The Household Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes of U.S. Mexico Border Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers
Author: Weigel, M
Date Published: 2007
Emerging evidence suggests chronic household food insecurity has an adverse effect on health. This study examined the prevalence, predictors and health outcomes associated with food insecurity in 100 migrant and seasonal farmworker households living on the U.S. Mexico border. Data were collected using the US Food Security Scale, California Agricultural Workers Health Survey and object anthrpometric, clinical and biochemical indicators. Food insecurity affected 82 percent of households. And 49 percent of those households reported that they went hungry. Household food insecurity was predicted by the presence of minor children in the home and low maternal education. Food insecure households were more likely to have at least one member affected by symptoms of depression, nervous conditions, learning disorders, and symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal infection. Although not directly associated with food insecurity, adult obesity, central body adiposity, elevated blood pressure, and blood lipid and glucose disturbances were in homes classified as food insecure.
Date Published: 2007
Emerging evidence suggests chronic household food insecurity has an adverse effect on health. This study examined the prevalence, predictors and health outcomes associated with food insecurity in 100 migrant and seasonal farmworker households living on the U.S. Mexico border. Data were collected using the US Food Security Scale, California Agricultural Workers Health Survey and object anthrpometric, clinical and biochemical indicators. Food insecurity affected 82 percent of households. And 49 percent of those households reported that they went hungry. Household food insecurity was predicted by the presence of minor children in the home and low maternal education. Food insecure households were more likely to have at least one member affected by symptoms of depression, nervous conditions, learning disorders, and symptoms suggestive of gastrointestinal infection. Although not directly associated with food insecurity, adult obesity, central body adiposity, elevated blood pressure, and blood lipid and glucose disturbances were in homes classified as food insecure.
