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Chai L. Food insecurity as a mediator and moderator in the association between residential mobility and suicidal ideation among Indigenous adults in Canada. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024; 59:1073-1085. [PMID: 37907713 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite a growing body of literature on the link between residential mobility and suicidal ideation, research into potential mediating or moderating factors, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, is sparse. This study explores the mediating and moderating roles of food insecurity in the relationship between residential mobility and suicidal ideation in Indigenous Canadian adults. METHODS Data from the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, which represent a national sample of off-reserve First Nations peoples, Métis, and Inuit in Canada (N = 16,214), were analyzed using logistic regression models. RESULTS Food insecurity partially mediated the association between residential mobility in the past 5 years and increased suicidal ideation risk among Indigenous adults. Moreover, food insecurity intensified the adverse link between residential mobility during this same timeframe and suicidal ideation. Yet, while food insecurity did mediate the adverse relationship between residential mobility in the past year and suicidal ideation, it did not function as a moderator. CONCLUSION The results emphasize that food insecurity, as a systemic challenge, acts as both a partial mediator and, in some circumstances, an amplifier of the detrimental impacts of residential mobility on suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chai
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Jewett PI, Taliaferro LA, Borowsky IW, Mathiason MA, Areba EM. Structural adverse childhood experiences associated with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury among racially and ethnically minoritized youth. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2024. [PMID: 38651757 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High rates of suicidal ideation (SI), suicide attempts (SA), and repetitive nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among some ethnoracially minoritized United States youth populations may be related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with structural roots. METHODS Using the 2013-2019 Minnesota Student Surveys, we assessed associations of student-reported structural ACEs (parental incarceration, housing instability, food insecurity, and foster care involvement) with SI, SA, and repetitive NSSI within the past 12 months using multilevel logistic regression stratified by ethnoracial group (American Indian/Alaskan Native [AIAN], Hmong, other Asian, Black Latino, other Latino, Somali, other Black/African American [AA], Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander [NHPI], and multiracial), and adjusted for sex, grade, ACEs experienced within one's household, mental health treatment, and perceived safety. RESULTS Structural ACEs were strongly associated with increasing SI, SA, and NSSI. At ≥2 structural ACEs, repetitive NSSI rates ranged from 7% to 29% (female), 8% to 20% (male); SA rates ranged from 13% to 35% (female), 10% to 22% (male); and SI rates ranged from 31% to 50% (female), 20% to 32% (male). Black Latino, NHPI, AIAN, and Black/AA students most often reported structural ACE exposures. CONCLUSION Reducing structural ACEs may reduce SI, SA, and repetitive NSSI among ethnoracially minoritized youth populations. Disaggregating diverse youth groups revealed variations in these outcomes that remain hidden when subpopulations are aggregated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia I Jewett
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lindsay A Taliaferro
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Iris W Borowsky
- Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Eunice M Areba
- School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Elbogen EB, Graziano RC, LaRue G, Cohen AJ, Hooshyar D, Wagner HR, Tsai J. Food Insecurity and Suicidal Ideation: Results from a National Longitudinal Study of Military Veterans. Arch Suicide Res 2024; 28:644-659. [PMID: 37165670 PMCID: PMC10636240 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2023.2200795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research examining social determinants of suicide risk in veterans suggests a potential link between food insecurity and subsequent suicidal ideation in military veterans. The objective of this study is to investigate, if and how, food insecurity predicts subsequent suicidal ideation in a nationally representative longitudinal survey of veterans. METHODS A national longitudinal survey was analyzed of participants randomly drawn from over one million U.S. military service members who served after September 11, 2001. N = 1,090 veterans provided two waves of data one year apart (79% retention rate); the final sample was representative of post-9/11 veterans in all 50 states and all military branches. RESULTS Veterans with food insecurity had nearly four times higher suicidal ideation one year later compared to veterans not reporting food insecurity (39% vs 10%). In multivariable analyses controlling for demographic, military, and clinical covariates, food insecurity (OR = 2.37, p =.0165) predicted suicidal ideation one year later, as did mental health disorders (OR = 2.12, p = .0097). Veterans with both food insecurity and mental health disorders had a more than nine-fold increase in predicted probability of suicidal ideation in the subsequent year compared to veterans with neither food insecurity nor mental health disorders (48.5% vs. 5.5%). CONCLUSION These findings identify food insecurity as an independent risk marker for suicidal ideation in military veterans in addition to mental disorders. Food insecurity is both an indicator of and an intervention point for subsequent suicide risk. Regularly assessing for food insecurity, and intervening accordingly, can provide upstream opportunities to reduce odds of suicide among veterans.
