(P24-132-23) Food Insecurity Trajectories in Middle Adulthood: Results From a Longitudinal Study (2001–2019)

Objectives: Approximately 14 million U.S. households reported food insecurity in 2019. Food insecurity, or lack of access to food, is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. Cross-sectional studies showed middle-aged adults are at higher risks for food insecurity than their younger and older counterparts. However, as food insecurity is transient and recurring, to attain a more nuanced understanding of the food insecurity experience among middle-aged adults, longitudinal research that captures the changes in food insecurity levels throughout middle adulthood is needed. To fill this gap, this study utilized a lifespan development system perspective to identify food insecurity trajectories in middle adulthood.

Methods: This study used longitudinal data from five waves (2001, 2003, 2015, 2017, and 2019) of the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. A total of 435 adults between ages 35-39 in 2001 completed the 18-item food insecurity module in all five waves. Latent growth curve models were used to determine food insecurity trajectories while controlling for sociodemographic and household characteristics.

Results: The conditional piecewise growth model (Slope 1: 2001-2015, Slope 2: 2015-2019) suggested food insecurity levels remained constant (β_intercept = 0.91, p < 0.05; β_{Slope 1} = 0.36, p >0.05) between 2001-2015 before significantly decreasing (β_{Slope 2} = -2.01, p < 0.05) between 2015-2019. Individuals self-identified as Hispanic, Asian, or multi-race reported higher food insecurity levels in 2001 (i.e., intercept) compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. However, there were no racial/ethnic differences in the rate of change (i.e., slope) of food insecurity over time. Concurrently, food insecurity was negatively associated with employment status and positively associated with income levels and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment.

Conclusions: Study findings suggest stakeholders develop time-appropriate food insecurity intervention programs with a focus on the early years of middle adulthood (i.e., ages 35-49). Targeting such programs toward Hispanic, Asian, or multi-race individuals and those who are unemployed, have low income, or enrolled in SNAP may be particularly beneficial. More research on protective factors against food insecurity is needed to ensure healthy aging among middle-aged adults.

Funding Sources: N/A