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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Amy Fielden
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).
Food insecurity affects approximately 8.4 million people in the UK, one of the worst levels in Europe. Food insecurity is associated with poor diet quality and obesity; however, the drivers of this relationship are unclear. This study used a qualitative approach to explore factors that influence food choice and eating behaviour in a food-insecure population in Liverpool, UK. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with adults (N = 24) who were clients at foodbanks. The interviews were informed by a semi-structured interview schedule, which focussed on access to food, factors influencing food choices, and strategies used to conserve food. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Six themes were developed; ‘Income’, ‘Cost of food’, ‘Accessibility of shops’, ‘Health issues’, ‘Food rationing strategies’ and ‘Worsened health outcomes’. Income was the most salient factor influencing participants' food choices with all participants reporting a constant struggle to afford food. Food decisions were primarily based on cost; most participants valued eating healthily but could not afford to do so. Strategies to ration food included skipping meals, consuming small portions, cooking in bulk, and prioritising children's food intake. The majority of participants reported pre-existing physical and/or mental health issues, but these were exacerbated by poor access to food leading to a vicious cycle of stress and worsening health issues. In conclusion, participants' food choices and eating behaviour seemed to be most strongly influenced by their level of income. Our findings provide insight into the range of strategies used by participants to conserve food and also highlight the mental health impact of food insecurity. Initiatives addressing income and the cost of healthy food are required
Author(s): Puddephatt JA, Keenan GS, Fielden A, Reeves DL, Halford JCG, Hardman CA
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Appetite
Year: 2020
Volume: 147
Print publication date: 01/04/2020
Online publication date: 05/12/2019
Acceptance date: 02/12/2019
Date deposited: 12/12/2019
ISSN (print): 0195-6663
ISSN (electronic): 1095-8304
Publisher: Elsevier BV
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.104547
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.104547
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