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Tetteh J, Ekem-Ferguson G, Quarshie ENB, Dwomoh D, Swaray SM, Otchi E, Adomako I, Quansah H, Yawson AE. Food insecurity and its impact on substance use and suicidal behaviours among school-going adolescents in Africa: evidence from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:467-480. [PMID: 36859592 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The study sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with Food Insecurity (FI) and further quantify its impact on substance use and suicidal behaviours (ideation, planning, and repeated attempted suicide) among school-going adolescents in Africa. The study involved a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in Africa. Substance use and suicidal behaviours were the main outcomes. We employed the Double Selection Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Poisson regression (DSLASSOPM) model to assess risk factors associated with FI and further employed Coarsened Exact Matching involving DSLASSOPM to assess the influence of FI on the study outcomes. Meta-analysis was conducted to obtain between-country heterogeneity in the prevalence of FI and the prevalence ratio of substance use and suicidal behaviours. The study involved 34,912 school-going adolescents. The pooled 30-day prevalence estimate of FI was 11.1% (95% CI 9.1-18.6), ranging from 6.7% (95% CI 5.0-8.3) in Tanzania to 18.4% (95% CI 14.4-22.4) in Benin. The most common associated factors included the experience of insomnia and the number of times injured. The pooled prevalence ratio of substance use, suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and repeated attempted suicide among adolescents experiencing food insecurity were 1.92(95% CI 1.69-2.16), 1.56(95% CI 1.46-1.66), 1.50 (95% CI 1.41-1.58), and 1.90 (95% CI 1.73-2.07) respectively. A considerable heterogeneity between the sub-regions prevalence ratio for suicidal ideation and planning was also observed (I2 = 0, p value > 0.05). The study observed a high prevalence of food insecurity in West Africa with negligible heterogeneity between the countries. A significant positive association between FI and the study outcomes (substance use and suicidal behaviours) was observed. The study recommends country-specific social and school-based health interventions to screen risk factors associated with food insecurity for early identification. Measures to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by 2030 are key in these African countries and is likely to yield demographic dividends through improvement in mental health among school-going adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Tetteh
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | | | - Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Duah Dwomoh
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Elom Otchi
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Adomako
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Henry Quansah
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alfred Edwin Yawson
- Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Olsen ELH, Dodd DR, Crow SJ, Crosby RD, Wonderlich SA, Hazzard VM. Past-Year Suicidal Ideation, Plans, and Attempts by Food Security Level in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults. Arch Suicide Res 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38279836 PMCID: PMC11282171 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2024.2305395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide posits that suicidal behavior results from thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and capability for suicide. Considering that food insecurity (FI) may be linked to these constructs to differing extents based on severity of FI, this study examined cross-sectional associations between levels of FI and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States. METHODS Data for this study were collected in 2001-2003 from 5,552 participants in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication (Mage=44.8 ± 0.5 years; 53.8% female). Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were generated using modified Poisson regression to examine past-year ideation, plans, and attempts with intent of lethality by past-year FI level (assessed with a modified version of the Short Form U.S. Household Food Security Scale). RESULTS After controlling for sociodemographic covariates, low food security was significantly associated with elevated prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts (ideation: PR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.32-3.70; plans: PR = 5.42, 95% CI 2.71-10.83; attempts: PR = 5.35, 95% CI 2.38-12.03). Very low food security (i.e., more severe FI) exhibited stronger associations yet with suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts (ideation: PR = 6.99, 95% CI 4.10-11.92; plans: PR = 17.21, 95% CI 8.41-35.24; attempts: PR = 14.72, 95% CI 4.96-43.69). CONCLUSIONS Findings indicative of a dose-response relationship between FI and suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts emphasize the need to increase reach of food assistance programs, increase availability of mental health services in food-insecure populations, and routinely screen for FI in mental health practice.
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Chambers S, Machray K, Fergie G. Food insecurity in children and young people in Scotland. Proc Nutr Soc 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38250796 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665124000090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to highlight the key issues in relation to food insecurity among children and young people living in Scotland. It provides an overview of the current context of food insecurity more generally within the UK and specifically in Scotland. Food insecurity has risen in Scotland evidenced through responses to national surveys and the dramatic increase in households relying on emergency food provision. Food insecurity is highest among young people, single parent families and single men. The key drivers of food insecurity include insufficient income, welfare reform, food inflation and geo-political events. Evidence suggests that food insecurity is negatively related to sufficient nutritional intake, and the implications for physical and mental health are profound. Policy actions implemented to mitigate the impact of food insecurity on children and young people include the introduction of the Scottish Child Payment, food voucher schemes, free school meals, and holiday food provision. Further evidence is required to evaluate the success of these policies in reducing or mitigating food insecurity. The review concludes by considering the ways in which a rights-based approach to food might benefit children and young people living in Scotland, and argues that wider systemic change is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Chambers
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, 28 Bute Gardens, GlasgowG12 8RS, Scotland
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Kathryn Machray
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Gillian Fergie
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
