(LB02-12-24) Examination of Dietary Intake and Social Determinants of Health Among Food Insecure Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings From the CHANGE INC. Study

Objectives: To examine the relationship between dietary intake and social determinants of health among adult residents who screened as food insecure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Adult residents of Cuyahoga County, OH were screened for food insecurity using a local healthcare system’s 2-question food insecurity screener, identified as food insecure, and were recruited to participate in the Community Health and Nutrition Guided Empowerment in Neighborhoods of Cleveland (CHANGE INC.) program. Dietary intake was assessed using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire 2014, and social determinants of health were assessed using Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patient’s Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE) tool. Descriptive analyses were conducted. T-tests and chi-squared analyses were utilized to examine the relationship between dietary intake and social determinants of health.

Results: Nineteen adult residents enrolled. Mean age of participants was 59.16±2.10 years and mean household income was $2915.91±$63.16% (n=12) were female; 31.58 % (n=6), 52.63% (n=10), and 15.79% (n=3) identified as White, Black/African American, or Other, respectively; 89.47% (n=17) identified as non-Hispanic/Latino; 57.89% (n=11), 21.05% (n=4), and 21.05% (n=4) experienced high/marginal, low, and very low food security, respectively. 84.21% (n=16) felt physically and emotionally safe at home; 10.53% (n=2); 94.74% (n=18) had housing; 31.58% (n=3) worried about losing housing; 31.58% (n=4) experienced high levels of stress. Mean intake of food energy 2856.92±626.49 kcal; protein 116.53±27.86 g; carbohydrate 325.57±67.38 g; fat 124.34±28.75 g; dietary fiber 23.26±5.46 g; saturated fatty acids 40.54±9.29 g; total fruit 1.36±0.39 c; total vegetable 1.87±0.47 c; total grain 7.99±2.04 oz; total protein foods 8.79±2.10 oz; total dairy 2.26±0.44 c; oils 37.94±8.53 g; solid fats 59.08±13.95 g; added sugars 18.97±4.96 g; alcoholic drinks 0.086±0.05 drinks. Individuals who reported fearing their partner or ex-partner consumed significantly more added sugar (p < 0.01) and alcohol (p < 0.05) compared to those who reported not fearing their partner or ex-partner.

Conclusions: The relationship between dietary intake and fearing one’s current or ex-partner must be further explored.

Funding Sources: Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge Grant; ServeOhio