Hospitalized and Hungry: A Mixed Methods Study Assessing Immigrant Caregiver Perspectives on an Inpatient Food Insecurity Intervention.

Abstract

Inpatient food insecurity (FI), or caregiver inability to obtain adequate food for themselves during child hospitalization, negatively affects caregiver participation in care. Using mixed methods, we assessed inpatient FI prevalence, factors associated with inpatient FI, and perspectives on an inpatient FI intervention among immigrant caregivers (ICs) at a children's hospital from 2021-2022. We performed a sub-analysis of data from a larger FI intervention study, which provided meal trays and food bank public benefit navigator referrals for caregivers screening positive for household or inpatient FI. Logistic regression assessed factors associated with inpatient FI among ICs. We interviewed ICs enrolled in the intervention and identified themes. Of 369 ICs, 56% reported inpatient FI. Low income, poor caregiver health, and household FI were associated with inpatient FI in regression analysis. Nine qualitative interviews revealed positive reception to the intervention. Immigrant caregivers noted that it facilitated participation in care and alleviated financial burden.