Addressing Food Insecurity During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study of the Perspectives of Leadership in an Australian...

To investigate perspectives of maternity hospital leadership regarding food insecurity during pregnancy, their views on whether the hospital can or should address this determinant of health and how best to respond.

This qualitative study utilised in-depth, individual interviews conducted at the Royal Women's Hospital, Australia. A total of 23 participants were interviewed and designated as high-level or mid-level leaders based on the level of authority. Major themes were identified after inductive data analysis.

High- and mid-level leaders acknowledged the health impact of food insecurity during pregnancy, but held discordant views on whether the hospital could, or should, intervene to enhance food security. High-level leaders considered the hospital capable of and responsible for addressing food insecurity and gave suggestions for interventions. In contrast, many mid-level leaders perceived that the hospital does not have capacity nor an obligation to respond, citing barriers such as perceptions of acute healthcare boundaries, belief that other sectors should intervene, and resource limitations.

Leveraging high-level leadership enthusiasm and addressing mid-level leadership barriers are critical steps towards healthcare-based responses to food insecurity during pregnancy.