Household food insecurity and childhood obesity/overweight among children with special healthcare needs: Results from a nationally representative sample of 10–17 years old <scp>U.S.</scp> children
Ahmad Khanijahani, Sheridyn Pawcio
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Food insecurity is linked to an increased risk of childhood obesity and other adverse health issues. OBJECTIVES: To examine the disproportionate impact of food insecurity on childhood obesity among children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we pooled data from 4 years (2016 to 2019) of the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) for a nationally representative sample of 10 to 17 years old noninstitutionalized U.S. children (N = 68 942). Using logistic regression models, we examined the odds of childhood obesity or overweight by including an interaction between family food situation and CSHCN status. RESULTS: Among 10-17 years old U.S. children, 31% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.1%-31.9%) had obesity or overweight, 24.1% had special healthcare needs, 27.2% were from families with food insecurity, and 6.4% were from families with food insufficiency. CSHCN were more likely to be impacted by obesity or overweight than non-CSHCN (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.18-1.141). Moreover, children living in food insecurity (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.52-1.92) and food insufficiency (OR = 2, 95% CI = 1.67-2.4) were more likely than those living in food-secure families to be impacted by obesity or overweight. CSHCN living in food insecurity were significantly more likely to be impacted by obesity or overweight than non-CSHCN in similar households. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that food insecurity can put CSHCN at disproportionately greater risk of obesity or overweight than non-CSHCN. The findings underscore considering CSHCN status in conjunction with household food insecurity in designing and implementing medical interventions or public policies targeted at childhood obesity or overweight.