Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116784

Janell Smith, MS, RD, Center for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Elders, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Dr, Diplomacy Bldg, Suite 405, Anchorage, AK 99508, Jim Magdanz, BA, Kotzebue Regional Office, Magdanz J, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence, PO Box 689, Kotzebue, AK 99752, Don Callaway, PhD, Alaska Regional Office, National Park Service, 240 West 5th Ave, Suite 114, Anchorage, AK 99501, Dian O. Weddle, RD, PhD, National Policy and Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging, Florida International University, HLS 449A, Miami, FL 33199, and Shannon L. Deike-Sims, BS Mathematics, Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Dr., Mail Stop: DPL BLDG. STE 404, Anchorage, AK 99508, 907-786-6578, shannon@uaa.alaska.edu.

This paper describes the development process of a valid food insecurity tool for rural Alaska Native communities. Research conducted in 2001 by the Alaska WIC office indicated 37% of rural respondents {n=56 ~ 90% indigenous} reported some level of food insecurity [“are there times you are worried about having enough food to eat?”] and 16% reported actual periods of hunger [“are there times you don't have enough food to eat?”]. Those reporting food insecurity and hunger had higher protein and calorie intakes compared with respondent asserting no food insecurity or hunger, thus a low correlation was present between these food insecurity and hunger and food intake variables. Modifications of food security measures were used in survey research in the spring 2004 as part of village harvest survey conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence – Kotzebue regional office. This research was partially funded by the National Park Service. Separate questions were asked for purchased and wild foods, and controlled for seasonal variation by determining if food insecurities were linked with particular months. Responses from Elders reporting food insecurity appeared to be less related with their access to existing food resources, but focused on worries and concerns they had about young people's abilities and interest in the continuation of subsistence activities. This suggests that food insecurity may be a reflection of social anxiety within Alaskan communities. Data collected in the summer of 2005 examines food insecurity and anxiety, and will be reported in this session.

Learning Objectives:

• Gain knowledge as to cultural differences in food security
• List confounding variables in the assessment of food security
• Apply assessment methodology to other Native and minority populations

Keywords: Food Security, Indigenous Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.