Food Insecurity and COVID-19 Diagnosis: Findings from a National United States Sample

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study explores the association between experiencing food insecurity and COVID-19 diagnosis in the United States, and what sociodemographic characteristics moderate this relationship. We analyzed a national sample of adults in the United States (n = 6,475). Multiple logistic regression results revealed respondents experiencing food insecurity had an approximately 3.0 times significantly higher odds of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38–6.32, p < 0.01), which remained significant after adjusting for sociodemographics and COVID-19 mitigation behaviors (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.09–6.18, p < 0.05). Age group had a significant moderating effect (OR = 42.55, 95% CI = 3.13–579.15, p < 0.01). Results indicate experiencing food insecurity is associated with contracting COVID-19.