Food insecurity screening procedures used in reproductive healthcare settings

Food insecurity is an important determinant of health and should be identified by clinicians during routine reproductive healthcare. The procedures used in reproductive healthcare settings to identify people experiencing food insecurity have not been fully researched.

The objective of this study was to synthesize evidence from published studies that describe the procedures implemented by clinicians in healthcare settings to identify food insecurity in pregnant women, or women of reproductive age (15 years-49 years).

Four databases were searched in April 2022 to identify studies that met the eligibility criteria.

Studies that used tools that were both validated or newly developed were considered, as were studies that incorporated food insecurity screening as part of a multidomain screening tool. Two authors completed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment independently.

There were 1075 studies identified; after screening, 7 studies were included in the narrative synthesis, including studies relating to women who were pregnant or in the postpartum period; none of the included studies related to women in the preconception stage. Four screening tools were identified: 2- and 6-item tools specifically focused on food insecurity, a 58-item multidomain tool incorporating 4 food insecurity items, and a modified version of the 2-item tool. Methods of implementing screening varied across studies. Three described subsequent processes that supported food-insecure patients once identified.

Few published studies have investigated optimal screening tools and their implementation within reproductive healthcare settings to address food insecurity for this priority population group. Further research is required to determine: the optimal tool, preferable screening methods from the perspectives of both patients and clinicians, and potential strategies for implementation in countries outside of the United States. An additional evidence gap remains about referral pathways and appropriate supports for this population once food insecurity is identified.

PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022319687.