THE IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL LEVEL ON FOOD SECURITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS AMID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
2024

Impact of Education on Food Security in Older Adults During COVID-19

Sample size: 4961 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Monroe-Lord Lillie, Ardekani Azam, Jackson Phronie, Weitman Cassidy

Primary Institution: University of the District of Columbia

Hypothesis

The study investigates the impact of educational attainment on food security among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Older adults with lower educational levels experienced greater increases in food insecurity during the pandemic.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults with less than a high school diploma experienced a mean percentage increase in food insecurity of 7.7%.
  • Respondents with some college education saw a 7.03% increase in food insecurity, which was not statistically significant.
  • Older adults with a college or graduate degree reported a smaller increase in food insecurity of 4.06%, which was statistically significant.

Takeaway

Older people who didn't finish high school had a harder time getting enough food during the pandemic compared to those who went to college.

Methodology

The study surveyed older adults using the USDA’s Six-Item Short Form to measure food security.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 65 and above.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.007 for less than high school, p = 0.041 for college or graduate degree

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2340

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