The effect of maternal food insecurity transitions on housing insecurity in a population-based sample of mothers of young children

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown a link between food insecurity and housing problems, including trouble paying rent. Additional research is needed to test the longitudinal effect of food insecurity on housing insecurity in a socio-demographically diverse, population-based sample. We tested whether food insecurity transitions predicted housing insecurity using a housing insecurity index consisting of housing and neighborhood factors. We also tested whether social cohesion or social support mediated the food/housing insecurity relationship. METHOD: Data were analyzed from a sample of 2868 mothers of young children residing in California at two time points: the baseline Maternal and Infant Health Assessment (2003–2007) and follow-up Geographic Research on Wellbeing survey (2012–2013). Women were categorized as food insecure both times; became food insecure; became food secure; and food secure both times. We constructed linear regression models for housing insecurity: models regressing each variable separately; a model regressing sociodemographic covariates and food insecurity status; mediation models adding social cohesion or social support; and mediation models for each racial/ethnic group. RESULTS: Food insecurity transitions were associated with housing insecurity in a gradient pattern. Compared to women who were food secure both times, housing insecurity was highest among women who were food insecure both times, followed by those who became food insecure, and then those who transitioned out of food insecurity (became food secure). Food insecurity remained a significant risk factor for housing insecurity even after adjusting sociodemographic covariates. While social support and social cohesion were negatively associated with housing insecurity, there was limited evidence that social support/cohesion mediated the food insecurity/housing insecurity relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of substantial mediation suggests that factors beyond social ties may explain the food and housing insecurity relationship. Efforts to reduce material hardship should consist of streamlined policy efforts that offer tangible supports for women and their families.