Food Security
O21 Food Security Enhancement Strategies Used by Abruptly Unemployed Health Care Personnel During the COVID-19 Pandemic

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2021.04.030Get rights and content

Background

The pandemic-related unemployment spike placed middle income households at higher risk of food insecurity. Suspension of all elective surgical procedures and delays in processing of unemployment claims resulted in many Kentucky health care personnel abruptly experiencing financial uncertainty.

Objective

We explored the experience of abrupt food insecurity in households with at least 1 unemployed health care provider and identified strategies used to provide nutrition for household members during the pandemic. The Theory of Planned Behavior's perceived behavioral control construct was used to guide analysis.

Study Design, Setting, Participants

In November 2020, virtual semi-structured interviews via Microsoft Teams or telephone were conducted with nurses and nurse practitioners (n = 8) who were recruited via print advertisement in the state board of nursing's quarterly publication. Inclusion criteria included unemployment specifically in response to COVID pandemic restrictions on hospital procedures during March-June of 2020. Each interview lasted 45-60 minutes and participants received reimbursement for their time.

Measurable Outcome/Analysis

NVivo software was used to analyze themes. Two qualitative nurse researchers used the Spiegelberg 3-step process of intuiting, analyzing, and describing.

Results

Food security strategies that emerged from the interviews included stockpiling, reprioritization of household budget items, food preservation, changes in cooking techniques, shared responsibility for meals, creative employment opportunities, and the purchase/preparation of calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods.

Conclusion

Abrupt unemployment of U.S. health care personnel, whose employment is usually less sensitive to supply-demand fluctuations, and the projected post-pandemic rise in food costs necessitate preparation for future shifts in employment status. Adaptive strategies used to enhance food security in these individuals have the potential for both positive and negative impact on health outcomes. While health care personnel reported some responses as beneficial to health, the perceived need to purchase and prepare calorie-dense foods reflects the fear of food insecurity. Most food security interventional programs target households with lower incomes and/or those receiving supplemental food assistance. The strategies implemented by these health care providers can inform existing and new food security programs.

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