- Email: [email protected]
Food Insecurity of Campus-Residing Alaskan College Students
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
Poster Session: Wellness and Public Health Food Insecurity of Campus-Residing Alaskan College Students Author(s): K. Lindsley1, C. King2; 1Univ. of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, 2Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Dietetics & Nutrition, Univ. of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
The Relationship of Food Insecurity to Health and Nutrition Parameters in Adult Females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Attending a Clinic for Care and Management in Rural Appalachian Ohio: A Pilot Study
Learning Outcome: Describe the scope of food insecurity within a metropolitan Alaskan university campus-resident population.
Author(s): A. Hamilton1, J. Shubrook2, J. Gerome2, H. Griswold1, D.H. Holben1; 1Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio Univ., Athens, OH, 2College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio Univ., Athens, OH
Background: Current literature suggests that college students exhibit several nutrition concerns: weight gain, the development of unhealthy eating habits, and increased food insecurity. There is limited research available on food insecurity within the population of Alaskan college students.
Learning Outcome: After this presentation, the learner will be able to describe the relationship of food security status to fasting blood glucose, body mass index, produce intake, and depression in adult females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome attending a clinic.
Research Outcome: Food insecurity status of campus-residing Alaskan college students.
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may increase risk for high blood glucose (BG), infertility, depression (DEP), and overweight/obesity. Food insecurity or other nutrition factors may precipitate or result from PCOS.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants completed the validated United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. The survey was administered in the fall. Students were recruited using a hyperlink emailed to all campus-resident at a metropolitan Alaskan university. Forty-three full-time students completed the survey module. Analysis: SPSS was used to calculate descriptive statistics and food insecurity scores. Results: Fifty-five percent (n¼33) of participants reported high or very high food insecurity. A previous study at an Alaskan metropolitan university found that 69% of students were slightly to extremely food insecure. In studies from college campuses in Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, and Australia, food insecurity affected between 21% and 59% of the student population. On-campus residing students do not appear to be insulated from food security issues. College students experience food insecurity at higher rates than the U.S. household average of 14.9%. The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the self-report survey answers. Conclusions: Food insecurity is linked to an increased risk of depression and poor academic performance. Further research is needed to explore and develop appropriate interventions to address food insecurity in college students (i.e. food pantries and transportation assistance to access more affordable food sources). Funding Disclosure: UAA Office of Undergraduate Research Grant
Research Outcome: This study examined the relationship of household food security (HFS) to fasting BG (FBG), body mass index (BMI), produce intake, and DEP in adult females with PCOS living in rural Appalachian Ohio. Methods: Survey of females 18 years [USDA HFS module; DEP Scale; Produce Intake and Behavior survey]. FBG (mg/dL) and BMI (wt/ht2) results were obtained. Pearson and Kendall’s taub correlations were used to assess the relationship of HFS to other parameters. Results: Participants (n¼52) were 329 years and had a BMI of 34.58.8 (n¼39). Participants primarily lived in households characterized by high HFS (n¼34, 65.4%). However, 7 (13.5%), 8 (15.4%), and 3 (5.8%) lived in households characterized by marginal, low, and very low HFS, respectively. Of 52 participants, 8 (15.4%) had mild to moderate DEP, and 17 (32.7%) had major DEP. Daily vegetable, fruit, and total produce servings (n¼50) were 2.61.9, 1.90.9, 4.52.3, respectively. Lower food insecurity was associated with higher DEP score (r¼0.447, p<.001), poorer vegetable intake (r¼-0.333, p¼.018), poorer total produce intake (r¼-0.318, p¼.024), and lower perceived benefits of produce (r¼-0.278, p¼.046). Other parameters were not significantly related to HFS. Conclusions: In females with PCOS, food insecurity was related to DEP and poorer produce intakes and behaviors. Further exploration is warranted in a larger sample to further clarify these trends. Funding Disclosure: The Diabetes Institute at Ohio University; The Diabetes Endocrine Center
Improving the Nutritional Profile of Foods Available to Food Bank Participants 1
2
3
4
1
Author(s): I. Laquatra , M. Seidel , M. Woods , J. Sharrard ; Food and Nutrition, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 2Falk School of Sustainability, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, 3Woodland Road Consulting, Leesburg, VA, 4Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Duquesne, PA
Food Pantry Customers’ Perspectives of a Diabetes-Friendly Food Box and Peer Mentoring for Living with Type 2 Diabetes Author(s): K.N. Wolf, K. Garrison, D. Habash, C. Spees; Medical Dietetics, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH
Learning Outcome: Understand and use a validated method for assessing foods in a food bank setting.
Learning Outcome: After reading/listening to this abstract presentation, the reader will be able to describe food pantry customers’ perceptions regarding a program providing diabetes-friendly foods and peer mentoring.
The Economic Research Service calculated that 14.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2012. These households cope by eating less varied diets, participating in government food assistance programs, and by turning to the Emergency Food System, which includes food banks. Food banks secure funding from donors to purchase food and also receive food products from manufacturers, retailers, and individuals. Because food insecure households also paradoxically struggle with obesity and malnutrition, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s (GPCFB) Nutrition Manager, supported by the Food Bank’s Food and Nutrition Committee endeavored to improve the nutritional profile of the foods offered to these struggling households. More specifically, a rating system was instituted to classify foods according to their nutritional content so that over time, the majority of foods offered by the GPCFB would be in line with current Dietary Guidance. Assessing single foods has always been a difficult and challenging undertaking, since federal dietary guidance most often pertains to entire diets and dietary patterns rather than individual foods. A peer-reviewed, validated algorithm was recently introduced at the GPCFB to evaluate food products. The algorithm and rating results for specific foods and categories will be shared to encourage its use in other Emergency Food System applications to gradually improve the nutritional profile of foods provided to insecure households.
Food pantries have the potential to impact the health of food insecure individuals living with type 2 diabetes. English and Spanish speaking food pantry clients with type 2 diabetes received low glycemic index foods (selected from or added to the regular food bank inventory) 2 times per month and peer mentoring for one year. Seven focus groups (n¼36) were conducted to better understand participant outcomes and perceptions of introduction to the diabetes-friendly food boxes and peer mentoring. An open-ended question thread was utilized, and data were transcribed from the audio-recorded sessions and analyzed by identifying, coding, and categorizing primary patterns/themes. Participants cited similar responses resulting in seven overarching themes: (1) assistance needed to manage diabetes, psycho-social, and behavioral activities varies considerably between participants, (2) cooking classes were highly requested, (3) food box contents influenced future food purchasing patterns, (4) glucose strips were too costly and result in less BG self-monitoring, (5) menus and recipes added to the food boxes requested, 6) food box distribution influences satisfaction of program, (7) nutrition education and food box contents must be coordinated. Peer mentoring outcomes were variable by ethnicity, mentor, and participant. As participants transition from the study, social services and nutritional assistance will be provided.
Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: Mid-Ohio Foodbank; Feeding America
A-94
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
September 2014 Suppl 2—Abstracts Volume 114 Number 9
Poster Session: Wellness and Public Health Food Insecurity of Campus-Residing Alaskan College Students Author(s): K. Lindsley1, C. King2; 1Univ. of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, 2Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Dietetics & Nutrition, Univ. of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK
The Relationship of Food Insecurity to Health and Nutrition Parameters in Adult Females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Attending a Clinic for Care and Management in Rural Appalachian Ohio: A Pilot Study
Learning Outcome: Describe the scope of food insecurity within a metropolitan Alaskan university campus-resident population.
Author(s): A. Hamilton1, J. Shubrook2, J. Gerome2, H. Griswold1, D.H. Holben1; 1Applied Health Sciences and Wellness, Ohio Univ., Athens, OH, 2College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio Univ., Athens, OH
Background: Current literature suggests that college students exhibit several nutrition concerns: weight gain, the development of unhealthy eating habits, and increased food insecurity. There is limited research available on food insecurity within the population of Alaskan college students.
Learning Outcome: After this presentation, the learner will be able to describe the relationship of food security status to fasting blood glucose, body mass index, produce intake, and depression in adult females with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome attending a clinic.
Research Outcome: Food insecurity status of campus-residing Alaskan college students.
Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) may increase risk for high blood glucose (BG), infertility, depression (DEP), and overweight/obesity. Food insecurity or other nutrition factors may precipitate or result from PCOS.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, participants completed the validated United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. The survey was administered in the fall. Students were recruited using a hyperlink emailed to all campus-resident at a metropolitan Alaskan university. Forty-three full-time students completed the survey module. Analysis: SPSS was used to calculate descriptive statistics and food insecurity scores. Results: Fifty-five percent (n¼33) of participants reported high or very high food insecurity. A previous study at an Alaskan metropolitan university found that 69% of students were slightly to extremely food insecure. In studies from college campuses in Hawaii, Illinois, Oregon, and Australia, food insecurity affected between 21% and 59% of the student population. On-campus residing students do not appear to be insulated from food security issues. College students experience food insecurity at higher rates than the U.S. household average of 14.9%. The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the self-report survey answers. Conclusions: Food insecurity is linked to an increased risk of depression and poor academic performance. Further research is needed to explore and develop appropriate interventions to address food insecurity in college students (i.e. food pantries and transportation assistance to access more affordable food sources). Funding Disclosure: UAA Office of Undergraduate Research Grant
Research Outcome: This study examined the relationship of household food security (HFS) to fasting BG (FBG), body mass index (BMI), produce intake, and DEP in adult females with PCOS living in rural Appalachian Ohio. Methods: Survey of females 18 years [USDA HFS module; DEP Scale; Produce Intake and Behavior survey]. FBG (mg/dL) and BMI (wt/ht2) results were obtained. Pearson and Kendall’s taub correlations were used to assess the relationship of HFS to other parameters. Results: Participants (n¼52) were 329 years and had a BMI of 34.58.8 (n¼39). Participants primarily lived in households characterized by high HFS (n¼34, 65.4%). However, 7 (13.5%), 8 (15.4%), and 3 (5.8%) lived in households characterized by marginal, low, and very low HFS, respectively. Of 52 participants, 8 (15.4%) had mild to moderate DEP, and 17 (32.7%) had major DEP. Daily vegetable, fruit, and total produce servings (n¼50) were 2.61.9, 1.90.9, 4.52.3, respectively. Lower food insecurity was associated with higher DEP score (r¼0.447, p<.001), poorer vegetable intake (r¼-0.333, p¼.018), poorer total produce intake (r¼-0.318, p¼.024), and lower perceived benefits of produce (r¼-0.278, p¼.046). Other parameters were not significantly related to HFS. Conclusions: In females with PCOS, food insecurity was related to DEP and poorer produce intakes and behaviors. Further exploration is warranted in a larger sample to further clarify these trends. Funding Disclosure: The Diabetes Institute at Ohio University; The Diabetes Endocrine Center
Improving the Nutritional Profile of Foods Available to Food Bank Participants 1
2
3
4
1
Author(s): I. Laquatra , M. Seidel , M. Woods , J. Sharrard ; Food and Nutrition, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA, 2Falk School of Sustainability, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, 3Woodland Road Consulting, Leesburg, VA, 4Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Duquesne, PA
Food Pantry Customers’ Perspectives of a Diabetes-Friendly Food Box and Peer Mentoring for Living with Type 2 Diabetes Author(s): K.N. Wolf, K. Garrison, D. Habash, C. Spees; Medical Dietetics, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH
Learning Outcome: Understand and use a validated method for assessing foods in a food bank setting.
Learning Outcome: After reading/listening to this abstract presentation, the reader will be able to describe food pantry customers’ perceptions regarding a program providing diabetes-friendly foods and peer mentoring.
The Economic Research Service calculated that 14.5% of U.S. households were food insecure in 2012. These households cope by eating less varied diets, participating in government food assistance programs, and by turning to the Emergency Food System, which includes food banks. Food banks secure funding from donors to purchase food and also receive food products from manufacturers, retailers, and individuals. Because food insecure households also paradoxically struggle with obesity and malnutrition, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s (GPCFB) Nutrition Manager, supported by the Food Bank’s Food and Nutrition Committee endeavored to improve the nutritional profile of the foods offered to these struggling households. More specifically, a rating system was instituted to classify foods according to their nutritional content so that over time, the majority of foods offered by the GPCFB would be in line with current Dietary Guidance. Assessing single foods has always been a difficult and challenging undertaking, since federal dietary guidance most often pertains to entire diets and dietary patterns rather than individual foods. A peer-reviewed, validated algorithm was recently introduced at the GPCFB to evaluate food products. The algorithm and rating results for specific foods and categories will be shared to encourage its use in other Emergency Food System applications to gradually improve the nutritional profile of foods provided to insecure households.
Food pantries have the potential to impact the health of food insecure individuals living with type 2 diabetes. English and Spanish speaking food pantry clients with type 2 diabetes received low glycemic index foods (selected from or added to the regular food bank inventory) 2 times per month and peer mentoring for one year. Seven focus groups (n¼36) were conducted to better understand participant outcomes and perceptions of introduction to the diabetes-friendly food boxes and peer mentoring. An open-ended question thread was utilized, and data were transcribed from the audio-recorded sessions and analyzed by identifying, coding, and categorizing primary patterns/themes. Participants cited similar responses resulting in seven overarching themes: (1) assistance needed to manage diabetes, psycho-social, and behavioral activities varies considerably between participants, (2) cooking classes were highly requested, (3) food box contents influenced future food purchasing patterns, (4) glucose strips were too costly and result in less BG self-monitoring, (5) menus and recipes added to the food boxes requested, 6) food box distribution influences satisfaction of program, (7) nutrition education and food box contents must be coordinated. Peer mentoring outcomes were variable by ethnicity, mentor, and participant. As participants transition from the study, social services and nutritional assistance will be provided.
Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: Mid-Ohio Foodbank; Feeding America
A-94
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
September 2014 Suppl 2—Abstracts Volume 114 Number 9