SNAP participation moderates the association between household food insecurity and HbA1c among Cambodian Americans with depression

Angela Bermúdez-Millán, Richard Feinn, Chelsey Hahn, Shanjida A. Jui, S. Megan Berthold, Thomas Buckley, Orfeu Buxton, Sengly Kong, Theanvy Kuoch, Mary Scully, Julie Wagner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: We tested whether participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) moderated the relation between household food insecurity and HbA1c among Cambodian Americans with depression enrolled in a diabetes prevention trial. Methods: Community health workers assessed household food insecurity and SNAP participation. HbA1c was ascertained using direct enzymatic assay. Results: Among the n = 189 respondents, 19% were food insecure, 41% received SNAP benefits, and mean HbA1c = 5.5%. There was a significant interaction between SNAP and food insecurity. HbA1c was highest among participants without SNAP who were food insecure. Simple effects analysis revealed a significant difference within the no SNAP group [Mean (SD): Secure = 5.38 (0.38), Insecure = 5.78 (0.36)] and no difference within the SNAP group [Secure = 5.61(0.44), Insecure = 5.61(0.55)]. Differences remained significant after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical indicators. Conclusions: SNAP may protect against the deleterious association between household food insecurity and HbA1c.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1718-1731
Number of pages14
JournalEthnicity and Health
Volume27
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cultural Studies
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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