Yunhee Chang1, Haley Hickman2. 1. Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS. Electronic address: chang@olemiss.edu. 2. FoodMinds, Chicago, IL.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how functional limitations are associated with food insecurity and perceived diet quality in low-income older Americans. DESIGN: Nationwide repeated cross-sectional surveys regarding health and nutritional status. SETTING: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2011-2012. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged ≥65 years with household incomes ≤130% of the federal poverty level (n = 1,323). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dependent variables included dichotomous indicators of food insecurity and poor-quality diet, measured with the household food security survey module and respondents' own ratings, respectively. Independent variable was presence of limitations in physical functioning. ANALYSIS: Weighted logistic regressions with nested controls and interaction terms. RESULTS: Functional limitations in low-income older adults were associated with 1.69 times higher odds of food insecurity (P < .01) and 1.65 times higher odds of poor-quality diet (P < .01) after accounting for individuals' health care needs and socioeconomic conditions. These associations were greatest among those living alone (odds ratio = 3.38 for food insecurity; 3.07 for poor-quality diet; P < .05) and smallest among those living with a partner. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Low-income older adults who live alone with functional limitations are exposed to significant nutritional risk. Resources should be directed to facilitating their physical access to healthful foods.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how functional limitations are associated with food insecurity and perceived diet quality in low-income older Americans. DESIGN: Nationwide repeated cross-sectional surveys regarding health and nutritional status. SETTING: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2011-2012. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals aged ≥65 years with household incomes ≤130% of the federal poverty level (n = 1,323). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dependent variables included dichotomous indicators of food insecurity and poor-quality diet, measured with the household food security survey module and respondents' own ratings, respectively. Independent variable was presence of limitations in physical functioning. ANALYSIS: Weighted logistic regressions with nested controls and interaction terms. RESULTS: Functional limitations in low-income older adults were associated with 1.69 times higher odds of food insecurity (P < .01) and 1.65 times higher odds of poor-quality diet (P < .01) after accounting for individuals' health care needs and socioeconomic conditions. These associations were greatest among those living alone (odds ratio = 3.38 for food insecurity; 3.07 for poor-quality diet; P < .05) and smallest among those living with a partner. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Low-income older adults who live alone with functional limitations are exposed to significant nutritional risk. Resources should be directed to facilitating their physical access to healthful foods.
Authors: Joana Sampaio; Ana Henriques; Elisabete Ramos; Isabel Dias; Alexandra Lopes; Sílvia Fraga Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-05-24 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Jessica Cheng; Lora E Burke; Elizabeth M Venditti; Susan M Sereika; Nancy W Glynn; Steven M Albert; Anne B Newman Journal: J Appl Gerontol Date: 2022-02-02