Patient-Provider Communication among U.S. Adults with Food Insecurity

Top Things to Know

Poor patient–provider communication among food-insecure adults can hinder the delivery of nutrition-based interventions.

The study shows that food insecurity exacerbates barriers to care and increases healthcare utilization and financial stress.

Integrating food insecurity screening with improved provider communication can foster trust and enable personalized nutrition plans.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This nationally representative study analyzed data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to examine the relationship between food insecurity and patient–provider communication among U.S. adults. Food-insecure individuals were significantly more likely to report poor or moderate communication with healthcare providers compared to food-secure individuals. Poor communication among food-insecure adults was associated with reduced access to care, increased emergency department visits, and greater financial burden, including difficulty paying medical bills. The interaction between food insecurity and poor communication amplified these adverse outcomes, suggesting a compounding effect. The study highlights that food insecurity not only affects nutrition and health outcomes but also undermines the quality of clinical relationships. These findings underscore the need for healthcare systems to improve communication strategies and integrate social needs into patient care.