Food Insecurity’s Influence on Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes in Missouri

This report evaluates the relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular outcomes in Missouri residents through a scoping literature review, including assessing variables that may be involved. While available studies have shown a relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular outcomes, information specific to Missouri is limited. The overarching aim of this study is to explore the relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular outcomes of Missouri residents. METHODS: A scoping literature review was conducted utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Studies included were published in the U.S. in the last 10 years and analyzed the relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular disease outcomes. Data summaries from the CDC, Feeding America Inc, Missouri Dept. for Health and Human Services were also reviewed to gather available information on food insecurity and cardiovascular disease specific to Missouri residents. RESULTS: 293 studies were initially identified through two databases. After applying eligibility criteria, 38 studies remained. DISCUSSION: Most included studies identified a relationship between food insecurity and cardiovascular disease, but no published studies were found assessing the relationship specific to Missouri, which was identified as a need for future research. This paper concludes with a discussion of the findings in the literature for minimizing the impact of food insecurity on cardiovascular disease, considers the public health implications of this topic, and identifies future research opportunities.