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Frank M, Daniel L, Hays CN, Shanahan ME, Naumann RB, McNaughton Reyes HL, Austin AE. Association of Food Insecurity With Multiple Forms of Interpersonal and Self-Directed Violence: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:828-845. [PMID: 37009984 PMCID: PMC10666476 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231165689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Economic stress, broadly defined, is associated with an increased likelihood of multiple forms of violence. Food insecurity is a distinct economic stressor and material hardship that is amenable to programmatic and policy intervention. To inform intervention and identify gaps in the current evidence base, we conducted a systematic review to synthesize and critically evaluate the existing literature regarding the association between food insecurity and five forms of interpersonal and self-directed violence: intimate partner violence (IPV), suicidality, peer violence and bullying, youth dating violence, and child maltreatment, in high-income countries. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and searched six electronic databases from their start date through February of 2022. We included studies that examined food insecurity as the exposure and an outcome measure of IPV, suicide, suicidality, peer violence, bullying, youth dating violence, or child maltreatment; were peer-reviewed and published in English; reported quantitative data; and took place in a high-income country. We identified 20 relevant studies. Nineteen studies found that food insecurity was associated with an increased likelihood of these forms of violence. Results highlight the potential for programs and policies that address food insecurity to function as primary prevention strategies for multiple forms of violence and underscore the importance of trauma-informed approaches in organizations providing food assistance. Additional theory-driven research with validated measures of food insecurity and clearly established temporality between measures of food insecurity and violence is needed to strengthen the existing evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Frank
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Leah Daniel
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Caroline N. Hays
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anna E. Austin
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Kaggwa MM, Akatussasira R, Al-Mamun F, Prat S, Mamun MA, Combey I, Bongomin F, Harms S, Chaimowitz G, Griffiths MD, Olagunju AT. The global burden of suicidal behavior among people experiencing food insecurity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 342:91-120. [PMID: 37704054 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity has become a growing burden within a global context where climate change, catastrophes, wars, and insurgencies are increasingly prevalent. Several studies have reported an association between suicidal behaviors (i.e., suicide ideation, plans, and attempts) and food insecurity. This meta-analytic review synthesized the available literature to determine the pooled prevalence of suicidal behaviors among individuals experiencing food insecurity, and examined the strength of their association. METHODS Databases (Ovid, PubMed, Web of Science, and CINAHL) were searched from inception to July 2022 using appropriate search terms. Eligible studies reporting the number/prevalence of suicidal behaviors among individuals experiencing food insecurity or the association between food insecurity and suicidal behaviors were included. The pooled prevalence of suicidal behaviors was determined using the random-effects model. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022352858). RESULTS A total of 47 studies comprising 75,346 individuals having experienced food insecurity were included. The pooled prevalence was 22.3 % for suicide ideation (95 % CI: 14.7-29.9; I2 = 99.6 %, p < 0.001, k = 18), 18.1 % for suicide plans (95 % CI: 7.0-29.1; I2 = 99.6 %, p < 0.001, k = 4), 17.2 % for suicide attempts (95 % CI: 9.6-24.8; I2 = 99.9 %, p < 0.001, k = 12), and 4.6 % for unspecified suicidal behavior (95 % CI: 2.8-6.4; I2 = 85.5 %, p < 0.001, k = 5). There was a positive relationship between experiencing food insecurity and (i) suicide ideation (aOR = 1.049 [95 % CI: 1.046-1.052; I2 = 99.6 %, p < 0.001, k = 31]), (ii) suicide plans (aOR = 1.480 [95 % CI: 1.465-1.496; I2 = 99.1 %, p < 0.001, k = 5]), and (iii) unspecified suicide behaviors (aOR = 1.133 [95 % CI: 1.052-1.219; I2 = 53.0 %, p = 0.047, k = 6]). However, a negative relationship was observed between experiencing food insecurity and suicide attempts (aOR = 0.622 [95 % CI: 0.617-0.627; I2 = 98.8 %, p < 0.001, k = 15]). The continent and the countries income status where the study was conducted were the common causes of heterogeneity of the differences in the odds of the relationships between experiencing food insecurity and suicidal behaviors - with North America and high-income countries (HICs) having higher odds. For suicide attempts, all non HICs had a negative relationship with food insecurity. LIMITATIONS There was significant heterogeneity among the included studies. CONCLUSION There is a high prevalence of suicidal behaviors among individuals experiencing food insecurity. Initiatives to reduce food insecurity would likely be beneficial for mental wellbeing and to mitigate the risk of suicidal behaviors among population experiencing food insecurity. The paradoxical finding of suicide attempts having a negative relationship with food insecurity warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Mohan Kaggwa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Forensic Psychiatry Program, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Rita Akatussasira
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Firoj Al-Mamun
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Department of Public Health, University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sébastien Prat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Forensic Psychiatry Program, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammed A Mamun
- CHINTA Research Bangladesh, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka 1342, Bangladesh; Department of Public Health, University of South Asia, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Isabelle Combey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Forensic Psychiatry Program, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Institut national de psychiatrie légale Philippe-Pinel, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu 166, Uganda
| | - Sheila Harms
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Chaimowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Forensic Psychiatry Program, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew T Olagunju
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Forensic Psychiatry Program, St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, SA, Australia
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Lee Y, Yoon H, Kim T, Jung H. Food Insecurity during the Pandemic in South Korea: The Effects of University Students' Perceived Food Insecurity on Psychological Well-Being, Self-Efficacy, and Life Satisfaction. Foods 2023; 12:3429. [PMID: 37761140 PMCID: PMC10528267 DOI: 10.3390/foods12183429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the impact of university students' perceptions of food insecurity on psychological well-being, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction and observed that the students' gender plays a moderating role in this causal relationship, based on a total of 491 university students who participated in this empirical study. This study used SPSS (Version 22.0) and AMOS (Version 20.0) for the analyses. This study examines the structural relationship of this causal model. Our findings suggest that students' perceived food insecurity negatively affects the status of their psychological well-being and self-efficacy. However, contrary to expectations, perceived food insecurity has no negative effects on students' life satisfaction. In addition, the level of students' psychological well-being positively influences their life satisfaction, while self-efficacy does not. The moderating effects of gender differences in this research were also disclosed. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoojin Lee
- Smart Education Platform, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (Y.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Hyehyun Yoon
- Department of Culinary Arts and Foodservice Management, College of Hotel & Tourism Management, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Taehee Kim
- Smart Education Platform, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (Y.L.); (T.K.)
