Food insecurity amongst universal credit claimants: the benefits and nutrition study (BEANS), a cross-sectional online study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Increasing food insecurity (FIS) in the UK presents a major challenge to public health. Universal Credit (UC) claimants are disproportionately impacted by FIS but research on socio-demographic factors and consequent nutritional security is limited.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey (September 2021 - April 2022) assessed FIS in UC claimants (males and females, n = 328) (USDA 10 question module), dietary intake (females, n = 43; 3-4 × 24-hour dietary recalls) and coping strategies. Binary logistic regression tested sociodemographic variables influencing the odds of food insecurity. Diets ofUC were compared with national diet and nutrition survey (NDNS) participants and thematic analysis conducted for drivers and impacts of FIS.

Results

FIS was experienced

SUBMITTER: Thomas M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11893655 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature