Abstract
Resettled refugees have high rates of chronic disease, which may be partially due to persistent food insecurity. This study
describes food experiences on arrival in the U.S. and current food security status and examines characteristics related to
food insecurity in a well-established refugee community. Focus groups and a survey assessed food security status and personal
characteristics of Cambodian women in Lowell, MA, USA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine relationships
with food insecurity. Current rates of food insecurity are high. In multivariate models, food insecurity was positively associated
with being depressed and being widowed, and negatively associated with higher income and acculturation. Early arrivers (1980s)
had difficulty in the U.S. food system on arrival, while later arrivers (1990s–2000s) did not. Refugee agencies should consider
strategically devoting resources to ensure successful early transition to the U.S. food environment and long-term food security
of refugees.
describes food experiences on arrival in the U.S. and current food security status and examines characteristics related to
food insecurity in a well-established refugee community. Focus groups and a survey assessed food security status and personal
characteristics of Cambodian women in Lowell, MA, USA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine relationships
with food insecurity. Current rates of food insecurity are high. In multivariate models, food insecurity was positively associated
with being depressed and being widowed, and negatively associated with higher income and acculturation. Early arrivers (1980s)
had difficulty in the U.S. food system on arrival, while later arrivers (1990s–2000s) did not. Refugee agencies should consider
strategically devoting resources to ensure successful early transition to the U.S. food environment and long-term food security
of refugees.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-012-9704-5
- Authors
- Jerusha Nelson Peterman, Department of Nutrition, The University of Massachusetts, 210C Chenoweth Lab, 100 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Parke E. Wilde, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Linda Silka, Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, University of Maine, 5784 York Complex #4, Rm. 201, Orono, ME 04469-5784, USA
- Odilia I. Bermudez, Tufts Medical School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Beatrice Lorge Rogers, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02111, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912