Food Insecurity is Associated with Obstructive Respiratory Disorders Among U.S. Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction 

Food insecurity leads to significant challenges in public health, warranting investigation into its potential effects on various health outcomes. This study aims to examine the association between food insecurity and respiratory diseases, specifically asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, among U.S. adults aged 20 and older.

Methods

Utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2006, we employed logistic regression analysis to assess these relationships, controlling for confounding factors such as race/ethnicity, gender, smoking history, age, and educational level.

Results

Our analysis revealed that individuals classified with "Very Low" food security exhibited significantly higher odds of experiencing respiratory problems, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.02 (95% CI: 1.48-2.77, p < 0.001) compared to the reference group. Additionally, even after adjusting for confounders, those with "Low" food security also showed increased odds (adjusted OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.21-2.09, p = 0.001) alongside "Very Low" food security (adjusted OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.54-3.07, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings highlight that food insecurity significantly contributes to the prevalence of respiratory diseases, underscoring the necessity of addressing food access issues as part of public health interventions aimed at improving respiratory health outcomes. Future research should further elucidate these relationships and explore targeted interventions that address the root causes of food insecurity.