Feeding the Need: A Study on Food Security Among People With Cystic Fibrosis in Turkey

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that necessitates high-calorie, protein-rich diets, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Food insecurity (FI) poses a significant challenge for people with CF (pwCF), impacting their ability to maintain the necessary dietary intake. This study aims to explore FI and dietary patterns among pwCF in Turkey.

A cross-sectional study involving 290 pwCF from the Marmara University Selim Çöremen Cystic Fibrosis Center was conducted between April 2023 and February 2024. The "US Household Food Security Survey Module" and the "Your Current Life Situation" survey were used to assess FI and socioeconomic status among the participants. Nutritional data, including BMI, FEV1 values, and dietary intake, were recorded.

Among the participants, 52.7% were female, with a mean age of 13.3 ± 8.1 years. FI was detected in 46.8% of pwCF, with 18% facing very low food security. Higher income levels were associated with better food security (p = 0.008). Nutritional inadequacies were observed even among food-secure individuals, particularly in the consumption of legumes, nuts, and fish. BMI and BMI percentile values were significantly lower in the very low FS group compared to the high FS group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively).

Ensuring adequate nutrition and calorie intake is crucial for pwCF. Our study highlights significant FI among pwCF in Turkey, with income levels influencing food security status. Nutritional inadequacies persist even among those classified as food secure. Based on these findings, targeted nutritional support will be provided to those in need to improve overall health and well-being.