Abstract
This study assessed the self-identified food security (FS) knowledge and practices of family physicians in Ohio using a survey. Licensed family physicians living in Ohio (N = 201) responded, with both doctors of osteopathic medicine (n = 61 [30.3%]) and doctors of medicine (n = 140 [69.7%]) participating in the study. Only 69 (34.9%) of the family physicians strongly agreed (n = 15, 7.6%) or agreed (n = 54, 27.3%) that they were knowledgeable about food security. Food security practices were not related to being a doctor of osteopathic medicine versus a doctor of medicine or to location of practice, but were related to self-identified food security knowledge (0.299, P < .001), years as a physician (0.178, P < .012), and referral to registered dietitians (0.133, P < .031), social workers (0.306, P < .001), and community agencies (0.328, P < .001). This study supports the need for family physicians to learn about food security and related practices, which may improve patient care and access to food. Dietetics professionals are ideally suited to foster this learning.