| | - Hyosun Jung
- Center for Converging Humanities, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Roy A. Food insecurity and cognitive function in older adults: findings from the longitudinal aging study in India. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:640. [PMID: 37653393 PMCID: PMC10472592 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As we grow older, food insecurity (FI) may have an impact on our cognitive abilities. The study examines the association of FI with the cognitive function of older adults in India. METHODS We have used the data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI), with a sample of 27,032 older adults aged 60 years and older. Bivariate analysis and linear regression models with clusters were applied to show the association. The cognitive performance tests include episodic memory, orientation, arithmetic function, executive function, and object naming. RESULTS The mean cognition was 24.2 (range 0-43), while 36.4%, 2.1%, and 6.4% experienced mild, moderate, and severe FI, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, mild (β = -0.18, 95% CI: -0.32, - 0.04) and severe (β = -0.52, 95% CI: -0.82, - 0.22) food insecurity was associated with poor overall cognitive performance. Domain-specific differences in cognition, such as memory, orientation, arithmetic function, executive function, and object naming, were also validated by the level of FI. CONCLUSION The finding suggests that FI is associated with a poor level of cognition among older adults, highlighting the need for increasing the coverage and intervention strategies to address FI in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Roy
- Department of Geography, Krishnagar Government College, Krishnanagar, West Bengal, 741101, India.
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Demenech LM, Neiva-Silva L, Brignol SMS, Marcon SR, Lemos SM, Tassitano RM, Dumith SC. Suicide risk among undergraduate students in Brazil in the periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: results of the SABES-Grad national survey. Psychol Med 2023; 53:4977-4989. [PMID: 35698864 PMCID: PMC9237487 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722001933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Undergraduate students present high rates of psychological distress, including suicide risk. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this scenario may have been aggravated. Thus, the objective of the current study was to evaluate changes in the suicide risk rate from the period before to during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the factors associated with this outcome among Brazilian undergraduate students. METHODS This was a nationwide survey carried out in Brazil with a cross-sectional design, including two data collection periods: a single-center in-person collection in 2019 and another multicenter online collection in 2020/2021. Data were collected using self-administered instruments. The outcome was a high risk of suicide, measured through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Analyses were carried out on data from two periods, i.e. before and during the pandemic (bivariate analysis and interaction tests), and a model of associated factors (multivariate analysis using Poisson regression) was developed including all participating universities distributed in the five regions of Brazil. RESULTS In total, 6716 Brazilian undergraduate students participated (996 in 2019 and 5720 in 2020/2021). The prevalence of a high suicide risk rose from 11.3% to 17.0%, especially among women and poorer individuals. The prevalence of a high risk of suicide among Brazilian undergraduates was 19.6% and was associated with several socioeconomic, academic, pandemic, and mental health factors. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of a high suicide risk increased from prepandemic to during the pandemic, appearing to be largely influenced by social determinants, in conjunction with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauro Miranda Demenech
- Center for Studies on Risk and Health (CERIS), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Neiva-Silva
- Center for Studies on Risk and Health (CERIS), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychology (PPGPsi), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Samira Reschetti Marcon
- Graduate Program in Nursing (PPGEnf), Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Cuiabá, MT, Brazil
| | - Sônia Maria Lemos
- School of Health Sciences (ESA), Amazonas State University (UEA), Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Rafael Miranda Tassitano
- Department of Physical Education, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Samuel C. Dumith
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences (PPGCS), Federal University of Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
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Sakeah JK, Apatinga GA, Adda EB, Apanga PA, Vlassoff C, Chen Y. The joint effect of female sex and food insecurity on self-reported mood disorder among Canadian adults: the Canadian community health survey. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:91. [PMID: 37480113 PMCID: PMC10362737 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is prevalent in Canada and may influence mental health, particularly among females. The present study examined the joint effect of female sex and food insecurity on mood disorders. METHODS The study used data from 104,420 adults aged 18 years or older who participated in the 2017/2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Log-binomial models explored the independent and joint associations of female sex and food insecurity with the prevalence of self-reported mood disorder. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) were used to assess the additive interaction of female sex and food insecurity. The complex survey design was taken into consideration. RESULTS The prevalence of mood disorder was 6.7% for males and 11.4% for females, with an adjusted prevalence ratio being 1.59 (95% CI 1.51, 1.68) for females versus males. Mood disorder was associated with moderate food insecurity (PR 2.06, 95% CI 1.91, 2.23) and severe food insecurity (PR 3.29, 95% CI 3.06, 3.55). There was a significant additive interaction between female sex and food insecurity in association with the prevalence of mood disorders among females aged 18 to 39 years (RERI 1.19, 95% CI 0.27,2.08). CONCLUSION Food insecurity was associated with an increased prevalence of mood disorders, especially in younger females. Interventions that facilitate access to food while being cognizant of the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of females may have substantial benefits for the prevention and management of mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kotuah Sakeah
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 9 Seguin Street, Gloucester, ON K1J 6P4, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Gervin Ane Apatinga
- Department of Geography and Planning, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Edgar Balinia Adda
- Department of International Development Studies, St Mary's University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Paschal Awingura Apanga
- Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Kentucky Department for Public Health, Frankfort, USA
| | - Carol Vlassoff
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 9 Seguin Street, Gloucester, ON K1J 6P4, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Yue Chen
