WIP 90 - Hunger in the Hospital: The Impact of Inpatient Food Insecurity After Discharge from the Pediatric Inpatient Setting

Poster Number: WIP 90
Publication Number: WIP 90.921

Background: Food insecurity (FI) affects 9.3 million children in the US and has long-term impacts on development and health. Gaps persist in current federal and community level resources to combat FI, often leaving even families connected with these resources hungry. Previous studies have demonstrated that children in households with FI are at increased risk for adverse health outcomes, including asthma and obesity. These children also have higher rates of delayed health care, contributing to poorer health outcomes and increased visits to the emergency department. Despite this compelling data gathered primarily from outpatient studies, FI in the inpatient setting remains largely unexplored. Research is needed to recognize challenges and opportunities in addressing FI identified in the inpatient setting and to best support families once they are discharged home.

Objective: The objective of this study is to explore financial barriers to food access in the hospital, the relationship between household FI and inpatient FI (IFI), and the relationship between inpatient admission and FI after discharge.

Design/Methods: In this qualitative study, reflexive thematic analysis using an inductive approach is used to address the above objectives. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with caregivers of pediatric inpatients admitted to an academic hospital in North Carolina. Eligible caregivers included those who were present with the child during the pediatric admission, spoke English or Spanish, and screened positive for IFI using a novel 3-question screener specific to IFI. Interviews were conducted after discharge via telephone and were audio recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Each transcript was coded independently by two investigators, and data is being analyzed using constant comparative methods in concurrent qualitative analysis. Discrepancies are resolved through consensus. Ten interviews have been completed to date and recruitment is ongoing. Interviews will continue until thematic saturation is achieved; thematic analysis is expected to be completed by March 2024.