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

Author

Listed:
  • Dimitrios V. Diamantis

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Konstantinos Katsas

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
    Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Christina Maria Kastorini

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece)

  • Lyndsey Mugford

    (Department of History of Science, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard College, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA)

  • Nadia Dalma

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece)

  • Marsellos Ramizi

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece)

  • Ourania Papapanagiotou

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece)

  • Afroditi Veloudaki

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece)

  • Athena Linos

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece)

  • Matina Kouvari

    (Institute of Preventive Medicine Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis, 15121 Athens, Greece
    Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17676 Athens, Greece
    Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
    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.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitrios V. Diamantis & Konstantinos Katsas & Christina Maria Kastorini & Lyndsey Mugford & Nadia Dalma & Marsellos Ramizi & Ourania Papapanagiotou & Afroditi Veloudaki & Athena Linos & Matina Kouvar, 2023. "Older People in Emergencies; Addressing Food Insecurity, Health Status and Quality of Life: Evaluating the “365+ Days of Care” Program," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:7:p:5235-:d:1104925
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Barrett, Christopher B., 2006. "Food aid in response to acute food insecurity," ESA Working Papers 289057, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA).
    2. Fatmah Fatmah & Suyud Warno Utomo & Fatma Lestari, 2021. "Broccoli-Soybean-Mangrove Food Bar as an Emergency Food for Older People during Natural Disaster," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-14, April.
    3. James P. Ziliak, 2021. "Food Hardship during the COVID‐19 Pandemic and Great Recession," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 43(1), pages 132-152, March.
    4. Lauren A. Clay & Mia A. Papas & Kimberly B. Gill & David M. Abramson, 2018. "Factors Associated with Continued Food Insecurity among Households Recovering from Hurricane Katrina," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-10, August.
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