Abstract: SA-PO060
Food Security in Jamaicans with CKD Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Observational Study
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity: Other Research
November 04, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Fisher, Lori- Ann M., The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica
- Tulloch-Reid, Marshall Kerr, The University of the West Indies, Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica
Background
Limited data exists on food security amongst persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Caribbean, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe the prevalence of food-insecurity in persons living with CKD from a single centre in Jamaica.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between December 1,2022 and March 31, 2023 among 18 and 74 year old patients attending the University Hospital of the West Indies renal clinic prior to the onset of the pandemic (March 2020) and who were not on dialysis. Informed consent was obtained from patients who agreed to share their contact information with the study team prior to enrolment. A telephone administered questionnaire that included details on demographics, food security and health care utilization was administered by trained interviewers. Data on cause of CKD, creatinine values at each clinic visit, and hospital and emergency room visits were abstracted from hospital records. Self-reported food insecurity was based on responses to a standard Centers for Disease Control questionnaire. Means and standard deviations were used to describe continuous variables, whilst proportions were used to describe categorical data.
Results
43 participants [51.4±14.8 (mean ±SD) years,72% female] were included. The majority (32%) had CKD Stage 3 disease, with 11% with CKD Stage 4 and 2% with CKD Stage 5. CKD was attributed to diabetes/hypertension in 30% of persons, lupus in 25%, and sickle cell disease in 28%. The majority (84%) had at least high school education and 35% were either retired or unemployed. Food insecurity was reported by 42 (95% CI=28-59)% of participants before the pandemic and 52(36-68)% during the pandemic. Less than half (46%) of patients had one or more hospitalizations or emergency room visit during the covid pandemic. There was no difference in mean age between food secure and insecure(52.1 versus 48.2 years, p=0.238) but a higher proportion of women reported food insecurity (61 versus 27%, p=0.05) during the pandemic. There was no statistically significant association between hospitalization or emergency room visits and food insecurity (p=0.169).
Conclusion
There was a high prevalence of food insecurity in the patients with CKD evaluated. Larger studies are needed to examine how this impacts health care outcomes and utilization in the region.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.