How Food Insecurity may Impact Attitudes on Dietary Change in a High-risk Community

Abstract Background: Nearly 50 million people in the United States experience food insecurity. These individuals are disproportionately affected by obesity and unhealthy diet. Studies demonstrated improving food availability within food deserts does not address food insecurity. This study aimed to examine if food insecurity is a barrier to dietary change.

Abstract Methods: In March and April of 2023, 94 participants aged 18 years and over were anonymously surveyed at community events in Hartford, Connecticut. This assessment included demographics, dietary habits, food insecurity, and willingness to change diet. “Food insecurity” was categorized by responses of ‘often true’ or ‘sometimes true’ on the two-question Hager Food Insecurity Assessment. Willingness to change was rated on a scale of 1 (“not at all") to 10 (“extremely willing”). Analysis between food secure and insecure participants involved Chi-Square testing. Analysis between food insecurity and willingness to change diet was completed with independent two-sample t-testing in SAS software.

Abstract Results: Of the 94 participants that completed the survey, 55% (52/94) were deemed to have food insecurity, and the remainder as food secure. Rates of food insecurity were similar despite differences in age, race, and number of children (P-values 0.41, 0.48, 0.30). Level of education was significantly inversely related with rates of food insecurity in those participants with some college experience or more being lowest (38% vs. 66% P-value 0.03). Both food secure and insecure were similarly ready for dietary change (P-value 0.16). Both groups were willing to commit at least 2-3 days per week to making dietary change, on average (P-value 0.089). Confidence in making dietary change differed the most between these two groups, with the food secure group’s mean confidence measuring 7.8/10 and the food insecure group 6.8/10 (P-value 0.063).

Abstract Conclusion: Food insecurity may be implicated in the confidence needed to make successful dietary change. Despite food insecurity, individuals appear willing and ready to commit time to bettering their diets. Further studies are needed to elucidate the modifiable components of self-confidence based on the Bandura theory.

Funding: N/A

Conflict of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest related to this research.