Study shows long COVID is associated with food insecurity
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Nearly five years after the onset of COVID-19, researchers are continuing to unravel the disease鈥檚 impact on the lives of those who suffered or continue to suffer symptoms lasting more than three months.
, PhD, assistant professor in the , recently completed and the association with food insecurity among low-income families, defined as those with income of less than 200% of the federal poverty line.
鈥淭hose experiencing long COVID were more likely to have food security concerns. The interesting finding is we did not see an impact of COVID infection in general on food insecurity. The association was only observed for those who experienced long COVID conditions,鈥� said Datta.
The study looked at two different groups of people 鈥� one that received public food assistance and one that did not. Datta said those who didn鈥檛 receive public assistance and suffered from long COVID were more likely to experience food insecurity, especially in terms of 鈥渁nxiety over food sufficiency and shortage.鈥�
When looking at protection, treatment or prevention of COVID and food insecurity, Datta said while COVID is a public health issue, food insecurity is a public finance issue. However, he added that considering the two issues in tandem could lessen the overall burden and help better manage any future pandemics.
鈥淜nowing that long COVID may influence food insecurity creates opportunities for aiding patients with resources to improve their food access,鈥� said Datta. 鈥淎s such, targeted and tailored food assistance arrangements could be offered to low-income individuals diagnosed with long COVID.鈥�
Biplab Datta, PhD
Assistant Professor, Institute of Public and Preventive Health and in the Department of Population Health Sciences
Dr. Datta鈥檚 research explores the niche areas in the junction of public health and economics.