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Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination Are Associated with Food Insecurity and Poor Health

Author

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  • Pam Phojanakong

    (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Emily Brown Weida

    (Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Gabriella Grimaldi

    (Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Félice Lê-Scherban

    (Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Mariana Chilton

    (Department of Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

This study examines the associations of mothers’ experiences of discrimination (EODs) with household food insecurity (HFI), physical health, and depressive symptoms, while taking into account the influence of mothers’ Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and public assistance participation. Mothers (N = 1372) of young children under age 4 who self-identified as Latinx, Non-Latinx Black/African American and Non-Latinx white answered questions for a cross-sectional survey in an emergency room in a large children’s hospital in Philadelphia between 2016 and 2018. Logistic regression was used to model associations of EODs in specific settings with HFI, depressive symptoms, and physical health. Compared to those without EODs, mothers with EODs from police/courts and in workplaces had higher odds of HFI, AOR =2.04 (95% CI: 1.44–2.89) and AOR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.18–2.11), respectively. Among Latinx mothers, EODs in school were associated with nearly 60% higher odds of HFI and nearly 80% higher odds of depressive symptoms. Latinx and Black mothers with EODs in workplaces had higher odds of HFI (AOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.21–2.56 and AOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.05–2.36, respectively), compared to mothers without EODs. Discrimination is associated with HFI, depressive symptoms, and poor health. Public health interventions intended to improve food security and health may be only partially effective without simultaneously addressing racism and discrimination.

Suggested Citation

  • Pam Phojanakong & Emily Brown Weida & Gabriella Grimaldi & Félice Lê-Scherban & Mariana Chilton, 2019. "Experiences of Racial and Ethnic Discrimination Are Associated with Food Insecurity and Poor Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:22:p:4369-:d:285109
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Alexandria J. Drake & Lora A. Phillips & Brajesh Karna & Shakthi Bharathi Murugesan & Lily K. Villa & Nathan A. Smith, 2023. "Food insecurity and disasters: predicting disparities in total and first-time food pantry visits during the COVID-19 pandemic," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 15(2), pages 493-504, April.
    5. Cindy Mahoney & Benjamin J. Becerra & Devin Arias & Jacqueline E. Romano & Monideepa B. Becerra, 2022. "“ We’ve Always Been Kind of Kicked to the Curb ”: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of Discrimination Experiences among College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-11, August.
    6. Chukwuemeka E. Ogbu & Chisa O. Oparanma & Stella C. Ogbu & Otobo I. Ujah & Ndugba S. Chinenye & Chidera P. Ogbu & Russell S. Kirby, 2023. "Neighborhood Unsafety, Discrimination, and Food Insecurity among Nigerians Aged 15–49," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-14, August.
    7. Audrey Murrell & Ray Jones, 2020. "Measuring Food Insecurity Using the Food Abundance Index: Implications for Economic, Health and Social Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-12, April.

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