Is Maternal Food Security a Predictor of Food and Drink Intake Among Toddlers in Oregon?

Abstract

Food insecurity has detrimental effects on the mental, physical, and behavioral health of developing children. Few studies, however, have sought to determine whether associations exist between food insecurity and intake of vegetables, fresh or canned fruit, candy or cookies, French fries, fast food, water, milk, fruit juices, fruit drinks, soda, and sports drinks. To identify independent associations that exist between maternal food insecurity and food and drink intake among toddlers, population-based data from the 2006-2008 Oregon Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System follow-back survey (Oregon PRAMS-2) of 1,522 mothers of 2-year-old children were analyzed. Maternal food insecurity was defined as mothers' report of eating less because of lack of money for food. Typical weekly child food and drink intake was examined using polytomous logistic regression: 0-1 days/week, 2-3 days/week, and 4-7 days/week. Maternal food insecurity prevalence was 11.7 %. (AOR for 4-7 days/week = 3.21; 95 % CI 1.12, 9.14) more days of the week. Maternal food insecurity is associated with weekly intake of certain foods and drinks. Among toddlers, consumption of fewer vegetables and fruit, and more soda may help explain the link between food insecurity and poor health. HHS Public Access

The role of prenatal food insecurity on breastfeeding behaviors: findings from the United States pregnancy risk assessment monitoring system

“…(yes/no). This standard question is one of the items included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) abbreviated 6-item food security module [32] and has been used elsewhere [33,34]. Responses were dichotomized to food insecure (yes) and food secure (no).…”

The Relationship Between Food Insecurity, Dietary Patterns, and Obesity

“…In a study of 1,522 mother-toddler pairs, Cunningham et al found that maternal food insecurity was associated with a lower weekly intake of fruits and vegetables and a higher weekly intake of soda for toddlers. [64] Nguyen et al found that food insecurity was adversely associated with maternal diet diversity among mothers with children 2 years old or younger. [65] No association was found for child diet diversity.…”

Household Food Insecurity, Maternal Nutritional Status, and Infant Feeding Practices Among HIV-infected Ugandan Women Receiving Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

“…Although infant feeding practices are one of the most important determinants of the health of young children, there are limited data on the relationship between HHFI and breastfeeding [20-22] and complementary feeding practices [19-21, 23]. Further, we are unaware of any studies evaluating the association between HHFI and infant feeding in the context of HIV.…”