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Measuring hunger in the Russian Federation using the Radimer/Cornell hunger scale
K J Welch1, N Mock, O Netrebenko
1Medical Center, Louisiana HIV Outpatient Clinic, New Orleans 70112, USA.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|July 2, 1998
Summary
Food insecurity was significantly higher in the Russian Federation than in the USA in 1993. The Radimer/Cornell hunger scale revealed widespread hunger affecting women, households, and children in both nations.
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Food insecurity is a critical global issue impacting health and well-being.
- Measuring hunger prevalence accurately is essential for effective policy interventions.
- Socioeconomic factors significantly influence household food security.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of hunger in the Russian Federation and the USA using a standardized scale.
- To assess hunger at household, women, and children levels.
- To examine the relationship between hunger and socioeconomic indicators.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 12-item Radimer/Cornell hunger scale for data collection.
- Conducted random sample surveys of mothers and households in the Russian Federation and New York State in 1993.
- Analyzed hunger prevalence across three distinct levels: household, women, and children.
Main Results:
- Russian Federation exhibited higher hunger prevalence: 77% women, 70% households, 32% children.
- New York State showed lower prevalence: 46.8% women, 25.9% households, 18.3% children.
- Children were least likely to be hungry; their hunger correlated with household/maternal hunger. Scale demonstrated criterion validity, linking hunger to socioeconomic well-being.
Conclusions:
- Low incomes in the Russian Federation likely explain the higher hunger rates.
- The Radimer/Cornell hunger scale is a valid tool for assessing food insecurity.
- Further research into the nutritional status of the Russian population is warranted.
