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. 2023 Jun 6;28(4):229-234.
doi: 10.1093/pch/pxac133. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Prevalence and characterization of food insecurity in a Canadian paediatric emergency department

Elspeth MacBain  1   2 , Mohamed Eltorki  1   2 , Stacey Marjerrison  1   2 , Alim Pardhan  1   2 , Gita Wahi  1   2 , Quang N Ngo  1   2
Affiliations

Prevalence and characterization of food insecurity in a Canadian paediatric emergency department

Elspeth MacBain et al. Paediatr Child Health. .

Abstract

Objectives: Food insecurity (FI) is associated with a number of adverse child health outcomes and increased emergency department (ED) use. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the financial hardship faced by many families. We sought to determine the prevalence of FI among children with ED visits, compare this to pre-pandemic rates, and describe associated risk factors.

Methods: From September to December 2021, families presenting to a Canadian paediatric ED were asked to complete a survey screening for FI along with health and demographic information. Results were compared to data collected in 2012. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure associations with FI.

Results: In 2021, 26% (n = 173/665) of families identified as food insecure compared to 22.7% in 2012 (n = 146/644) a difference of 3.3% (95% CI [-1.4%, 8.1%]). In multivariable analysis, greater number of children in the home (OR 1.19, 95% CI [1.01, 1.41]), financial strain from medical expenses (OR 5.31, 95% CI [3.45, 8.18]), and a lack of primary care access (OR 1.27, 95% CI [1.08, 1.51]) were independent predictors of FI. Less than half of families with FI reported use of food charity, most commonly food banks, while one-quarter received help from family or friends. Families experiencing FI expressed a preference for support through free or low-cost meals and financial assistance with medical expenses.

Conclusion: More than one in four families attending a paediatric ED screened positive for FI. Future research is needed to examine the effect of support interventions for families assessed in medical care facilities including financial support for those with chronic medical conditions.

Keywords: Emergency Department; Food insecurity; Paediatric; Social determinants.

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Conflict of interest statement

QNN holds a grant from eCampus Ontario for a separate project designing a virtual emergency department simulation space. SM’s research work is supported by the McMaster University Ronald Barr Professorship in Pediatric Oncology and a Hamilton Health Sciences Early Career Award. She also holds grants for other projects from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. GW is supported by the Hamilton Health Sciences Early Career Award. She also holds grants with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. EM is the recipient of the Pediatric Resident Research Award that funded this project. AP received a stipend for testimony at a coroner’s inquest unrelated to the topic of this manuscript. There are no other disclosures.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Prevalence of food insecurity (%).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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