Exploring Diet Quality, Food Insecurity, and Health Status Among Utah Residents

Background

Poor diet quality and food insecurity are significant public health challenges associated with adverse health outcomes. Understanding the relationship between diet quality, food insecurity, and overall health status is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve public health.

Objective

This research aimed to explore the associations between diet quality, food insecurity, and overall health status among Utahns.

Study Design, Settings, Participants

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,522 residents of Utah in 2023. Data on household characteristics, diet quality, health status, and food security were collected using an online survey over a two-month period. Diet quality was measured using a modified Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants-Shortened Version (REAP-S), while food insecurity was assessed using a validated 6-item food security scale.

Measurable Outcome/Analysis

Data was analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, k-means cluster analysis, chi-square, logistic regression, and crosstabulations were employed to analyze the data. Measurable outcome diet quality.

Results

The study identified two distinct clusters based on diet quality, with significant differences observed in fruit, vegetable, dairy, and whole grain consumption between the clusters. Logistic regression revealed that education, percentage of total expenditure on food, self-reported health status, body mass index, barriers to eating healthy, symptoms from lack of food, and food security status significantly influenced diet quality. Individuals experiencing very low food security were found to have significantly lower diet quality.

Conclusions

Poor diet quality, influenced by factors such as food insecurity and barriers to healthy eating, is associated with adverse health outcomes. Educational programs, policy advocacy, support for local food initiatives, and collaborative approaches are recommended to address these challenges and improve overall health outcomes in Utah residents.

Implications for Research and Practice

Targeted interventions addressing food insecurity and barriers to healthy eating can contribute to improved diet quality and overall health outcomes. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, community organizations, policymakers, and researchers are essential for developing effective strategies to promote healthier eating habits and reduce the burden of diet-related chronic diseases.

Funding

None