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Development of indicators to assess hunger
K L Radimer1, C M Olson, C C Campbell
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853.
The Journal of Nutrition
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Researchers defined hunger by interviewing 32 women, identifying narrow and broad concepts. A subsequent survey confirmed these definitions, yielding valid indicators for assessing hunger in households.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Assessing hunger in America is challenging due to definitional ambiguity and lack of valid indicators.
- Previous efforts to monitor hunger have been hindered by a lack of consensus on its meaning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a socially appropriate definition of hunger.
- To identify valid and reliable indicators for measuring hunger.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with 32 women in Upstate New York to explore experiences with food insecurity and hunger.
- Constant comparative analysis of interview data to derive a conceptual definition of hunger.
- Survey methodology with 189 women to validate and refine hunger assessment items.
Main Results:
- Identified two concepts of hunger: a narrow focus on physical sensation and duration, and a broad concept encompassing household and individual dimensions.
- The broad concept includes quantitative, qualitative, psychological, and social components.
- Validated a subset of reliable items for monitoring and assessing hunger across its dimensions.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive, socially-grounded definition of hunger.
- Developed and validated measurable indicators for assessing hunger, crucial for public health and policy.
- Findings support improved monitoring and intervention strategies for food insecurity.