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Faculty have requested this content not be shared on social media
CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
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Poster Session 3

(855) The prevalence of food insecurity at time of delivery and associated peripartum outcomes

Friday, January 31, 2025
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM  
Objective: Food insecurity is the social condition of having limited or uncertain access to adequate food. Nutritional requirements increase in pregnancy, however the impact of food insecurity in pregnancy is not well understood. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of food insecurity at our institution, and to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and peripartum and neonatal outcomes.  

Study Design: Prospective cohort study of all pregnant or postpartum people admitted to Oregon Health and Science University from August 2023 to February 2024 to 1) determine the prevalence of food insecurity and 2) compare perinatal outcomes between those that screened positive for food insecurity to those secure. After informed consent, participants filled out the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Six-Item Short Form to screen for food insecurity. Chi-square and t-tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Of the 1273 pregnant people admitted during this study period, 232 were screened for food insecurity and 51 screened positive (22%). Of the 51 people who screened positive, 56.9% received a social work consult, 35.3% declined a social work consult, and 27.5% were eligible but not enrolled in food assistance programs. People with food insecurity were younger (28.8 ± 5.7 vs 33.4 ± 5.1 years old, P < 0.001), not married (31.4% vs 79.6%, P < 0.001), among underrepresented racial/ethnic groups (54.9% vs 28.8%, P < 0.001), have government insurance (80.4% vs 21.0%, P < 0.001), and have higher prenatal EPDS scores (10.4 vs 4.4, P < 0.001). People with food insecurity trended to have higher rates of iron deficiency anemia, higher postpartum EPDS scores, and lower rates of breastfeeding. Neonatal outcomes were similar between both groups.

Conclusion: Food insecurity is an important social driver of health that can affect anyone. Understanding the relationship between food insecurity and peripartum and neonatal outcomes as well as individual perceptions to receiving help is critical to addressing inequities that impact health.