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 9 Seguin Street, Gloucester, ON K1J 6P4, Ottawa, Canada
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Madigan A, Daly M. Socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms and suicidality: The role of subjective social status. J Affect Disord 2023; 326:36-43. [PMID: 36709827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low socioeconomic status (SES) confers access to material resources and social standing and is an established risk factor of both depressive symptoms and suicidality. Subjective social status (SSS) assesses how people perceive their position within the social hierarchy and has been proposed to impact mental health. This study examined the relationship between SES and depressive symptoms and suicidality and tested whether SSS mediated these associations. METHODS This study drew on publicly available survey data from the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Participants were surveyed at baseline in 2008 (N = 4948; aged 28.8 years) and at followed up in 2016-2018 (N = 3509; aged 37.8 years). SES was gauged using personal and household income, assets, education, and job prestige. SSS was assessed using the MacArthur Scale. Depressive symptoms were assessed using four-items from the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Scale of Depression (CESD) and participants reported suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the past year. RESULTS Both low SES and SSS were associated with elevated levels of depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in cross-sectional and prospective analyses. SSS explained 27 % of the association between SES and depressive symptoms, 51 % of the relationship between SES and suicidal ideation, and 37 % of the link between SES and suicide attempts on average. CONCLUSIONS These findings contribute to understanding the long-term effects of SSS and suggest that perceptions of status may be a key mechanism through which low SES forecasts the development of depressive symptoms and suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Madigan
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Michael Daly
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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14
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Nicholson J, Villamor M, Wright L. A developmental lens on food insecurity: the role of children in the household and age groups on food insecurity impacting mental health. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:2348-2357. [PMID: 34670470 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1989376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: The current study investigates the differential coping strategies and mental health consequences of food insecurity in relation to period of the lifespan (middle vs. late adulthood) and household composition (living with vs. without children).Method: Using a cross-sectional design, food-related coping strategies, anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (WHO-5) were compared among the following groups: middle adults with vs. without children, and middle adults without children vs. late adults without children. Predictive models using hierarchical linear regression examined the main effects of age and household composition with food insecurity predicting mental health; additionally, the interaction of food insecurity with age and household composition was tested in a separate model. Results: Middle-adults with and without children share similar frequencies in levels of food insecurity and coping strategies, which were significantly higher than late adults.Conclusion: The link between food insecurity and depression was stronger for middle-adults without children than late adults. Food insecurity was a stronger predictor of anxiety for middle-adults with children than those without.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Nicholson
- Department of Psychology, University of North Florida College of Arts and Sciences, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Monique Villamor
- Department of Psychology, University of North Florida College of Arts and Sciences, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Lauri Wright
- Department of Nutrition and Nutrition & Dietetics, University of North Florida Brooks College of Health, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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15
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Lee J, Pak TY. Machine learning prediction of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempt among Korean adults: A population-based study. SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101231. [PMID: 36263295 PMCID: PMC9573904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Suicide remains the leading cause of premature death in South Korea. This study aims to develop machine learning algorithms for screening Korean adults at risk for suicidal ideation and suicide planning or attempt. Methods Two sets of balanced data for Korean adults aged 19–64 years were drawn from the 2012–2019 waves of the Korea Welfare Panel Study using the random down-sampling method (N = 3292 for the prediction of suicidal ideation, N = 488 for the prediction of suicide planning or attempt). Demographic, socioeconomic, and psychosocial characteristics were used to predict suicidal ideation and suicide planning or attempt. Four machine-learning classifiers (logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting) were tuned and cross-validated. Results All four algorithms demonstrated satisfactory classification performance in predicting suicidal ideation (sensitivity 0.808–0.853, accuracy 0.843–0.863) and suicide planning or attempt (sensitivity 0.814–0.861, accuracy 0.864–0.884). Extreme gradient boosting was the best-performing algorithm for predicting both suicidal outcomes. The most important predictors were depressive symptoms, self-esteem, income, consumption, and life satisfaction. The algorithms trained with the top two predictors, depressive symptoms and self-esteem, showed comparable classification performance in predicting suicidal ideation (sensitivity 0.801–0.839, accuracy 0.841–0.846) and suicide planning or attempt (sensitivity 0.814–0.837, accuracy 0.874–0.884). Limitations Suicidal ideation and behaviors may be under-reported due to social desirability bias. Causality is not established. Discussion More than 80% of individuals at risk for suicidal ideation and suicide planning or attempt could be predicted by a number of mental and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents. This finding suggests the potential of developing a quick screening tool based on the known risk factors and applying it to primary care or community settings for early intervention. This study develops machine learning models to predict suicidal ideation and behaviors. Logistic regression, random forest, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting are used. The algorithms correctly identifyed 80–90% of suicidal cases. The algorithms with the top two predictors (depressive symptoms and self-esteem) could achieve comparable accuracy. Our findings can be used to design a quick screening tool for use in primary care or community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongyoon Lee
- Convergence Program for Social Innovation, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae-Young Pak
- Department of Consumer Science and Convergence Program for Social Innovation, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
- Corresponding author.
