Book chapter
Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Food Insecurity
Identifying and Addressing Childhood Food Insecurity in Healthcare and Community Settings
08 May 2018
Abstract
This chapter outlines the history of food insecurity (FI) in the United States. In so doing, key terminology is introduced and defined. The discussion extends to currently available and used FI measurement tools. Moreover, at-risk populations, and health outcomes of relevance to FI provide the reader with a baseline understanding for future screening, intervention, management, and advocacy. Specifically, FI is positioned, in this chapter, as a significant social determinant of health (SDH), one that affects 1 in 8 U.S. households; 1 in 6 with children. FI prevalence is highest amongst low income households, but nearly 25% of households with children experiencing FI have incomes >185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Any household with children is at higher risk for FI. Other households with a high prevalence of FI include those headed by single parents and those led by ethnic or racial minorities. Children, families, and households that experience hardships like FI also frequently experience related physical health, mental health, psychosocial, developmental, and academic challenges. Clinicians must be aware of the prevalence and significance of FI to provide better care and to more effectively meet the needs of their patients and families.
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Details
- Title
- Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Food Insecurity
- Creators
- Kofi Essel - George Washington UniversityKelly A. Courts - St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
- Publication Details
- Identifying and Addressing Childhood Food Insecurity in Healthcare and Community Settings
- Series
- SpringerBriefs in Public Health
- Publisher
- Springer International Publishing; Cham
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85046707941
- Other Identifier
- 991019173518404721