Food security and health in transition to adulthood for individuals with disabilities

Background

Due to a more stringent disability definition used for eligibility redetermination at age 18, individuals with disabilities may lose eligibility for the Supplement and Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Objective

This study examines how the transition to adulthood may affect the association between food security and self-rated health and healthcare needs for individuals with disabilities.

Methods

The study uses five years of data (2011–2015) from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). One health indicator, self-rated health status, and two indicators of unmet healthcare needs, delayed medical care and not receiving medical care due to cost, are analyzed as dependent variables. The effects of food security status on health and health-related outcomes are closely examined for the four groups: youth without disabilities, youth with disabilities, young adults without disabilities and young adults with disabilities.

Results

Results indicate a statistically significant association between food security status and self-rated health and unmet healthcare needs in late childhood and young adulthood. Such association is stronger for young adults than for youth. The association between low food security and self-rated health and health-related outcomes does not significantly differ between the two youth groups or the two young adult groups by disability status.

Conclusions

Suggestions for improving accessibility of public food and nutrition programs are discussed. The study also suggests the importance of creating a healthcare system that benefits every member of the society.