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Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (21 October 2021) | Viewed by 28167

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Dr. Rickelle Richards

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Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, Brigham Young University, S233 Eyring Science Center, Provo, UT 84602, USA
Interests: food insecurity; low-income populations; homelessness; college students
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

I invite you to consider submitting a paper to a Special Issue in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) entitled “Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations.”

In 2019, the United Nations estimated that 8.2% of people globally were living in poverty and 25.9% were food insecure, with these numbers projected to increase as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2020). Previous qualitative and quantitative research has suggested that low-income populations alter dietary behaviors as a result of inadequate income or limited access to food, which in turn has been shown to negatively impact health. Research is needed to further evaluate the dietary behaviors of low-income populations and how this affects health, as a means to better understand the impact of poverty globally and how to best address it.

Manuscript submissions for this Special Issue may be based on qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods original research or secondary data analyses (including reviews) that evaluate:

Dietary behaviors such as food choices, food access, eating patterns, or other dietary behaviors
Health outcomes such as body mass index or other anthropometric measures, diabetes, heart disease or other physical health outcomes, and mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, etc.)

Low-income populations can include samples from across the life-span, including pregnancy, young children, pre-adolescents, adolescents, young adults or college students, adults, and older adults, and life situations such as homelessness and the use of food assistance programs. Articles related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dietary behaviors and health outcomes in low-income populations are also welcomed.

Dr. Rickelle Richards
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

food insecurity
poverty
homelessness
food assistance programs
eating patterns
food choices
food access
dietary behaviors
physical health outcomes
mental health outcomes

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parenting Practices and Adolescents’ Eating Behaviors in African American Families

by Lillie Monroe-Lord, Blake L. Jones, Rickelle Richards, Marla Reicks, Carolyn Gunther, Jinan Banna, Glade L. Topham, Alex Anderson, Karina R. Lora, Siew Sun Wong, Miriam Ballejos, Laura Hopkins and Azam Ardakani

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010110 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3284

Abstract

Parents play an important role in developing the eating behaviors of their children by adopting specific parenting practices. As the prevalence of obesity is high amongst African American adolescents, investigations into associations of specific parenting practices and adolescents’ eating behaviors are essential. In this exploratory study, 14 African American parent–adolescent dyads were interviewed to characterize the influence of eight different parenting practices on the consumption of three main food categories (dairy, fruits and vegetables, and unhealthy snacks). The results revealed that authoritarian parenting practices were correlated with a higher BMI percentile in adolescents, whereas modeling and monitoring are correlated with a higher parent BMI. In addition, reasoning, monitoring, modeling, and authoritative parenting practices were associated with less unhealthy snack consumption among adolescents. Reasoning and monitoring were the only parenting practices associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption. Finally, a significant correlation was found between eating fruits and vegetables and unhealthy snacks and the location of eating. In conclusion, different parenting practices and environmental factors may impact BMI and food consumption of African American dyads. The results of this study can be used to guide improvement in, and/or development of, nutritional education interventions considering the cultural differences of racial minorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

14 pages, 1927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Intake, Cost, and Affordability by Socioeconomic Group in Australia

by Meron Lewis, Sarah A. McNaughton, Lucie Rychetnik, Mark D. Chatfield and Amanda J. Lee

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413315 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4690

Abstract

Few Australians consume diets consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. A major problem is high intake of discretionary food and drinks (those not needed for health and high in saturated fat, added sugar, salt and/or alcohol). Low socioeconomic groups (SEGs) suffer particularly poor diet-related health. Surprisingly, detailed quantitative dietary data across SEGs was lacking. Analysis of the most recent national nutrition survey data produced habitual intakes of a reference household (two adults and two children) in SEG quintiles of household income. Cost and affordability of habitual and recommended diets for the reference household were determined using methods based on the Healthy Diets Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing protocol. Low SEGs reported significantly lower intakes of healthy food and drinks yet similarly high intakes of discretionary choices to high SEGs (435 serves/fortnight). Total habitual diets of low SEGs cost significantly less than those of high SEGs (AU$751/fortnight to AU$853/fortnight). Results confirmed low SEGs cannot afford a healthy diet. Lower intakes of healthy choices in low SEGs may help explain their higher rates of diet-related disease compared to higher SEGs. The findings can inform potential policy actions to improve affordability of healthy foods and help drive healthier diets for all Australians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

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12 pages, 4228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Validation and Improvement of a Food Literacy Behavior Checklist for Food Literacy Programs

by Ellen Paynter, Andrea Begley, Lucy M. Butcher and Satvinder S. Dhaliwal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13282; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413282 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2491

