outcomes separately for undergraduate and graduate students. GPA was only examined for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Statistical significance was considered P &lt; .05. Results The proportion of students reporting high food security, marginal food security, and food insecurity was 52%, 25%, and 23%, respectively, for undergraduate students and 62%, 17% and 21%, respectively, for graduate students. GPA was negatively associated with experiencing marginal food security (P = .009) and food insecurity (P &lt; .001). APS scores were negatively associated with marginal food security and food insecurity for both undergraduate and graduate students (P &lt; .001). Undergraduate and graduate students who experienced marginal food security and food insecurity were significantly more likely to select lower ratings for perceived academic performance on each APS scale item and report sometimes or often taking fewer classes to save tuition. Conclusions Experiencing marginal food security and food insecurity were negatively associated with outcomes related to academic performance among both undergraduate and graduate students. Funding Sources University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Food for All micro-grant.

scholarly journals Household food security status and associated factors among high-school students in Esfahan, Iran

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1609-1613 ◽  
Author(s):  
Assieh Mohammadzadeh ◽  
Ahmadreza Dorosty ◽  
Mohammadreza Eshraghian
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
School Students ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Food Insecure Households

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was designed to determine household food security status and factors associated with food insecurity among high-school students in Esfahan, Iran.DesignCross-sectional surveys.SettingThe present study was conducted in autumn 2008 in Esfahan, Iran. The samples were selected using systematic cluster sampling. Socio-economic questionnaires, food security questionnaires and FFQ were filled out during face-to-face interviews. In addition, data on participants’ weights and heights were collected.SubjectsA total of 580 students (261 boys and 319 girls) aged 14–17 years from forty high schools in Esfahan, Iran, were selected.ResultsThe prevalence of household food insecurity according to the US Department of Agriculture food security questionnaire was 36·6 % (95 % CI 0·33, 0·40). Food insecurity was positively associated with number of members in the household (P < 0·05) and negatively associated with parental education level and job status and household economic status (P < 0·05). Moreover, students living in food-insecure households more frequently consumed bread, macaroni, potato and egg (P < 0·05), while they less frequently consumed rice, red meat, sausage and hamburger, poultry, fish, green vegetables, root and bulb (coloured) vegetables, melons, apples and oranges, milk and yoghurt (P < 0·05).ConclusionsFood insecurity was prevalent among households in Esfahan, Iran, and food security status was associated with socio-economic factors. Students who belonged to food-secure households more frequently consumed healthy foods (except sausage and hamburger), whereas those living in food-insecure households more frequently consumed cheap foods containing high energy per kilogram. The present study suggests that intervention programmes be designed and carried out.

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