A qualitative exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on food decisions of economically disadvantaged families in Northern Ireland.
BMC Public Health
; 21(1): 2291, 2021 12 16.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1745475
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The first UK-wide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had a serious financial impact on low-income households, a population already in higher risk of food insecurity and poor dietary choices. Qualitative data on the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on food decisions of UK families are scarce. This study aimed to explore how the measures to control the spread of COVID-19 influenced the food-related decisions of socioeconomically deprived families in Northern Ireland.METHODS:
A qualitative study captured data from online individual interviews. Participation was open for parents of children 2-17 years old living on a tight budget in urban and rural areas of Northern Ireland. A sampling matrix enabled equal representation of single- and two-parent households, as well as parents of younger children (<12y) and adolescents (≥12y). Data were collected by using the methods of Photovoice and mapping exercise. Data were analysed through a thematic approach.RESULTS:
Twelve online interviews were conducted and five distinct themes were identified reflecting families' food-related decisions that were affected by the COVID-19 lockdown 1) food planning; 2) food purchasing; 3) meal preparation; 4) eating and feeding behaviours and 5) eating food prepared outside the house.CONCLUSIONS:
The restrictions put in place to inhibit the spread of COVID-19 influenced all aspects of dietary decisions of low-income families. Changes observed during this period included frequent consumption of homemade meals, but also increased unhealthy snacking. Infrequent food shopping encouraged good meal planning, but was also a barrier to securing adequate fresh food. Food-related support including school meal assistance contributed to families' food security, particularly those of single parents.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
BMC Public Health
Journal subject:
Public Health
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S12889-021-12307-1
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