Food Insecurity in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND

Food insecurity (FI) has documented negative health impacts on children, with a higher prevalence in children with kidney disease. The prevalence and consequences of FI in pediatric kidney transplant recipients are unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we screened and assessed pediatric kidney transplant recipients for FI using the Hunger Vital Sign and analyzed the impact of FI on pediatric kidney transplant outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 118 pediatric kidney transplant recipients screened, 23 (19.5%) were identified as FI. Food-secure and food-insecure recipients were not significantly different in age or gender, but there was significantly more FI in recipients of Hispanic ethnicity (56% vs. 30%) and with public insurance (83% vs. 52%). Markers of nutrient stores and transplant outcomes were not significantly different in recipients with FI.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the feasibility and importance of screening pediatric kidney transplant recipients for FI with the Hunger Vital. The observed link of FI with demographic characteristics such as Hispanic ethnicity and having public insurance offers potential targets for intervention. Larger studies assessing FI and outcomes in pediatric transplant recipients are critical for focused interventions and policy development.