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High Level of Food Insecurity among Families with Children Seeking Routine Care at Federally Qualified Health Centers
Steven A Abrams1, Ana Avalos1, Megan Gray1
1Dell Medical School, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX.
Insights
Nearly half of families at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) experienced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, often linked to job loss. This highlights the need for routine screening and resource connection for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Nutrition Security
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to food security for families.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve vulnerable populations and are critical touchpoints for health and social needs.
- Assessing food insecurity is crucial for understanding the pandemic's impact on child health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of food insecurity among families attending pediatric visits at FQHCs during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
- To identify factors associated with food insecurity in this population.
- To inform clinical practice and public health interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 200 families at two FQHCs in Central Texas.
- Utilized the validated American Academy of Pediatrics 2-question food insecurity screen.
- Conducted brief qualitative interviews to assess changes in food security status during the pandemic.
Main Results:
- 47% of families screened positive for food insecurity.
- 94% of food-insecure families reported their situation began or worsened during the pandemic.
- Job loss was reported by 46% of families with employment information; ethnicity and WIC participation were associated with higher food insecurity.
Conclusions:
- Food insecurity significantly impacted families receiving pediatric care at FQHCs during the pandemic.
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participation did not appear protective.
- Screening for food insecurity and connecting families with resources are essential components of pediatric care, particularly for Hispanic and Spanish-speaking populations.
Objective:
To assess food insecurity during pediatric visits to federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic.
Study Design:
Interviews using the validated American Academy of Pediatrics 2-question food insecurity screen were performed with 200 consecutive families presenting for pediatric care to 2 FQHC in Central Texas from April 14 to May 20, 2020, during the initial phase of the pandemic in Texas. Brief qualitative interviews were conducted to determine whether families found a worsening of food insecurity during the pandemic.
Results:
Overall, 47% of families had a positive food insecurity screen. More than 90% of these were worrying about food running out and about 60% were positive for the question related to food not lasting. Among families with food insecurity, 94% indicated this had begun or worsened during the pandemic. Of the 115 families volunteering information about employment, 46% reported job loss during this time period. Both ethnicity (P < .001) and Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participation (P = .03) were associated with greater levels of food insecurity. Among primarily Spanish-speaking families participating in the WIC program, 64% reported food insecurity.
Conclusions:
Approximately one-half of families receiving routine pediatric care at a FQHC during the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic reported food insecurity and this was associated with loss of jobs during the pandemic. Participation in the WIC program was not protective against food insecurity. Increased frequency of food insecurity was detected in Hispanic and Spanish-speaking families. Screening of families at an FQHC should be strongly considered as a part of routine pediatric care. Knowledge of community resources is important for providers to share with patients. (J Pediatr: X 2020;4:100044).
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04378595.
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