Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition最新文献

This paper describes a process to reduce the length of a validated home food audit tool without compromising its strong psychometric properties. A team of investigators used secondary data to make consensus decisions about item reduction of the audit tool. The steps included assessing content validity of individual food items within food categories and construct validity of food items and related nutrient intake. The process resulted in a 25% reduction in the number of items included in the tool without compromising its psychometric properties. This work serves as a guide for other researchers wanting to reduce measurement-related participant burden.

Food insecurity is associated with adverse outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The impact of social support on this relationship is unknown. We used cross-sectional data from primarily Latino/a adults with T2DM in a social support program and low-resource setting to assess the association of food insecurity and social support with diabetes-related outcomes. Of 222 participants, 45% had food insecurity. Higher social support was associated with lower odds of food insecurity. In multivariable models, food insecurity was associated with higher hemoglobin A1c and diabetes distress. Social support did not moderate the relationship between food insecurity and diabetes-related outcomes.

We conducted formative research to inform the design of the mobile Support Application for Food PAntrieS (SAFPAS) app, which digitally integrates and enhances food pantry management, client food choice, and emergency preparedness. In-depth interviews (N=60) were conducted with coordinators, volunteers, and neighbors in Baltimore, Maryland and Detroit, Michigan. Screen mockups were shown to interviewees to solicit feedback on the form and function of existing and desired features. Overall, participants reacted positively and suggested features for consideration. Concerns centered around accessibility and adaptability of the application. The insights gleaned from this work will inform future development and implementation of SAFPAS nationwide.

Food insecurity and smoking are bidirectionally related due to factors such as poverty, stress, and hunger. This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of food insecurity among low-income individuals who have ever smoked, to understand the burden of food insecurity in relation to current smoking status. Participants were recruited from community-based settings and reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. Participants experienced complex challenges and employed various coping strategies to address food insecurity alongside various life circumstances. A better understanding of the lived experiences of food insecurity is paramount to address intersecting adverse health behaviors, such as smoking.

There is growing interest in understanding the optimal design of food voucher programs to improve diet quality and support chronic disease self-management. We examined preferences for voucher program design among adults with low incomes who participated in a randomized trial. Participants preferred vouchers eligible for all foods over those restricted to fruits and vegetables (p=0.001), and a monthly over weekly redemption schedule (p=0.003). Preferences differed significantly by voucher assignment (p_interaction for both<0.0001), with those assigned to the fruit and vegetable voucher more likely to prefer that voucher. Flexibility was identified as a key driver of preference.

Arkansas has the highest prevalence of food insecurity in the U.S. This qualitative study is one of few to explore the daily reality of food insecurity in a rural, Southern state in the U.S. through PhotoVoice. A sample of seven food insecure residents participated in a PhotoVoice project as part of a food insecurity community of practice. Thematic analysis of participant discussion was conducted. Four themes emerged: 1) "community receiving and community giving"; 2) high cost of healthy foods; 3) time cost of food assistance; and 4) navigating resource scarcity. Findings can inform interventions that better support food insecure residents.

We examined whether dietary intake differs across household and child food security (FS) status, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation among Black children (ages 9-15) in a low-income urban setting. This cross-sectional survey used the USDA 18-item Household Food Security Survey, that includes the 8-item Child Module, and a validated FFQ to assess children's diet (n=451). Nutrient intake differed across child FS status, but not household FS. SNAP participation was associated with better micronutrient intake (vitamin D and calcium) among food secure children. Assessing child-specific FS and nutrient adequacy clarifies children's actual experience and informs child-targeted policies.

Native Americans (NA) have higher obesity rates compared to other populations. Employed adults spend a significant amount of time at work. OPREVENT2, an obesity prevention trial in 6 NA communities, included a worksite component that incorporated nutrition and physical activity educational media, competitions, tastes tests, and coffee station makeovers. Process evaluation results indicate a well-implemented worksite component based on team standards. Statistically significant improvements of coffee stations healthy offerings (p=0.006), but none in health policies and resources, were observed. Partnering with businesses to create healthier working environments was successful and future trials should investigate the effects on an individual level.