142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Food insecurity among African American older adults

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Angelia M. Paschal, PhD , Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Jen Nickelson, PhD, RD , Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Wanda Burton, M.S. , Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Ashley White, M.P.H. , Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Carol Agomo, M.P.H. , Division of Community Affairs, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
INTRODUCTION:  Food insecurity (FI) is an ongoing national problem in the U.S.  While government-funded programs such as the Nutrition Services Incentive Program provide cash & commodities to older adults, many remain FI. African American (AA) older adults are particularly at risk, with FI rates being significantly higher than white older adults. This study assessed the presence & degree of FI in a sample of AA older adults, identified associated factors, & assessed strategies for improvement.

METHODS:  Structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 50 AA older adults who were 65 years of age and older, lived alone, & had household incomes below the poverty line. The interview guide included the USDA Core Food Security Module and questions that addressed associated factors: morbidities; ability to pay for prescribed medications; overall health status; social support; & demographic variables. Other factors analyzed were participants' perceptions about & use of government & community resources. SPSS 20.0 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS: Study results indicated that FI was an issue in this sample. Various factors were associated with different levels of FI.  Suggestions for addressing FI according to the perspectives of AA older adults were noted.

DISCUSSION:  FI is a public health issue that affects many older adults and greater attention is needed to this problem. Increased attention is also needed for groups at higher risk so that culturally appropriate interventions could be developed. This study has implications for further research, health education & health promotion strategies, and policy recommendations.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Assess the scope of food insecurity in African American older adults and identify factors associated with this public health problem. Identify strategies that can address food insecurity based on the recommendations of African American older adults.

Keyword(s): Aging, Food Security

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract Author on the content I am responsible for because I have done extensive health disparities research on African Americans. I have received grant funding and have several peer-reviewed publications about issues that affect this community.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 5001.0: Nutrition and Aging