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Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 2/2013

01-04-2013 | Original Paper

Food Insecurity Among Cambodian Refugee Women Two Decades Post Resettlement

Authors: Jerusha Nelson Peterman, Parke E. Wilde, Linda Silka, Odilia I. Bermudez, Beatrice Lorge Rogers

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 2/2013

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Abstract

Resettled refugees have high rates of chronic disease, which may be partially due to persistent food insecurity. This study describes food experiences on arrival in the U.S. and current food security status and examines characteristics related to food insecurity in a well-established refugee community. Focus groups and a survey assessed food security status and personal characteristics of Cambodian women in Lowell, MA, USA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine relationships with food insecurity. Current rates of food insecurity are high. In multivariate models, food insecurity was positively associated with being depressed and being widowed, and negatively associated with higher income and acculturation. Early arrivers (1980s) had difficulty in the U.S. food system on arrival, while later arrivers (1990s–2000s) did not. Refugee agencies should consider strategically devoting resources to ensure successful early transition to the U.S. food environment and long-term food security of refugees.
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Metadata
Title
Food Insecurity Among Cambodian Refugee Women Two Decades Post Resettlement
Authors
Jerusha Nelson Peterman
Parke E. Wilde
Linda Silka
Odilia I. Bermudez
Beatrice Lorge Rogers
Publication date
01-04-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 2/2013
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-012-9704-5

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