Food and Nutrition Insecurity: Experiences That Differ for Some and Independently Predict Diet-Related Disease, Los
Michelle Sarah Livings1, Wändi Bruine de Bruin2, Natasha Wasim3
1Center for Research on Child and Family Wellbeing, School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States.
The Journal of Nutrition
|May 27, 2024
Summary
Food insecurity and nutrition insecurity affect distinct populations in Los Angeles County. Nutrition insecurity uniquely predicts diabetes and mental health outcomes, highlighting its importance for public health surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Food insecurity affects approximately 1 in 10 Americans annually.
- Nutrition security, encompassing nutritional adequacy and food preferences, is increasingly recognized as crucial.
- Experts advocate for joint surveillance of food and nutrition insecurity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate food insecurity and nutrition insecurity in Los Angeles County.
- To compare predictors of these two constructs.
- To examine their independent prediction of diet-related health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A representative sample of 1071 Los Angeles County adults was surveyed in December 2022.
- Data on household food insecurity and nutrition insecurity over the past 12 months were collected.
- Logistic regression models were used for analysis in 2023.
Main Results:
- Food insecurity (24%) and nutrition insecurity (25%) rates were similar, with less than 60% overlap.
- Non-Hispanic Asian individuals showed higher odds of nutrition insecurity, not food insecurity.
- Nutrition insecurity was a stronger predictor of diabetes than food insecurity; both predicted poor mental health.
Conclusions:
- Food and nutrition insecurity impact different populations.
- Both constructs are valuable predictors of diet-related health outcomes.
- Monitoring nutrition insecurity offers insights into barriers to healthy diets.
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