Dataset Information

Infant Food Security in New Zealand: A Multidimensional Index Developed from Cohort Data.

ABSTRACT: Food security (FS) during infancy is associated with lifelong outcomes. New Zealand is a developed economy that reports poor childhood nutrition-related health statistics, particularly among minority children, yet has no measure of FS applicable to infancy. The objective was to develop an FS index for New Zealand infants and examine its association with demographic covariates and health outcomes. Within a large (n = 6853) nationally representative cohort, variables describing infant food consumption, breastfeeding, and maternal food-related coping methods were collected from mothers during late infancy. An FS index was derived using confirmatory factor analysis. Associations were assessed by logistic regressions and described using odds ratios (OR) and ?95% confidence intervals (CI). Fifteen percent of the cohort was highly FS, 43% tenuously food insecure (FIS), and 16% highly food insecure (FIS). Infants from minority ethnic groups had lower odds of being food secure, as did those born to the youngest mothers, mothers who smoked, or those who lived in low-income households. FIS infants had higher odds of morbidity. Interventions to improve infant FS should focus on improving dietary quality, and should give particular consideration to minority infants. We identified that FIS shows wide ethnic and socioeconomic inequity, and is associated with poorer health. The most important driving factors of FIS included poor quality weaning diets, as well as poverty and its proxies. Any interventions to improve infant FS should focus on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption to recommended intake levels, and should give particular consideration to minority infants.

SUBMITTER: Schlichting D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6352114 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Infant Food Security in New Zealand: A Multidimensional Index Developed from Cohort Data.

Schlichting Deborah D Hashemi Ladan L Grant Cameron C

International journal of environmental research and public health 20190121 2

Food security (FS) during infancy is associated with lifelong outcomes. New Zealand is a developed economy that reports poor childhood nutrition-related health statistics, particularly among minority children, yet has no measure of FS applicable to infancy. The objective was to develop an FS index for New Zealand infants and examine its association with demographic covariates and health outcomes. Within a large (<i>n</i> = 6853) nationally representative cohort, variables describing infant food ...[more]

PMID: 30669564

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Project description:BackgroundAs there is no population-specific, simple food-based diet index suitable for examination of diet quality in New Zealand (NZ) adolescents, there is a need to develop such a tool. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an adolescent-specific diet quality index based on dietary information sourced from a Food Questionnaire (FQ) and examine its validity relative to a four-day estimated food record (4DFR) obtained from a group of adolescents aged 14 to 18 years.MethodsA diet quality index for NZ adolescents (NZDQI-A) was developed based on 'Adequacy' and 'Variety' of five food groups reflecting the New Zealand Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Adolescents. The NZDQI-A was scored from zero to 100, with a higher score reflecting a better diet quality. Forty-one adolescents (16 males, 25 females, aged 14-18 years) each completed the FQ and a 4DFR. The test-retest reliability of the FQ-derived NZDQI-A scores over a two-week period and the relative validity of the scores compared to the 4DFR were estimated using Pearson's correlations. Construct validity was examined by comparing NZDQI-A scores against nutrient intakes obtained from the 4DFR.ResultsThe NZDQI-A derived from the FQ showed good reliability (r = 0.65) and reasonable agreement with 4DFR in ranking participants by scores (r = 0.39). More than half of the participants were classified into the same thirds of scores while 10% were misclassified into the opposite thirds by the two methods. Higher NZDQI-A scores were also associated with lower total fat and saturated fat intakes and higher iron intakes.ConclusionsHigher NZDQI-A scores were associated with more desirable fat and iron intakes. The scores derived from either FQ or 4DFR were comparable and reproducible when repeated within two weeks. The NZDQI-A is relatively valid and reliable in ranking diet quality in adolescents at a group level even in a small sample size. Further studies are required to test the predictive validity of this food-based diet index in larger samples.

Project description:BackgroundThyroid dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment, mood disturbance, and postnatal depression. Sufficient thyroid hormone synthesis requires adequate intake of iodine, selenium, and iron. Iodine deficiency was historically a problem for New Zealand, and initiatives were introduced to overcome the problem: (1) mandatory fortification of all bread (except organic) with iodized salt (2009) and (2) provision of subsidized iodine supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women (2010). Subsequent to these initiatives, most adults and children have adequate iodine status; however, status among breastfeeding women and their infants remains unclear. This paper outlines the methodology of the Mother and Infant Nutrition Investigation (MINI) study: an observational longitudinal cohort study of breastfeeding women and their infants.ObjectiveThis study will determine (1) women's iodine intake and status among supplement users and nonusers; (2) women's intake and status of iodine, selenium, and iron relating to thyroid function; (3) associations between women's selenium status, thyroid function, and postnatal depression; (4) infants' iodine and selenium status relating to first year neurodevelopment.MethodsBreastfeeding women aged over 16 years with a healthy term singleton infant were recruited from Manawatu, New Zealand. Participants attended study visits 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Maternal questionnaires investigated supplement use before and after birth, iodine knowledge, and demographic information. Dietary assessment and urine, blood, and breast milk samples were taken to measure iodine, selenium, and iron intake/status. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used repeatedly to screen for postnatal depression. Thyroid hormones (free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and antithyroid peroxidase) were measured in blood samples, and thyroid gland volume was measured by ultrasound at 6 months postpartum. Infant iodine and selenium concentrations were determined in urine. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire was used to assess infant development at 4, 8, and 12 months.ResultsData collection was completed. Biological samples analysis, excluding nail clippings, is complete. Data analysis and presentation of the results will be available after 2020.ConclusionsThis study will provide data on the current iodine status of breastfeeding women. It will also provide a greater understanding of the three essential minerals required for optimal thyroid function among breastfeeding women. The prospective longitudinal design allows opportunities to examine women's mental health and infant neurodevelopment throughout the first year, a crucial time for both mothers and their infants.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12615001028594; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=369324.International registered report identifier (irrid)DERR1-10.2196/18560.

Project description:BackgroundThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted food systems and economies across the United States. Public health measures, including stay-at-home orders, led to employment disruptions and food system shocks that increased barriers to food access.ObjectivesWe aimed to examine food insecurity and food access challenges in New Mexico (NM) during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a validated survey was conducted in NM in May and June 2020. Adults 18 y and older were recruited through convenience sampling via email, websites, and targeted social media ads from major universities, nongovernmental organizations, state agencies, and media outlets. Survey questions assessed food insecurity and food-related challenges and worry. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression examined relations between food insecurity and demographic characteristics. z Tests were used to compare the proportions of individuals who responded affirmatively to food challenge and worry questions between food-secure and food-insecure respondents.ResultsA total of 1487 residents participated in the study. Thirty percent of respondents reported experiencing food insecurity and 16% experienced very low food security since the pandemic started. Food insecurity was associated with each of 7 characteristics examined in bivariate logistic regression analyses. Multivariate logistic regression results showed that Hispanic (adjusted OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.44) and female (adjusted OR: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.90) respondents were more likely to experience food insecurity than non-Hispanic white and male respondents. Larger household sizes were associated with higher odds of food insecurity except for those in the lowest and highest income categories. z Tests showed that a higher proportion of food-insecure respondents experienced food-related challenges and worry than food-secure respondents.ConclusionsDisparities in food insecurity persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic and food-insecure individuals were more likely to report experiencing food-related challenges and worry. Researchers and policy makers in NM may consider continuing efforts to mitigate food access issues as the pandemic continues.

Dataset Information

Infant Food Security in New Zealand: A Multidimensional Index Developed from Cohort Data.

Publications

Infant Food Security in New Zealand: A Multidimensional Index Developed from Cohort Data.

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