Purpose: To document the prevalence of food insecurity among American Indians residing on a reservation in the Northern Plains, and explore the relationship between food insecurity and obesity. Methods: A survey was conducted in which in-person interviews were held with the main meal preparer in participating households. To obtain a representative sample, 227 families were randomly selected from second grade class lists at five elementary schools. Of the sampled families, 219 were found to be eligible, and 96 of these participated. The survey questionnaire included the USDA Food-Security/Hunger Core Module to assess food security. Height and weight of the main meal preparer in the households were obtained and BMI was calculated to assess obesity. Results: 47.2% of participating households were classified as food-insecure (37.1% food-insecure without hunger; 10.1% food-insecure with hunger). The prevalence of food insecurity varied with several household characteristics. Main meal preparers in food-insecure households were more likely to be obese compared to those in food-secure households. Conclusions: The high prevalence of food-insecurity found in this survey may have implications for food and nutrition programs that serve this population. Additionally, the association found between food insecurity and obesity may have implications for the prevention and treatment of obesity in this population.
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to describe the prevalence of food insecurity among American Indians residing on a reservation in the Northern Plains, and discuss the associations between food insecurity and obesity in this population.
Keywords: Food Security, Obesity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.