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FOOD INSECURITY IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

Abstract

Andrew Donaldson1, Shannon Margherio 1, James Roberson 1, Kevin Latz 1

1Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri

PURPOSE: The purpose is to identify the prevalence of food insecurity among adolescent athletes in the Kansas City region. METHODS: Voluntary surveys were distributed to parents at all sports medicine clinics at our institution. Demographic data was collected including athlete age, race, school and school district, sport, and number of household members. Food insecurity was assessed using a two-question validated screening tool endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The responses to the food insecurity screening were categorized and classified by race, age, and private or public school. Included patients were athletes aged 10-17, with organized sport participation in the last 12 months. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 86 families. The mean age of the athletes was 14.42 years and 53 (61.6%) were male. Of families surveyed, 57 (66.3%), 14 (16.3%) were Black or African American, 7 (8.1%) were Hispanic, and 1 (1.2%) identified as a Pacific Islander. 4 (4.7%) athletes identified as multiracial. Public school students comprised the vast majority (90.1%) of respondents. Food insecurity was present in 18 (20.9%) athletes. Of these, 17 (19.8%) respondents were worried about food lasting through the end of the month and 13 (15.1%) survey respondents had run out of food during a month without money to buy more. No athletes with food insecurity attended private school. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity exists within the adolescent athlete population and is present across races and genders. As more guardians fill out the survey, we aim to identify prevalence and patterns of food insecurity among race, geography, and sport participation. It is of paramount importance to identify ways to support families in ensuring adequate nutrition for their student athlete.

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