Independent validation of the Core Food Security Module with Asians and Pacific Islanders
Date
1999
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Abstract
An independent validation of the national household food security measure-the Core Food Security Module (CFSM) and its categorical algorithm-was conducted with Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai’i. Research was conducted in three parts: 1) a qualitative study (n=61). 2) a pilot stability study (n=61), and 3) a study replicating methods used to develop the CFSM (n=1664). Caucasians, Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians, Filipinos and Samoans residing in Hawai’i comprised the ethnic groups of focus. Findings: • Confirmed the face validity of the CFSM with Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai’i. • Indicated "balanced meals" was most often perceived as a meal with "meat, starch and a vegetable"; • Indicated the CFSM yields valid and reliable scale measures among Asians and Pacific Islanders in Hawai'i, except possibly with American Samoans (n=23). • Suggest weak credibility, validity and stability of the CFSM categorical algorithm: 27% of 111 households identified as food secure with one or more affirmative reply responded affirmatively to "unable to eat balanced meals"; 50% of 64 households classified as experiencing moderate hunger responded affirmatively to "respondent hungry"; and only 62% were consistently classified in the same category over time. • A ''face valid" algorithm-in which one affirmative response is classified as "at risk of hunger" and those who responded affirmatively to Q10 or to the child hunger question (Q14) were classified as such, regardless of other responses, was a preferred algorithm. Compared to the national algorithm, this algorithm resulted in: a lower percentage classified as food secure (85% vs. 78%); a greater percentage who were classified consistently as food insecure without hunger over time (57% vs. 80%); improved face and concurrent validity. • In general, progressively deteriorating food security status as experienced in Hawai'i resulted in concurrent decreased vegetable intake, and increased reliance on Saimin and resource augmentation behaviors. Prudence must be utilized when extending findings to ethnic groups not studied. Findings warrant further investigation of a shorter household food security measure and reassessment of the CSFM categorical algorithm.
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Subject
Food -- Social aspects -- Hawaii
Food -- Social aspects
Food supply -- Hawaii
Food supply
Hunger -- Hawaii
Hunger
Hawaii