Hunger: a hospital survey

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Hunger is a significant public health issue with complex social determinants.
• Understanding the prevalence and correlates of hunger is crucial for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the extent of hunger among patients at a New York City municipal hospital in 1985 and 1989.
• To identify factors associated with hunger and changes in food resource utilization over time.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of hospital patients in 1985 and 1989.
• Data collection on hunger experiences, homelessness, social isolation, food access, and food assistance program usage.

Main Results:

• Hunger prevalence remained stable at 22% in 1985 and 23% in 1989.
• Hunger significantly correlated with homelessness, social isolation, and inability to prepare food.
• Increased use of institutional food resources, decreased reliance on Food Stamps, and increased household density were observed.

Conclusions:

• Hunger persists as a critical issue in urban healthcare settings.
• Shifting reliance on food assistance programs and increasing household density indicate evolving challenges.
• Findings highlight the need for integrated social and health policies to address food insecurity.