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Journal of Osteopathic Medicine August 2024: Association and disparities of food insecurity and exposure to violence: analysis of the National Survey of Children’s Health

OVERVIEW:

Lack of access to food is a significant concern for child well-being, and it creates many health disparities and adverse social outcomes. Food insecurity and its many associated risk factors increase parental stress, which are strongly correlated with an increased risk of child abuse and maltreatment. Research now identifies being witness to domestic abuse as a form of child maltreatment, and exposure to violence in the community has been shown to result in similar long-term impacts. Given the potential for lifelong adverse effects from experiencing adverse childhood events involving violence and food insecurity, our primary objective was to assess the relationship between the two and disparities among demographic factors.

Authors: Molly Bloom; Cassie McCoy; Amy D. Hendrix-Dicken, MA; Covenant Elenwo, MPH; Michael A. Baxter, DO; Sara Coffey, DO; Micah Hartwell, PhD

OBJECTIVES:

 Describe the impact of food insecurity on childhood health outcomes

 Explain the interactions between exposure to violence and food insecurity

 Outline recommendations to reduce the risk of food insecurity for families

Expiration Date:  July 31, 2027

The AOA designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 1-B Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.