SNAP participation moderates the association between household food insecurity and HbA1c among Cambodian Americans with depression

Objectives We tested whether participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) moderated the relation between household food insecurity and HbA1c among Cambodian Americans with depression enrolled in a diabetes prevention trial. Methods Community health workers assessed household food insecurity and SNAP participation. HbA1c was ascertained using direct enzymatic assay. Results Among the n = 189 respondents, 19% were food insecure, 41% received SNAP benefits, and mean HbA1c = 5.5%. There was a significant interaction between SNAP and food insecurity. HbA1c was highest among participants without SNAP who were food insecure. Simple effects analysis revealed a significant difference within the no SNAP group [Mean (SD): Secure = 5.38 (0.38), Insecure = 5.78 (0.36)] and no difference within the SNAP group [Secure = 5.61(0.44), Insecure = 5.61(0.55)]. Differences remained significant after controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical indicators. Conclusions SNAP may protect against the deleterious association between household food insecurity and HbA1c.