PREVALENCE OF FOOD INSECURITY IN TWO CANADIAN URBAN PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Food insecurity, defined as when the quality or quantity of food available to an individual is compromised, remains a significant social problem in Canada. Recent data has shown that 7.7% of Canadian homes experience food insecurity and children are disproportionately represented. Risk factors include financial stress, recent immigration, single parent homes and the presence of children in the household. Because food insecurity is linked to poor health outcomes, such as obesity and depression, it is a significant public health issue. Front line health care workers have a role to play in identifying and advocating for these families. OBJECTIVES What is the prevalence of food insecure households among families visiting 2 large, urban pediatric emergency departments? What are the demographic, geographic and social risk factors associated with food insecurity? DESIGN/METHODS: An anonymous cross sectional survey was distributed to all patients and families visiting 2 emergency departments during a 2 week period in order to extrapolate data on prevalence of an associations with food insecurity. RESULT(S): A total of 644 patients completed the survey. 22.7% (146) of families were identified as being food insecure. Risk factors associated with food insecurity included having a high school education or less, having a lower income (