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16
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Smith L, Shin JI, Carmichael C, Jacob L, Kostev K, Grabovac I, Barnett Y, Butler L, Lindsay RK, Pizzol D, Veronese N, Soysal P, Koyanagi A. Association of food insecurity with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in adults aged ≥50 years from low- and middle-income countries. J Affect Disord 2022; 309:446-452. [PMID: 35461821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate associations between food insecurity with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in adults aged ≥50 years from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS Cross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Organisation's Study on Global Aging and Adult Health were analyzed. Self-reported information on past 12-month suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was collected. Past 12-month food insecurity was assessed with two questions on frequency of eating less and hunger due to lack of food. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between food insecurity and suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. RESULTS The final analytical sample included 34,129 individuals aged ≥50 years [mean (SD) age 62.4 (16.0) years; 52.1% females]. Compared to no food insecurity, severe food insecurity was associated with a significant 2.78 (95%CI = 1.73-4.45) times higher odds for suicidal ideation, while moderate and severe food insecurity were associated with 2.59 (95%CI = 1.35-4.97) and 5.15 (95%CI = 2.52-10.53) times higher odds for suicide attempts, respectively. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design, the use of self-reported wish to die as a measure of suicide ideation, and that suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were only assessed among those who had depressive symptoms, could be considered limitations of our study. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity was positively associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Targeting food insecurity among older adults in LMICs may lead to reduction in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, although future longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Christina Carmichael
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Louis Jacob
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona 08830, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux 78180, France
| | - Karel Kostev
- IQVIA, Epidemiology, Frankfurt am Main, Main Airport Center, Unterschweinstiege 2-14, 60549 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Igor Grabovac
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Yvonne Barnett
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laurie Butler
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosie K Lindsay
- Vision and Hearing Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Damiano Pizzol
- Italian Agency for Development Cooperation-Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pinar Soysal
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Adnan Menderes Bulvarı (Vatan Street), 34093 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona 08830, Spain; ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Zlotorzynska M, Sanchez T. Food insecurity as a social determinant of sexual health and substance use independent of poverty status among men who have sex with men in the United States. Ann Epidemiol 2022; 74:97-103. [PMID: 35788033 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the prevalence of food insecurity among men who have sex with men (MSM) and assess its associations with sexual health measures and substance use, as compared to poverty status. METHODS In 2017, 10,049 US MSM were recruited online and completed the American Men's Internet Survey. The survey assessed food insecurity, annual household income and past-year behaviors: condomless anal intercourse (CAI), exchange sex, any illicit substance use other than marijuana, use of methamphetamine, alkyl nitrites or gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), HIV testing and sexually transmitted infection testing and diagnosis. We tested associations between behavioral outcomes and food insecurity or poverty, controlling for demographic characteristics. RESULTS The prevalence of food insecurity among AMIS participants was 15.8%. Food insecurity non-response was 2.5% while income non-response was 19.0%. Food insecurity was significantly and positively associated with all behavioral outcomes, while poverty was significantly and positively associated only with exchange sex, any illicit substance use, methamphetamine and GHB use. In models that included both food insecurity and poverty as exposures, food insecurity remained independently positively associated with all behavioral outcomes and the associations for poverty level were null for all outcomes except methamphetamine and GHB use. CONCLUSIONS Assessing food insecurity in sexual health and substance use survey research may provide a more robust indicator of economic deprivation and provide insight for HIV and STI prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Zlotorzynska
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Travis Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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18
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Militao EMA, Salvador EM, Uthman OA, Vinberg S, Macassa G. Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes Other than Malnutrition in Southern Africa: A Descriptive Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5082. [PMID: 35564477 PMCID: PMC9100282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) is one of the major causes of malnutrition and is associated with a range of negative health outcomes in low and middle-income countries. The burden of FI in southern Africa is unknown, although FI continues to be a major public health problem across sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. Therefore, this review sought to identify empirical studies that related FI to health outcomes among adults in southern Africa. Altogether, 14 publications using diverse measures of FI were reviewed. The majority of the studies measured FI using modified versions of the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. A wide range in prevalence and severity of FI was reported (18-91%), depending on the measurement tool and population under investigation. Furthermore, FI was mostly associated with hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression and increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Based on the findings, future research is needed, especially in countries with as yet no empirical studies on the subject, to identify and standardize measures of FI suitable for the southern African context and to inform public health policies and appropriate interventions aiming to alleviate FI and potentially improve health outcomes in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias M. A. Militao
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden; (S.V.); (G.M.)
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique;
| | - Elsa M. Salvador
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique;
| | - Olalekan A. Uthman
- Warwick Centre for Global Health, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK;
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Stig Vinberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden; (S.V.); (G.M.)
| | - Gloria Macassa
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden; (S.V.); (G.M.)
