Associations among family functioning, food security, and diaper need in Oklahoma

Background: Diaper need and food insecurity are prevalent forms of material hardship among low-income families with young children. Family systems theories suggest that family functioning can affect and be affected by material hardship. Objective: The purpose of this thesis was to examine the associations between family functioning (chaos and flexibility), food insecurity, and diaper need in low-income families in Oklahoma. Methods: Data were collected in a cross-sectional online survey from caregivers of at least one child in diapers (N = 91). Participants were recruited at community service agencies across Oklahoma from April to May 2024. Measures included the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale IV-Short Form (family flexibility and chaos), the USDA Six-Item Short Form (food insecurity), and the National Diaper Bank Network Diaper Check (diaper need). Pearson correlations, chi-square analysis, and t-tests were conducted to assess associations among these variables. Results: A large portion of participants reported food insecurity (72%) and diaper need (52%). Participants were more likely to have diaper need when they also reported low or very low food security (X2 = 15.9, p < .001). Results indicated a significant negative correlation (r = -0.34, p < .001) between family flexibility and chaos, showing that greater flexibility was associated with lower chaos. Food insecurity was positively associated with family chaos (p = .016) and negatively associated with family flexibility (p =0.12), showing that food insecurity was more common in families with lower levels of functioning. However, no significant associations were observed between family functioning and diaper need, indicating that diaper need may be more directly related to financial constraints rather than family dynamics. Discussion: These findings highlight that while family adaptability may buffer the effects of food insecurity, direct financial interventions are essential to address diaper need. Expanding access to both nutrition and diaper assistance programs could support family well-being by reducing economic stress and enhancing family stability.