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320466
Role of Physicians in Addressing Food Insecurity in Vermont Seniors


Sunday, November 1, 2015

Margaret Seybolt, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Joshua Cohen, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Reid Feller, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Olivia Harris, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Lohrasb Sayadi, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Alejandro Velez, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Amy Yu, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Katy Davis, MA, Hunger Free Vermont, South Burlington, VT
Naomi Fukagawa, MD PhD, Medicine, University of Vemront College of Medicine, Colchester, VT
Jane Kolodinsky, PhD MBA, Community Development and Applied Economics, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Thomas V. Delaney, PhD, Pediatrics, UVM College of Medicine, Burlington, VT
Jan K. Carney, MD, MPH, Medicine, Robert Larner MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Introduction. Food insecurity is defined as limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to obtain acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways. This is a problem affecting many seniors (aged 60+) in Vermont. Our study investigated whether Vermont physicians were aware of, and whether and how they addressed food insecurity amongst their older patients.

Methods. A web-based, 26-question survey was administered to physicians working in internal and family medicine practices throughout the state. Results from 44 physician responses were analyzed using ANOVA.

Results. Results show that the majority of Vermont physicians found that addressing food insecurity with their patients was challenging. One way ANOVA showed that physicians who were confident in their ability to identify food insecurity in their patients over age 60 were more likely to assess food insecurity in these patients (63% vs. 22%, respectively; F=5.60, df= 43, p=0.07). Social workers were recognized as the most effective at recognizing and best suited for addressing food insecurity. The majority of physicians (80%) are interested in participating in educational opportunities about food insecurity, many (66%) citing “online modules” as the preferred mode of education.

Discussion. This study supports the need for increased awareness and formal training among health care providers in addressing food insecurity amongst Vermont seniors. Future studies should include the development of online training modules for physician education regarding food insecurity.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Formulate strategies to help health professionals address food insecurity in their elderly patients.

Keyword(s): Food Security, Health Care Delivery

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was involved in the design, implementation, data collection, analysis, writing, and presentation of this project.
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: 2069.0: Food & Nutrition Student Poster Session