Abstract

Food literacy is a multidimensional construct required to achieve diet quality. The Food Sensations^® for Adults (FSA) program aims to improve the food literacy of low to middle-income adults living in Western Australia and is funded by the Western Australian Department of Health. The original published behavior checklist used to measure change in food literacy has been revised based on experience of the facilitators and the iterative development of the program. This research sought to assess the validity and reliability of the improved food literacy behavior checklist. A total of 1,359 participants completed the checklist over an 18-month period. Content, face, and construct validity were considered in the re-development of the checklist. An exploratory factor analysis of the checklist identified three factors: (1) Plan and Manage, (2) Selection, and (3) Preparation. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.883, 0.760, and 0.868 were found for each of the three factors respectively. These coefficients indicated good internal consistency and were higher than those found in the original checklist analysis. An external validation was undertaken with the original food literacy behavior checklist, and a strong positive relationship between the two tools was found. In addition to being used to evaluate FSA, this revised and extensively validated tool could provide guidance to others evaluating similar food literacy programs and contribute to international measurement research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

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14 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Emergency Preparedness Practices between Food Assistance Program Participants and Non-Participants in the United States

by Gina J. Fung, Laura K. Jefferies, Michelle A. Lloyd Call, Dennis L. Eggett and Rickelle Richards

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12937; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412937 - 8 Dec 2021

Viewed by 1464

Abstract

Background: Previous research has suggested many households are meeting the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s 3-day emergency food and water storage recommendations. The impact of limited economic household resources on emergency preparedness practices related to food and water is uncertain. The purpose of this study was to compare emergency preparedness practices in households participating in United States’ food assistance programs with households not participating in these programs. Methods: A convenience sample of adults (n = 572) completed an online Qualtrics survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square statistics, and independent t-tests were used to measure differences between households participating in food assistance programs vs. non-participating households. Results: Most households participating in food assistance programs felt prepared to provide household members with food and water during an emergency, which did not significantly differ from non-participating households. Households using food assistance programs had less accessible cash but had similar foods on-hand for an emergency compared to non-participating households. However, they more frequently reported having baby formula/food and less frequently reported having vitamin/mineral supplements compared to non-participating households. Conclusions: Food assistance programs may be effective in providing enough food and water to help low-income families be prepared for an emergency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

23 pages, 1729 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Delivering an on-Campus Food Distribution Program in a Community College Setting: A Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Investigation

by Daphne C. Hernandez, Sajeevika S. Daundasekara, Quenette L. Walton, Chinyere Y. Eigege and Allison N. Marshall

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12106; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212106 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2311

Abstract

Despite community college students experiencing food insecurity there has been a dearth of research conducted on the feasibility of providing a program designed to increase access to fruits and vegetables among community colleges. This study used a mixed methods sequential explanatory design to examine the feasibility of delivering an on-campus food distribution program (FDP) to community college students and to examine the association between FDP and food insecurity and dietary intake. The study also explored the student’s experiences related to barriers and facilitators of program utilization. In phase one, the FDP occurred for eight months and students could attend twice per month, receiving up to 60 pounds of food per visit. Online questionnaires were used to collect students’ food security and dietary intake. Among the 1000 students offered the FDP, 495 students enrolled, with 329 students (66.5%) attending ≥ 1. Average attendance = 3.27 (SD = 3.08) [Range = 1–16] distributions. The FDP did not reduce food insecurity nor improve dietary intake. In phase two, a subsample of students (n = 36) discussed their FDP experiences through focus groups revealing three barriers limiting program utilization: program design and organization, personal schedule and transportation, and program abuse by other attendees. Facilitators to greater program utilization included: the type of food distributed and welcoming environment, along with allowing another designated individual to collect food. To maximize program use, it is suggested that reported barriers be addressed, which might positively influence food insecurity and dietary intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

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10 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cooking, Shopping, and Eating Behaviors of African American and Hispanic Families: Implications for a Culturally Appropriate Meal Kit Intervention

by Lauren H. Sweeney, Kaley Carman, Elder G. Varela, Lisa A. House and Karla P. Shelnutt

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189827 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3068

Abstract

Families with low incomes face barriers to preparing healthy meals, including decreased food access and limited time, and may turn to fast, low-quality, and inexpensive foods. Affordable and accessible meal kits may reduce these barriers. The objective of this study was to explore the cooking, eating, and shopping behaviors of African American (AA) and Hispanic participants living in the United States with low incomes and determine the knowledge of and preferences for a culturally appropriate meal kit intervention. Trained researchers conducted focus groups using a semi-structured questionnaire with AA and Hispanic food preparers with low incomes. Participant cooking, eating, and shopping behaviors and knowledge of and preferences for a culturally appropriate meal kit intervention were evaluated using thematic analysis. AA participants (n = 16) reported cooking on average 2 to 3 days per week and more often on weekends. Hispanic participants (n = 15) reported cooking 5 days per week and more often during the week. Both groups identified cost as the number one consideration when shopping. Most were unfamiliar with meal kits but indicated they would try an affordable meal kit. AA and Hispanic participants differed in their cooking, eating, and shopping behaviors but were equally interested in trying meal kits if affordable and culturally appropriate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

