Patterns of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programmes over time in the elderly.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to understand the relationship between need and help-seeking behaviour in older adults by examining the patterns of food insecurity and participation in food assistance programmes (FAP), i.e. the Food Stamp Program and home-delivered meals.


METHODS
Data from two longitudinal studies were used. The studies were designed to obtain nationally representative information on health, insurance coverage, financial status, family support systems, labour market status and retirement planning, every two years: the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 1996-2002) and Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD, 1995-2002).


METHODS
USA.


METHODS
There were 7623 participants for HRS and 3378 for AHEAD.


RESULTS
The older adults appeared to have persistent patterns between food insecurity and participation in FAP, especially in the Food Stamp Program. More persistently food-insecure older adults had higher participation in FAP (P < 0.001). Food-insecure older adults at one time were more likely to shift from non-participation to participation in FAP the next time than food-secure older adults (P < 0.001). Regardless of previous food insecurity status, previous participants in FAP were more likely to participate subsequently.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between need and help-seeking behaviour in older adults was found to follow a persistent positive pattern, determined by looking at the patterns of food insecurity and participation in FAP. Although food insecurity as a need is a good predictor of participation in FAP, it is not enough to fully predict participation in FAP. Help-seeking behaviour (i.e. previous programme participation) is also important in predicting participation in FAP.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Hanyang University, College of Medicine, Haengdang-Dong, Sungdong-Gu, Seoul 133-791, South Korea. k2rang@hanmail.net
Kirang
K
Kim
Edward A
EA
Frongillo
D000368:Aged; D004032:Diet / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D005523:Food Supply / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000191:economics* / Q000523:psychology; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D015995:Prevalence; D011632:Public Assistance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States