First Advisor
Dr. Bory Kea
Date of Award
Spring 6-16-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health Studies: Health Services Administration and University Honors
Department
OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Language
English
Subjects
GUIDED-HF Study, Heart Failure Friendly-Diet, AAHFN Cookbook, SNAP Program, Affordable Healthy Eating.
Abstract
Background
Each year in the United States, 15-20% of 1 million visits to the Emergency Department for Acute Heart Failure result in home discharge, with patients often experiencing adverse health outcomes within 30 days. The study, Get With the Guidelines in Emergency Department Patients With Heart Failure, utilized ‘Self-Care Coaches’ who meet participants via telehealth calls to discuss self-care maintenance after discharge as a strategy to mitigate adverse health outcomes; and offer provisions of resources, including a cookbook by the American Association for Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN).
During telehealth calls, we observed gaps in self-care for retired older adults (62+), living alone, and receiving food stamps from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), who expressed struggles with affording a Heart Failure (HF) friendly diet.
Objective
To investigate if the target population in Portland or Hillsboro can afford an HF-friendly diet on the monthly SNAP income.
Methods
Using the cookbook, we created three sets of meal plans, using randomly-selected, least-expensive, and most-expensive meals. Utilizing the Fred Meyer website, the cost of ingredients for each meal was collected and aggregated to determine meal plan costs.
Results
SNAP monthly allotment for a one-person household: $291.
Costs of the randomly-selected, least-expensive, and most-expensive meal plans in each city, respectively.
Portland: $1,679.10, $498.90, and $3,927.90.
Hillsboro: $1,676.10, $495.90, and $3,924.90.
Conclusion
We found that all meal plans exceeded the SNAP monthly allotment. However, we assumed full-sized items were purchased, likely overestimating costs. Further investigation is needed to assess the affordability of healthy eating.
Recommended Citation
Prychyna, Diana, "The Cost of Healthy Eating" (2024). University Honors Theses. Paper 1543.