Food Insecurity and Psychological Distress Amongst Parenting Women in Treatment for Opioid Use: Identifying Barriers to Nutritional Equity and Implications for Future Intervention Research

Abstract

Purpose To describe the prevalence of food insecurity among pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder (OUD), its association with psychosocial health, and their experience with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infant Child (WIC) program. Design This cross-sectional study collected survey data through REDCAP. Setting The study was conducted at a single, urban, opioid treatment program. Subjects A total of 91 female participants (≥18 years of age and receiving OUD treatment services) were approached about the study and all consented. Measures Measures included: US Household Short Form Food Security Survey, Patient Health Questionnaire 4(PHQ4), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and a demographics and food behavior survey. Analysis Descriptive analyses (frequency, means) described data and Chi-Square, Fischer’s exact, t-tests were used to compare data between food security groups. Results Participants were on average 34 years old, Caucasian (68%), and non-Hispanic (87%). Most reported low (32%) to very low (33%) food security. Pearson correlation analyses indicate a strong positive linear relationship between Food Security Score and PHQ4 Total ( P = .0002), PHQ4 Depression ( P = .0003), PHQ4 Anxiety ( P = .0009), and PSS Total ( P < .0001). Only 38% felt the foods available in WIC supported their breastfeeding. Limitations include a single site and recall bias. Conclusions Significant nutritional inequity in families affected by maternal substance use exists, with potential for adverse maternal and child development related implications.