Objectives:
The purpose of this pilot study was to quantify prevalence of food insecurity and determinants among households including children with hemophilia. Food insecurity, the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food, negatively affects children’s development and health. Households including people with hemophilia may be at increased risk for food insecurity due to hemophilia-related medical expenses and employment limitations.
Methods:
Food insecurity and health status, as assessed at annual comprehensive visits from May 2012-January 2013 were obtained by chart review. A two-question, validated screening tool was used to assess food insecurity status Descriptive statistics were applied to summarize participant characteristics. This study was approved by the Oregon Health & Science University Institutional Review Board.
Summary:
Data were available for forty-two male participants, aged 0-18 years, 42.9% had mild or moderate hemophilia and 57.1% severe. Prevalence of food insecurity overall was 16.7% (95% CI 5.4-28.0%), similar to national averages; food insecurity was rare among those with mild and moderate disease (5.6%) and concentrated among those with severe disease (25.0%; 95% CI 7.7-42.3%). Additionally, children who were older, taller, heavier, had higher body mass index (BMI) status, or were identified as a minority race or ethnicity were at increased risk for food insecurity (all P>0.05).
Conclusions:
This study provides pilot data showing the need for food insecurity screening and linkage to resources as a routine part of care, and the need for improved understanding of the determinants of food insecurity in this population.