Adolescent food insecurity: A review of contextual and behavioral factors.
Jennifer L Dush
PMID 31970826WHAT IT FOUND
Adolescent food insecurity was linked to mental health problems, skipped meals, binge eating, fast food and less exercise, but not directly to weight.
Ask families about food access and connect them to help.
Key findings
01Household food insecurity was associated with adolescent mental health and behavior problems, including mood, anxiety, conduct, peer, substance use, and internalizing or externalizing behaviors.
02The reviewed studies did not show a direct association between food insecurity and overweight or obesity in youth, but reported interactions with contextual factors and gender.
03Food insecure adolescents were more likely to sleep less and exercise less, but were not less likely to see the benefits of healthy eating.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The review included only observational studies of associations, so it cannot show that food insecurity causes mental health or behavior problems. Food security was measured in many different ways, and some studies used parent reports that may miss adolescent experiences. Many samples were convenience or purposive, including clinic, school or housing samples, so results may not apply to all adolescents. The review excluded interventions, so it does not tell you whether screening or referral changes health outcomes.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as evidence that asking about food insecurity improves adolescent health. The review synthesises observational studies of associations, not tested screening or referral interventions.