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
- EPI Unit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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Oh H, Smith L, Jacob L, Du J, Shin JI, Zhou S, Koyanagi A. Food insecurity and mental health among young adult college students in the United States. J Affect Disord 2022; 303:359-363. [PMID: 35157947 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity is prevalent among college students in the United States and has been associated with mental health problems. However, the literature is not entirely consistent and is missing key aspects of mental health. METHODS Using cross-sectional data from the Health Minds Study (N = 96,379; September 2020-June 2021), we used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between food insecurity and several aspects of mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, languishing, perceived need, loneliness, self-injurious behaviors), adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, financial distress, and parental education. RESULTS Food insecurity was associated with greater odds of having depression, anxiety, languishing, perceived need for help, loneliness, and self-injurious behaviors, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and markers of socioeconomic status. CONCLUSION This study found evidence to suggest that food insecurity is related to poor mental health in a large sample of young adult college students in the United States, calling for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Oh
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance, and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Louis Jacob
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ICREA, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Jinyu Du
- Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Jae Il Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Sasha Zhou
- Department of Public Health, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
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20
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The global and regional burden of sexual behaviors and food insecurity and their combined association on the magnitude of suicidal behaviors among 121,248 adolescent girls: An international observational study in 67 low- and middle-income and high-income countries. J Affect Disord 2022; 298:481-491. [PMID: 34774975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity and early sexual behaviors increase the risk of suicidal behavior, however their combined association on social behaviors receive little attention. Therefore, this study estimated the magnitude of adolescent global suicidal burden, it correlates with food insecurity and sexual behaviors, and assessed the combined association of food insecurity and sexual behaviors on the burden of suicidal behaviors (SBs) among school-going adolescent girls aged between 11 and 17 years. METHODS The study design is multi-county, and pooled cross-sectional in nature. Data for 67 countries from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) were used. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to generate national and overall pooled estimates of suicidal behaviors. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the adjusted effect of independent factors and the combined associations of sexual behaviors and food insecurity on adolescent SBs in the context of global, regional, and country income groups and adjusted by a set of explanatory factors. RESULTS The study included 121,248 girls aged 11-17 years. The population-weighted prevalence of high-level (SBs) was 40.65% among school-going girls who experienced sexual intercourse and 7.41% among those who reported severe food insecurity. However, the burden of SBs varied according to type of sexual behaviors and the age. The burden of SB among girls who had sexual intercourse with 1-2 sex partners, 3-4 sex partners, or >4 sex partners was 11.49%, 13.28%, or 18.43%, respectively. The high-level SB was double (23.08%) among adolescent girls who had first sexual intercourse aged 11-13 years old compared to adolescent girls aged 14-17 years (11.49%). The burden of SBs (for at least one SB, for two SBs, or for three SBs) were significantly associated with adolescent girls who experienced sexual intercourse (relative risk ratio, RRR = 2.04, 95% confidence interval, CI:1.83-2.28; RRR = 2.24, 1.99-2.52; RRR = 1.86, 1.59-2.18), sexual intercourse with four or more sex partners (RRR = 1.44, 1.15-1.79; RRR = 1.65, 1.33-2.06; RRR = 2.47, 1.94-3.16), first sexual intercourse aged 11-13 years (RRR = 1.22, 1.02-1.46; RRR = 1.51, 1.26-1.82; RRR = 2.26, 1.81-2.83), compared to adolescents who had no experience of SBs. Compared to adolescent girls who did neither experience food insecurity nor sexual intercourse, the overall burden of SBs (for at least one SB, for two SBs or for three SBs) were significantly higher among girls reporting to have experienced both food insecurity and sexual intercourse (RRR = 1.55, 1.29-1.86; RRR = 1.70, 1.42-2.04; RRR = 1.54, 1.26-1.88); and those reporting having experienced food insecurity but have never had sexual intercourse (RRR = 1.66, 1.48-1.87; RRR = 1.45, 1.26-1.67; RRR = 1.62, 1.36-1.92). However, it was significantly lower among girls reporting to have had sexual intercourse but never experienced food insecurity. This association was extended among adolescents in the context of regional and country income groups. CONCLUSION The high burden of suicidal behaviors among adolescents calls for an urgent policy interventions to address food insecurity as a means to keep adolescents in school. The interventions should also aim to integrate safeguards that dissuade youngsters from early sex and protect them from sexual victimisation, and the associated adverse outcomes that that hamstring the attainment of SDG 3.4.2.
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21
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Nagata JM, Ganson KT, Cattle CJ, Whittle HJ, Tsai AC, Weiser SD. Food insufficiency and mental health service utilisation in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:76-81. [PMID: 34261566 PMCID: PMC8367866 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980021003001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between food insufficiency and mental health service utilisation in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between food insufficiency and mental health service utilisation. SETTING US Census Household Pulse Survey data collected in October 2020. PARTICIPANTS Nationally representative sample of 68 611 US adults. RESULTS After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, experiencing food insufficiency was associated with higher odds of unmet mental health need (adjusted OR (AOR) 2·90; 95 % CI 2·46, 3·43), receiving mental health counselling or therapy (AOR 1·51; 95 % CI 1·24, 1·83) and psychotropic medication use (AOR 1·56; 95 % CI 1·35, 1·80). Anxiety and depression symptoms mediated most of the association between food insufficiency and unmet mental health need but not the associations between food insufficiency and either receiving mental health counselling/therapy or psychotropic medication use. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should regularly screen patients for food insufficiency, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding access to supplemental food programmes may help to mitigate the need for higher mental health service utilisation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0110, San Francisco, CA94158, USA
| | - Kyle T Ganson
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chloe J Cattle
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 4th Floor, Box 0110, San Francisco, CA94158, USA
| | - Henry J Whittle
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health, Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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22
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OUP accepted manuscript. Nutr Rev 2022; 80:2089-2099. [DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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23