15 pages, 373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adolescent-Reported Latino Fathers’ Food Parenting Practices and Family Meal Frequency Are Associated with Better Adolescent Dietary Intake

by Aysegul Baltaci, Silvia Alvarez de Davila, Alejandro Omar Reyes Peralta, Melissa N. Laska, Nicole Larson, Ghaffar Ali Hurtado and Marla Reicks

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8226; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158226 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2784

Abstract

Most studies of food-related parenting practices, parental meal involvement, and adolescent dietary intake have focused on maternal influences; studies of paternal influences, particularly among marginalized groups, are lacking. This study examined lower-income, Latino fathers’ food parenting practices and involvement in planning meals, buying/preparing foods, and family meal frequency, separately and in combination, to identify relationships with adolescent food intake. Baseline data were used from Latino adolescents (10–14 years, n = 191, 49% boys) participating with their fathers in a community-based overweight/obesity prevention intervention. Fathers reported sociodemographic characteristics. Adolescents reported frequency of fathers’ food parenting practices, fathers’ food/meal involvement, and family meals and participated in 24 h dietary recalls. The analysis included regression models using GLM (generalized linear mixed model) and PLM (post GLM processing) procedures. Most fathers were married, employed full-time, and had annual incomes below USD 50,000. Favorable fathers’ food parenting practices were associated with adolescent intake of more fruit and vegetables and fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, sweets/salty snacks, and less fast food (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). No independent effects of family meal frequency or fathers’ food/meal involvement were observed on adolescent dietary outcomes. Additional analyses showed favorable food parenting practices in combination with frequent family meals were associated with adolescents having a higher intake of fruit (p = 0.011). Latino fathers can have an important positive influence on adolescent dietary intake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

15 pages, 326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Their Own Words: Parents and Key Informants’ Views on Nutrition Education and Family Health Behaviors

by Katherine E. McManus, Adrian Bertrand, Anastasia M. Snelling and Elizabeth W. Cotter

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8155; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158155 - 1 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3985

Abstract

Parents, health professionals, and communities are integral in the development of nutrition behaviors that reduce children’s risk for high body mass index (BMI) and chronic disease. The aim of this study was to conduct formative evaluations with key health informants and parents to understand the specific strategies that families use at mealtimes to promote their family’s health, along with the barriers they face in attending current nutrition education programming. Focus groups (in English and Spanish) were conducted with parents (n = 22; 63.64% Black/African American, 13.64% Black but not African American, 18.18% Hispanic/Latinx) whose household was located in a community where 50% of residents’ gross income was ≤185% of the federal poverty level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six key informants with expertise in family health and nutrition. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify themes across interviews. Six general themes emerged from the interviews including perceptions of health, relationships, health behaviors, facilitators, barriers, and desired changes. Across the six themes, participants responded with suggestions for community-based health promotion programs such as incorporating a broader definition of health to better address the individual and systemic barriers that perpetuate health inequities and make healthy eating difficult. Participants identified stress reduction, health literacy, and cooking knowledge as areas of interest for future programming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

12 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Timing of WIC Enrollment and Responsive Feeding among Low-Income Women in the US

by Katelin M. Hudak and Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147695 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2542

Abstract

We examined associations between the timing of The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) enrollment and responsive feeding and assessed food security as a possible effect modifier. We used data from the nationally representative WIC Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study-2. Our sample includes women-infant dyads interviewed through the first 13 months of age (n = 1672). We dichotomized WIC enrollment as occurring prenatally or after childbirth. The responsive feeding outcome was feeding on demand versus feeding on schedule. We used covariate-adjusted logistic regressions. Of women, 61.8% had a high school education or less and 62.9% lived at 75% or less of the federal poverty guideline. The majority (84.5%) of women enrolled in WIC before childbirth. In unadjusted estimates, 34% of women who enrolled prenatally practiced responsive feeding, compared to 25% of women who enrolled after childbirth. We found no evidence of food security as an effect modifier. In adjusted estimates, women who enrolled in WIC prenatally had 78% higher odds of practicing responsive feeding (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.16, 2.73), compared to women who enrolled after childbirth. Prenatal enrollment in WIC was associated with higher odds of responsive feeding. Future studies should examine how the timing of WIC enrollment relates to responsive feeding in older children and over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Behaviors and Health Outcomes in Low-Income Populations)

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