Document Type
Capstone Experience
Graduation Date
5-2023
Degree Name
Master of Public Health
Department
Health Promotion
First Committee Member
Dr. Marcus Waldman, MS-EdD
Second Committee Member
Dr. Aaron Yoder, Ph.D.
Third Committee Member
Dr. Chad Abresch, PhD
Fourth Committee Member
Dr. Amy L. Yaroch, PhD
Abstract
Food insecurity is a well-known risk factor for delayed child development. Still, the contribution of other factors, such as income, home learning environment (HLE), and family socio-demographic factors, remains to be determined. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the association between food insecurity and child development and assess the role of income, HLE, and family socio-demographic factors in that association. We used secondary data from the Nebraska Early Childhood Study, a cross-sectional study of caregivers of children under five years old in Omaha and Lincoln. Child development, food insecurity, and HLE were measured using a caregiver report of child development. We used multiple regression to analyze the data.
The results showed that food insecurity was negatively related to developmental outcomes (Est = -0.217, SE = 0.091, ES = -0.109, p =.018) even after adjusting for Income (Est = -0.222, SE = 0.092, ES =-0.112, p =.048). HLE was positively associated with children’s developmental outcomes after controlling for income, child’s age, sex, race, and ethnicity (Est = 0.376, SE = 0.092, ES = 0.198, p < .001). HLE did not moderate the association between food insecurity and children’s developmental outcomes (Est = -0.287, SE = 0.185, ES = -0.095, p = .121). These results indicate that even if a child has access to a stimulating HLE, they may still experience developmental setbacks if they do not have enough nutritious food.
Overall, the study found that addressing food insecurity and promoting a stimulating HLE is essential in improving child developmental outcomes, especially in high-risk populations. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex factors influencing child development in food-insecure families. This study adds to the existing literature on the relationship between food insecurity, HLE, and child development and provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals.
Recommended Citation
Mabiala-Maye, Marlette Grace Dulcinee, "Food Insecurity and Child Development in Nebraska: The Role of Income, Home Learning Environment, and Family Socio-Demographic Factors" (2023). Capstone Experience. 249.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/coph_slce/249