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Beyond the Kitchen Table: A Cross-Sectional Study on Food Insecurity and Emergency Department Use in the Community
By Yang K, Truex R, Bouton M and 2 others.
Abstract
Aim
Food insecurity affects 33.8 million Americans and is associated with physical and mental health challenges and increased emergency department utilization. This study examined food insecurity prevalence among community-dwelling adults and identified demographic and social factors associated with emergency department use.
Design
Cross-sectional study design.
Methods
This study used a needs assessment survey administered to adults at health and wellness events over 3 years. Food insecurity was measured using The Hunger Vital Sign, a validated two-question screening tool. Emergency department use was assessed through self-report. Analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and binary logistic regression.