Older People in Emergencies; Addressing Food Insecurity, Health Status and Quality of Life: Evaluating the “365+ Days of Care” Program

Author:

Diamantis Dimitrios V.1ORCID,Katsas Konstantinos12ORCID,Kastorini Christina Maria1,Mugford Lyndsey3,Dalma Nadia1,Ramizi Marsellos1,Papapanagiotou Ourania1,Veloudaki Afroditi1,Linos Athena1,Kouvari Matina1456

Affiliation:

1. Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece

2. Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece

3. Department of History of Science, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA

4. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17676 Athens, Greece

5. Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia

6. Functional Foods and Nutrition Research (FFNR) Laboratory, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia

Abstract

During emergencies, older adults stand among the most vulnerable, facing long-lasting food insecurity and overall health issues. The “365+ Days of Care” food aid program addressed food insecurity and poor quality of life among vulnerable older adults following a devastating wildfire in Greece. Our aim was to evaluate the program’s efficiency, using a process evaluation framework and a partial cost–utility analysis. In total, n = 133 wildfire-hit residents (≥65 years) received daily tailored, pre-cooked meals and/or weekly food packages. The study outcomes were assessed from baseline to 12 months later. Focus groups and interviews (n = 30), researcher observations, and questionnaires were used to assess the beneficiaries’ perception of the initiative. Within the 12-month follow-up period, food insecurity and malnutrition risk decreased, whereas Mediterranean diet adherence; quality of life; and physical, social, and mental health were improved (p < 0.05). A one-point increase in food insecurity was positively associated with improved quality of life, general health, limitation in activities, body pain, vitality, and pain/discomfort (p’s < 0.05), and it was marginally associated with mobility, anxiety/depression, and self-evaluated health status (p’s < 0.1). Quantitative and qualitative data characterized it as successful, acceptable, beneficial, and of high quality. The partial cost–utility ratio was one QALY gained per EUR 22.608. The utilization of well-designed food aid programs during emergencies can alleviate food insecurity and improve quality of life in older adults.

Funder

Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSIS

Eurobank

THI Canada

Bodossaki Foundation

Southbridge

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Reference38 articles.

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2. Benson, W.F. (2022, March 02). CDC’s Disaster Planning Goal: Protect Vulnerable Older Adults. Available online: http://healthbenefitsabcs.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/disaster_planning_goal.pdf.

3. Clay, L.A., Papas, M.A., Gill, K.B., and Abramson, D.M. (2018). Factors Associated with Continued Food Insecurity among Households Recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 15.

4. Jia, Z., Tian, W., Liu, W., Cao, Y., Yan, J., and Shun, Z. (2010). Are the Elderly More Vulnerable to Psychological Impact of Natural Disaster? A Population-Based Survey of Adult Survivors of the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. BMC Public Health, 10.

5. Nutrition and Earthquakes: Experience and Recommendations;Purba;Asia Pac. J. Clin. Nutr.,2014

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