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Association of Problematic Alcohol Use and Food Insecurity among Homeless Men and Women

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  • Lorraine R. Reitzel

    (Department of Psychological, Health & Learning Sciences, The University of Houston, 3657 Cullen Blvd Stephen Power Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    HEALTH Research Institute, The University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Surya Chinamuthevi

    (Department of Psychological, Health & Learning Sciences, The University of Houston, 3657 Cullen Blvd Stephen Power Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    HEALTH Research Institute, The University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Sajeevika S. Daundasekara

    (Department of Health & Human Performance, The University of Houston, 3875 Holman Street, Garrison Gymnasium, Room 104, Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Daphne C. Hernandez

    (Cizik School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA)

  • Tzu-An Chen

    (Department of Psychological, Health & Learning Sciences, The University of Houston, 3657 Cullen Blvd Stephen Power Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    HEALTH Research Institute, The University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Yashwant Harkara

    (Department of Psychological, Health & Learning Sciences, The University of Houston, 3657 Cullen Blvd Stephen Power Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    HEALTH Research Institute, The University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Ezemenari M. Obasi

    (Department of Psychological, Health & Learning Sciences, The University of Houston, 3657 Cullen Blvd Stephen Power Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204, USA
    HEALTH Research Institute, The University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77204, USA)

  • Darla E. Kendzor

    (Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 655 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA)

  • Michael S. Businelle

    (Oklahoma Tobacco Research Center, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 655 Research Parkway, Suite 400, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA)

Abstract

Food insecurity results from unreliable access to affordable and nutritious food. Homeless adults are particularly vulnerable to both food insecurity and problematic alcohol use. The current study examined the link between problematic alcohol use and food insecurity among homeless adults. Participants (N = 528; 62.7% men; M age = 43.6 ± 12.2) were recruited from homeless-serving agencies in Oklahoma City. Problematic alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Quantity and Frequency Questionnaire and the Patient Health Questionnaire. The latter used DSM-IV diagnostic criteria to assess probable alcohol use dependence/abuse. Heavy drinking was considered >7 drinks (women) and >14 drinks (men) per week. Food insecurity was measured with the USDA Food Security Scale-Short Form. The link between alcohol problems and food insecurity was examined with logistic regression analyses controlling for sex, age, education, income, and months homeless. Overall, 28.4% of the sample had probable alcohol dependence, 25% were heavy drinkers, and 78.4% were food insecure. Probable alcohol dependence and heavy drinking were correlated at 0.53 ( p < 0.001). Results indicated that heavy drinking (OR = 2.12, CI .95 = 1.21, 3.73) and probable alcohol dependence/abuse (OR = 2.72, CI .95 = 1.55, 4.77) were each associated with increased odds of food insecurity. Food insecurity and problematic alcohol use are major issues among homeless populations; this study suggests they are associated. Future research is needed to shed light on potential causal mechanisms and on whether alcohol may take precedence over eating or food purchases.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorraine R. Reitzel & Surya Chinamuthevi & Sajeevika S. Daundasekara & Daphne C. Hernandez & Tzu-An Chen & Yashwant Harkara & Ezemenari M. Obasi & Darla E. Kendzor & Michael S. Businelle, 2020. "Association of Problematic Alcohol Use and Food Insecurity among Homeless Men and Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-10, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:10:p:3631-:d:361353
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Coleman-Jensen, Alisha & Rabbitt, Matthew P. & Gregory, Christian A. & Singh, Anita, 2019. "Household Food Security in the United States in 2018," Economic Research Report 301167, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Dachner, Naomi & Tarasuk, Valerie, 2002. "Homeless "squeegee kids": Food insecurity and daily survival," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 54(7), pages 1039-1049, April.
    3. Mossakowski, Krysia N., 2008. "Is the duration of poverty and unemployment a risk factor for heavy drinking?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(6), pages 947-955, September.
    4. Blumberg, S.J. & Bialostosky, K. & Hamilton, W.L. & Briefel, R.R., 1999. "The effectiveness of a short form of the household food security scale," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(8), pages 1231-1234.
    5. Gundersen, Craig & Weinreb, Linda & Wehler, Cheryl & Hosmer, David, 2003. "Homelessness and food insecurity," Journal of Housing Economics, Elsevier, vol. 12(3), pages 250-272, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jayda Martinez & Midhat Z. Jafry & Tzuan A. Chen & Michael S. Businelle & Darla E. Kendzor & Maggie Britton & Maya Vijayaraghavan & Lorraine R. Reitzel, 2022. "Guest Support for Outdoor Smoke-Free Policies within a Homeless Shelter," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Chisom N. Iwundu & Tzu-An Chen & Kirsteen Edereka-Great & Michael S. Businelle & Darla E. Kendzor & Lorraine R. Reitzel, 2020. "Mental Illness and Youth-Onset Homelessness: A Retrospective Study among Adults Experiencing Homelessness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-13, November.
    3. Midhat Z. Jafry & Jayda Martinez & Tzuan A. Chen & Michael S. Businelle & Darla E. Kendzor & Lorraine R. Reitzel, 2021. "Perceived Social Support Attenuates the Association between Stress and Health-Related Quality of Life among Adults Experiencing Homelessness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-14, October.
    4. David A. Sleet & Louis Hugo Francescutti, 2021. "Homelessness and Public Health: A Focus on Strategies and Solutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-6, November.

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