Food Insecurity among People with Disabilities in Oregon

Background: Food insecurity, the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food, is known to negatively affect the health of individuals as a result of poor nutritional status and the onset of co-morbid conditions. Prior research has found that people with disabilities (PWD) are more likely to experience food insecurity than people without disabilities (PWOD). However, differences in the prevalence of food insecurity among specific subgroups of PWD have not been examined previously. Methods: This study performed a cross-sectional analysis of 2005 and 2006 data from the Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). BRFSS, a population-based telephone survey, provides self-reported information on health status and health behaviors, as well as demographics, including disability. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine whether food insecurity differed by presence of disability, disability type, and number of disabilities while accounting for other demographic variables. Results: PWD (22%) were twice as likely to have experienced food insecurity as PWOD (11%). Among PWD, those with cognitive disabilities and psychiatric disabilities, had greater odds of experiencing food insecurity (OR 2.61, and 3.50, respectively) compared to people with physical disabilities. Multivariate analysis revealed additional correlates of food insecurity, including income, age, race, and health status. Disability and disability type demonstrated strong correlative relationships to the outcome after controlling for other variables. Number of disabilities was not significantly associated with food insecurity in these analyses. Conclusion: Food insecurity is disproportionately experienced by PWD. Furthermore, prevalence of food insecurity varies depending on type of disability.