Factors associated with food insecurity among older homeless adults: results from the HOPE HOME study. (2nd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tong, M; Tieu, L; Lee, C T; Ponath, C; Guzman, D; Kushel, M
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health. Volume 41:Number 2(2019:Jun.)
• Page Start: 240
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2018-04-02
• Subjects: adults -- ageing -- housing; Public health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-3842

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The US homeless population is aging. Older adults and those living in poverty are at a high risk of food insecurity. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a population-based study of 350 homeless adults aged ≥50. We assessed food security and receipt of food assistance. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with very low food security. Results: The majority of the cohort was male and African American. Over half (55.4%) met criteria for food insecurity, 24.3% reported very low food security. Half (51.7%) reported receiving monetary food assistance. In the multivariable model, those who were primarily sheltered in the prior 6 months, (multi-institution users [AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22–0.86]) had less than half the odds of very low food security compared with those who were unsheltered. Depressive symptoms (AOR = 3.01, 1.69–5.38), oral pain (AOR = 2.15, 1.24–3.74) and cognitive impairment (AOR = 2.21, 1.12–4.35) were associated with increased odds of very low food security. Conclusions: Older homeless adults experience a high prevalence of food insecurity. To alleviate food insecurity in this population, targeted interventions must address specific risk groups.