Rapid Fire Oral Presentation 49th Nutrition Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Planning for Pregnancy, Not for Hunger: Assessing Food Insecurity in the Pre-Pregnancy Period   (129806)

Amanda Dickson 1 2 , Fiona McKay 3 4 , Penny Love 1 2 , Nicola Heslehurst 5 , Paige van der Pligt 3 6 7
  1. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
  2. Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
  3. School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
  4. Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
  5. Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
  6. Department of Allied Health, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
  7. Department of Nutrition, Western Health, Footscray, VIC 3011, Australia

Women of reproductive age are disproportionately affected by food insecurity, the inconsistent access and availability to safe, affordable, and nutritious food (1). While the pre-pregnancy period is increasingly recognised as a critical stage in pregnancy care (2), little is known about how food insecurity affects women during this time. Women who are well-nourished at conception are more likely to experience positive pregnancy outcomes and raise healthy children (3). However, there is no data on food insecurity among Australian women in the pre-pregnancy period or on the socio-economic and demographic factors contributing to their risk. This presents a critical gap in identifying and supporting women vulnerable to food insecurity before pregnancy. This study aims to: 1) identify food insecurity prevalence among women of reproductive age living in Victoria, Australia; 2) assess associations between socio-economic and demographic factors with food insecurity in this population; and 3) explore barriers and enablers of food security in this population. A cross-sectional survey is being conducted online via Qualtrics XM to identify the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among women in the pre-pregnancy period. Eligible participants include women aged 18 to 44, residing in Victoria, Australia, proficient in English, and intending a future pregnancy. The survey includes the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module (10- or 18-item depending on parental status), along with items assessing socio-economic status, demographic characteristics, pregnancy planning, support systems, and psychosocial factors. Data will be analysed using Stata/SE 18.0. Descriptive and categorical statistics, and linear and logistic regression analyses will assess associations between food insecurity, socio-economic and demographic factors, and food security barriers. Preliminary results from participants (n = 200) will be analysed by December 2025. Preliminary findings will report the prevalence of food insecurity and outline key barriers and enablers affecting women in the pre-pregnancy period. Food insecurity is expected to be more common amongst women experiencing financial hardship, limited support, and cultural or systemic barriers. Insights will inform nutrition-specific public health initiatives, such as food assistance programs, preconception care guidelines, and community-based interventions. Addressing food insecurity before pregnancy provides the opportunity for timely intervention and support, with potential to improve maternal nutrition, antenatal outcomes, and reduce health disparities among women of reproductive age.

  1. Bell Z, Nguyen G, Andreae G et al. (2024) PLoS Med 21, e11004450.
  2. World Health Organisation (2016) Ending Childhood Obesity. Geneva: WHO.
  3. Stephenson J, Heslehurst N, Hall J et al. (2018) Lancet 391, 1830-41.