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Association Between Food Insecurity and Developmental Delay and Behavioral Problems in US Children 2 to 5 Years of
Devina Savant1,2, Annie Gjelsvik3,4, Yvette Yatchmink3,5
1Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA.
Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|August 14, 2024
Summary
Food insecurity in young US children is linked to developmental delays and behavior problems. However, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may mitigate this risk.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Public Health
- Nutrition Security
Background:
- Food insecurity affects a significant portion of young children in the US.
- Developmental delay and/or behavior problems (DD/PB) are critical health concerns in early childhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between household food insecurity and DD/PB in US children aged 2-5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To investigate the potential moderating role of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) on this association.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 14,464 children (2-5 years) using the 2016-2017 National Survey of Children's Health.
- Food insecurity defined by caregiver report of insufficient funds for nutritious meals.
- DD/PB diagnosed by a professional, reported by caregivers.
Main Results:
- A quarter of children lived in food-insecure households; 9% had DD/PB.
- Children in food-insecure households had 1.57 times the odds of DD/PB after adjusting for multiple demographic and socioeconomic factors.
- The association between food insecurity and DD/PB persisted in households not receiving SNAP benefits but was not significant in households receiving SNAP.
Conclusions:
- Food insecurity is a significant risk factor for DD/PB in young US children.
- SNAP benefits appear to attenuate the link between food insecurity and DD/PB.
- Policy considerations regarding SNAP's role in supporting child development are warranted.
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