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Open Access 01-12-2024 | COVID-19 | Research

Food insecurity in urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Katie Nelson, Alexandra M. Jackson, Cassandra J. Nguyen, Carolyn Noonan, Clemma Muller, Richard F. MacLehose, Spero M. Manson, Denise A. Dillard, Dedra Buchwald, CONCERTS Collaborative

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Food insecurity is an important social determinant of health that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both food insecurity and COVID-19 infection disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly American Indian and Alaska Native communities; however, there is little evidence as to whether food insecurity is associated with COVID-19 infection or COVID-19 preventive behaviors such as vaccination uptake. The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between food insecurity, COVID-19 infection, and vaccination status among urban American Indian and Alaska Native adults seen at 5 clinics serving urban Native people.

Methods

In partnership with health organizations in Alaska, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, and New Mexico, the study team conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2021 to assess food security status and attitudes, barriers, and facilitators for COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of food security status with sociodemographic factors and COVID-19 infection and vaccination status. Marginal standardization was applied to present results as prevalence differences.

Results

Among 730 American Indian and Alaska Native adults, the prevalence of food insecurity measured during the pandemic was 38%. For participants who reported persistent food security status before and during the pandemic (n = 588), the prevalence of food insecurity was 25%. Prevalence of COVID-19 infection and vaccination did not vary by food security status after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

High rates of food insecurity among American Indian and Alaska Native communities likely increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite the high prevalence of food insecurity, community-led efforts to reduce COVID-19 infection and increase vaccination uptake across Indian Health Service and Tribal healthcare facilities may have mitigated the negative impacts of the pandemic for families experiencing food insecurity. These successful approaches serve as an important reference for future public health efforts that require innovative strategies to improve overall health in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

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Title: Food insecurity in urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Katie Nelson
Alexandra M. Jackson
Cassandra J. Nguyen
Carolyn Noonan
Clemma Muller
Richard F. MacLehose
Spero M. Manson
Denise A. Dillard
Dedra Buchwald
CONCERTS Collaborative
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: COVID-19
Vaccination
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18390-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Food insecurity in urban American Indian and Alaska Native populations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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