(P20-085-24) The Impact of Food and Nutrition Security on Well-Being of Correctional Officers in and Around New Jersey

Objectives: This study investigates the relationship between food and nutrition security and correctional officers' psychological distress, burnout, and sleep health in and around New Jersey.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from May to July 2023. Food security was assessed using the USDA's 6-item short-form food security module, while nutrition security was measured using the one-item screener developed by the Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition. The study utilized the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and Sleep Hygiene Index.

Results: Out of 227 participants, 63% were male, 53% were White, and 80% were non-Hispanic. The majority were full-time employees (76%), with 64% working in county jails and 48% in prison facilities. A fifth (26%) were food insecure, and 31% had low nutrition security. The study found that food insecurity was associated with poorer sleep (21.8 vs 11.0, p=0.001), greater psychological distress (24 vs 14.3, p=0.001 and more burnout (48.2 vs 30.2, p=0.001). Similarly, low nutrition security was linked to poorer sleep (21.5 vs 10.5, p=0.001), increased psychological distress (24.4 vs 13.5, p=0.001 and higher burnout (49.6 vs 28.9, p=0.001).

Conclusions: The study highlights the significant impact of food and nutrition security on correctional officers' psychological well-being and sleep health, emphasizing the need for interventions to address these determinants of health.

Funding Sources: This study was supported by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center.