Premium
Objectively measured chronic disease risk among food pantry patrons
Author(s) -
Greer Anna E.,
Faber Marilyn,
Smith Gina,
Pendley Sofia,
Kamdar Nipa
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.12915
Subject(s) - medicine , overweight , observational study , public health , psychological intervention , environmental health , obesity , population , cross sectional study , disease , gerontology , nursing , pathology
Objectives and Design This cross‐sectional, observational study examined the prevalence of objectively measured chronic disease risk factors among a diverse group of food pantry patrons. Sample and Measurement Public health nurses performed biometric screenings in community settings for 1,685 unduplicated adults attending food pantries. Results Over three fourths of participants (81.1%) were overweight or obese. High cholesterol and high blood pressure were detected in 38.4% and 37.7% of participants, respectively. Over half (58%) of the participants were referred to a local community health clinic for follow‐up services. Conclusion Interventions should target food pantry patrons to reduce the prevalence of chronic disease conditions among this vulnerable population.