Recent changes in sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviors and clinical parameters of adults receiving food assistance in France

Abstract

BackgroundIn 2004–2005, a survey carried out on food recipients in France revealed an alarming nutritional situation. In 2011–2012, and using a protocol similar to that of 2004–2005, our objective was to update the description of sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviors and clinical parameters of food assistance recipients and to analyze changes since 2004–2005.MethodsBoth surveys included multistage random sampling of adults benefitting from structures that supply food pantries and charitable grocery stores. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and dietary behaviors were collected along with weight, height and blood pressure measurements. Comparisons between the 2004–2005 (n = 883) and 2011–2012 (n = 1,058) survey observations were made, adjusting for socio-demographic changes which had occurred in the meantime.ResultsSince 2004–2005, proportions of food recipients ≥55 years (13.1–19.1 %), born in France (29.2–36.8 %) and employed (5.5–11.7 %) have increased; food insufficiency has decreased (95–74 %). For over half of the recipients, canned (52.4 %) and non-perishable (50.9 %) foods were obtained only from food assistance. Frequency of consumption significantly increased even after adjustment for socio-demographic changes; this was the case for dairy products (for twice a day consumption, 30.2–36.4 %), fruits and vegetables (three times a day, 7.8–13.9 %), and meat, eggs and fish (twice a day, 9.4–19.2 %). In 2011–2012, 15.6 % of men and 36.0 % of women were obese, while 44.5 and 35.1 % had high blood pressure, respectively.ConclusionsBetween 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 in France, consumption of staple foods has been slightly improved in food assistance recipients. However, prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors remains high, which underlines the need for long-term efforts at better quality of foods delivered.

Who uses foodbanks and why? Exploring the impact of financial strain and adverse life events on food insecurity

“…Additionally, lone parents may be at higher risk of financial strain as they are more likely to be unemployed (38) and to receive little or no social support from the absent parent (39). We found that the proportion of participants classified as food insecure is higher than for food aid users in other developed countries (40, 41), though it is comparable with the UK figures (9) We also found that food insecurity is prevalent outside foodbank settings, being higher than previously reported in the low-income British populations (29%) (10) and in inner London (20%) (42).…”

Prevalence of food insecurity among food bank users in Germany and its association with population characteristics

“…The results add to the limited evidence that FI is also highly prevalent in affluent European countries ( Neter et al, 2014 , Power et al, 2017 ). A comparison with FI prevalence rates of food bank users in other countries showed lower rates among food bank users in Germany compared to food bank users in the Netherlands ( Neter et al, 2014 ), France ( Castetbon et al, 2016 ), the U.S. or Canada ( Tarasuk and Beaton, 1999 ; Robaina and Martin, 2013 ; Leung et al, 2015 ). Both Dutch and French food banks provide food parcels that supplement the participants' diet while German food banks allow food bank users to choose available, mainly fresh foods.…”

“…However, this study is its first in Germany and one of only a few studies examining FI in European countries ( Castetbon et al, 2016 ; Neter et al, 2014 ; Power et al, 2017 ). Another strength of this study is the large number of participants from three different German cities.…”

“…Both Dutch and French food banks provide food parcels that supplement the participants' diet while German food banks allow food bank users to choose available, mainly fresh foods. In addition, both studies ( Castetbon et al, 2016 ; Neter et al, 2014 ) included a higher proportion of households with children, including single parent households (in the Dutch study) compared to our sample. These factors could have contributed to the difference in prevalence rates.…”

Investigation of the quality of life of patients with hypertension in health centers

“…Hypertension is one of the most critical factors for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, arrhythmias, heart failure, and renal disease[ 1 ] which is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more[ 2 3 ] and is the first factor of premature death and failure among all causes of death in the world. [ 4 ] It is a common disease without any symptoms, and a person may have hypertension for years without knowing that he/she has a blood pressure. [ 5 ] Recent studies have estimated the general prevalence of hypertension in Iran by 22%, and evidence suggests a growing trend in Iran.…”