Prevalence of Household Food Insecurity in Postpartum Women (Toronto, Canada)

What is it about?

The study found that household food insecurity affected nearly half of the women participating in the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) in Toronto, with a significant risk difference between the three program sites. Severe food insecurity was reported by 11% of participants. The study did not find an association between household food insecurity and breastfeeding practices up to 6 months postpartum. This highlights the need for further research and program design that considers the impact of household food insecurity on vulnerable families and program outcomes.

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Why is it important?

This research is important because it highlights the prevalence and severity of household food insecurity among vulnerable women accessing the Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP) in Toronto. The study sheds light on the challenges faced by these women, who are already at a disadvantage due to their socioeconomic situation, and emphasizes the need for further research and policy responses to address this issue. Key Takeaways: 1. Household food insecurity at 6 months postpartum was highly prevalent (44%), including 11% in the severe category. 2. Risk of household food insecurity varied by CPNP site and was higher among multiparous participants. 3. No association was found between household food insecurity and breastfeeding practices in this cohort. 4. Further research is needed on household food insecurity across the national CPNP and other similar programs, with consideration of the implications for program design, service delivery, and policy responses.