Abstract

Methods: Using data from a representative panel survey of Los Angeles adults (N= 1135), we examined inconsistencies in food insecurity measurement. Participants were surveyed about past-week food insecurity ten times in 2021 using the Food Insecurity Experiences Scale, and surveyed about past-year food insecurity in December 2021 using the USDA Household Food Security Survey.
Results: Descriptive statistics showed that of the respondents who reported past-week food insecurity at any time in 2021, only two-thirds reported past-year food insecurity in December 2021—suggesting underreported past-year food insecurity. Logistic regression models indicated that two characteristics were significantly associated with underreporting past-year food insecurity: having reported past-week food insecurity at fewer survey waves, and having a high household income (> 300% of the federal poverty level).
Discussion: These results suggest substantial underreporting of past-year food insecurity, possibly related to recall and/or social desirability bias. Rates of past-year food insecurity should thus be interpreted with caution.

Date

November 9, 2022

Authors

Michelle Livings, Wandi Bruine de Bruin, John Wilson, Bruce Lee, Abigail Horn, Mengya Xu, Kenan Li, Angela Zhang, Kate Weber, Marianna Babboni, Kayla de la Haye

Journal

APHA 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo

Publisher

APHA