Dataset Information

P056 Challenges and Successes of a Pediatric Produce Prescription Program During COVID-19

ABSTRACT:

Background

A large pediatric clinic in Flint, Michigan, a low-income, urban community, implemented a fruit and vegetable prescription program for youth to address enduring challenges with food access and food insecurity. Approximately 18 months after this prescription program was introduced, the State of Michigan issued a “stay home, stay safe” executive order in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective

This study sought to investigate perceived changes to access and utilization of fruit and vegetable prescriptions as well as general changes in the food environment that resulted from the pandemic and related executive order.

Study Design, Setting, Participants

Data were collected using semi-structured telephone interviews with caregivers of children (8-18 years of age) who received at least one fruit and vegetable prescription.

Measurable Outcome/Analysis

Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim for textual analysis. Using thematic analysis, qualitative data was examined to identify patterns across transcripts and formulate common themes. Interviews concluded when data saturation was reached.

Results

Fifty-six caregivers participated in interviews (mean age, 41.3 ± 10.3 years). The majority were female (91%), African American (70%), and residents of Flint (75%). Four recurrent themes, centered around changes in the food environment resulting from COVID-19, emerged: produce prescription access and utilization; food access constraints; food shopping adjustments; and food insecurity stress.

Conclusions

The current study highlights stark ramifications of COVID-19, particularly among vulnerable families, many of whom were at elevated risk for food insecurity and hunger prior to the pandemic. Perceived consequences of COVID-19 included increased anxiety related to food shopping and food insecurity alongside challenges with access and utilization of a fruit and vegetable prescription program as pediatric clinics moved to virtual healthcare visits and farmers’ markets closed.

Funding

Michigan Health Endowment Fund

SUBMITTER: Saxe-Custack A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9260005 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed considerable lives. There are major concerns in Africa due to existing high prevalence rates for both infectious and non-infectious diseases and limited resources in terms of personnel, beds and equipment. Alongside this, concerns that lockdown and other measures will have on prevention and management of other infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are an increasing issue with rising morbidity and mortality rates. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that a lack of nets and treatment could result in up to 18 million additional cases of malaria and up to 30,000 additional deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.ObjectiveDocument current prevalence and mortality rates from COVID-19 alongside economic and other measures to reduce its spread and impact across Africa. In addition, suggested ways forward among all key stakeholder groups.Our approachContextualise the findings from a wide range of publications including internet-based publications coupled with input from senior-level personnel.Ongoing activitiesPrevalence and mortality rates are currently lower in Africa than among several Western countries and the USA. This could be due to a number of factors including early instigation of lockdown and border closures, the younger age of the population, lack of robust reporting systems and as yet unidentified genetic and other factors. Innovation is accelerating to address concerns with available equipment. There are ongoing steps to address the level of misinformation and its consequences including fines. There are also ongoing initiatives across Africa to start addressing the unintended consequences of COVID-19 activities including lockdown measures and their impact on NCDs including the likely rise in mental health disorders, exacerbated by increasing stigma associated with COVID-19. Strategies include extending prescription lengths, telemedicine and encouraging vaccination. However, these need to be accelerated to prevent increased morbidity and mortality.ConclusionThere are multiple activities across Africa to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and address misinformation, which can have catastrophic consequences, assisted by the WHO and others, which appear to be working in a number of countries. Research is ongoing to clarify the unintended consequences given ongoing concerns to guide future activities. Countries are learning from each other.