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Mahumud RA, Dawson AJ, Chen W, Biswas T, Keramat SA, Morton RL, Renzaho AMN. The risk and protective factors for suicidal burden among 251 763 school-based adolescents in 77 low- and middle-income to high-income countries: assessing global, regional and national variations. Psychol Med 2022; 52:379-397. [PMID: 34269168 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721002774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent suicide is a global public health concern and the second leading cause of adolescent death worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the burden of adolescent suicidal behaviours and its association with violence and unintentional injury, psychosocial, protective, lifestyle and food security-related factors amongst school-based adolescents across 77 countries in the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. METHODS This study comprised a sample of 251 763 adolescents drawn from the latest Global School-based Student Health Survey of school-based adolescents, aged 11-17 years, across 77 countries. Logistic regression analyses were employed to estimate the adjusted effect of independent factors on adolescent suicidal behaviours. RESULTS The population-weighted 12-month prevalence of suicidal ideation (SI), suicidal planning (SP) and suicidal attempts (SA) amongst school-based adolescents was 18, 18 and 16%, respectively. Adolescent suicidal behaviours (i.e. SI, SP and SA) were respectively associated with being physically attacked, physical fighting, high levels of anxiety, feeling lonely, being bullied, lack of parental support, poor peer support, not having close friends and high levels of sedentary behaviours. Overall, these associations also extended to the context of food insecurity across regions and country income groups, where the magnitude of association slightly varied from odds ratios of 1.25 times to 3.13. CONCLUSIONS The burden of school-going adolescent suicidal thoughts, suicide planning and suicide attempts is of particular concern in low-resource countries. Comprehensive suicide prevention programmes for school-going adolescents in LMICs are needed that address socio-cultural inequities related to violence and unintentional injury, social support and psychological factors, protective, and lifestyle-related factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashidul Alam Mahumud
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW-2006, Australia
- School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith2751, Australia
- Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD-4350, Australia
| | - Angela J Dawson
- Faculty of Health, Australian Centre for Public and Population Health Research, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Wen Chen
- Faculty of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tuhin Biswas
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia
| | | | - Rachael Lisa Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW-2006, Australia
| | - Andre M N Renzaho
- Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne3004, Australia
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Kumar S, Bansal A, Shri N, Nath NJ, Dosaya D. Effect of food insecurity on the cognitive problems among elderly in India. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:725. [PMID: 34922495 PMCID: PMC8684220 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02689-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food Insecurity (FI) is a crucial social determinant of health, independent of other socioeconomic factors, as inadequate food resources create a threat to physical and mental health especially among older person. The present study explores the associations between FI and cognitive ability among the aged population in India. METHODS To measure the cognitive functioning we have used two proxies, word recall and computational problem. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression was used to understand the prevalence of word recall and computational problem by food security and some selected sociodemographic parameters. All the results were reported at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS We have used the data from the first wave of longitudinal ageing study of India (LASI), with a sample of 31,464 older persons 60 years and above. The study identified that 17 and 5% of the older population in India experiencing computational and word recall problem, respectively. It was found that respondents from food secure households were 14% less likely to have word recall problems [AOR:0.86, 95% CI:0.31-0.98], and 55% likely to have computational problems [AOR:0.45, 95% CI:0.29-0.70]. We also found poor cognitive functioning among those experiencing disability, severe ADL, and IADL. Further, factors such as age, education, marital status, working status, health related factors were the major contributors to the cognitive functioning in older adults. CONCLUSION This study suggest that food insecurity is associated with a lower level of cognition among the elderly in India, which highlight the need of food policy and interventional strategies to address food insecurity, especially among the individuals belonging to lower wealth quintiles. Furthermore, increasing the coverage of food distribution may also help to decrease the burden of disease for the at most risk population. Also, there is a need for specific programs and policies that improve the availability of nutritious food among elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Kumar
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi East, Mumbai, 400088 India
| | - Anjali Bansal
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi East, Mumbai, 400088 India
| | - Neha Shri
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi East, Mumbai, 400088 India
| | - Nayan Jyoti Nath
- CHRIST (Deemed-to-be-University), Central Campus, Bengaluru, India
| | - Divya Dosaya
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
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Kamdar NP, Horning ML, Geraci JC, Uzdavines AW, Helmer DA, Hundt NE. Risk for depression and suicidal ideation among food insecure US veterans: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2021; 56:2175-2184. [PMID: 33770225 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-021-02071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicide and food insecurity (i.e., lack of access to food) are two major issues that affect US Veterans. PURPOSE Using a US-based sample, we evaluated the association between food insecurity and suicidal ideation among Veterans. Because depression often precedes suicide, we also examined the association between food insecurity and depression. METHODS Using data from 2630 Veterans who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2016, we conducted an adjusted linear regression model to evaluate the association between food insecurity (measured using 18-item Household Food Security Survey) and depression (measured using PHQ-9) and an adjusted binary logistic regression model to evaluate the association between food insecurity and suicidal ideation (measured using PHQ-9 Question 9). Models were adjusted for gender, age, income-to-poverty ratio, race/ethnicity, and education level. RESULTS Of the sample, 11.5% were food insecure, depression scores averaged 2.86 (SD = 4.28), and 3.7% endorsed suicidal ideation. Veterans with marginal (β = 0.68, 95%CI [0.09,1.28]), low (β = 1.38, 95%CI [0.70,2.05]) or very low food security (β = 3.08, 95%CI [2.34, 3.83]) had significantly increased depression scores compared to food secure Veterans. Veterans with low (OR = 2.15, 95%CI [1.08, 4.27]) or very low food security (OR = 3.84, 95%CI [2.05, 7.20]) had significantly increased odds for suicidal ideation compared to food secure Veterans. CONCLUSION Food insecurity in Veterans is associated with increased depression symptoms and suicidal ideation. This association strengthens as food insecurity worsens. Veterans with food insecurity should be screened for depression and suicidal ideation. Simultaneously, depression treatment plans and suicide prevention programs should consider basic needs like food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipa P Kamdar
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2450 Holcombe Blvd Suite 01Y, Houston, Texas, 77021, US.
| | - Melissa L Horning
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 5-140 Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, US
| | - Joseph C Geraci
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, VISN 2 Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 130 W Kingsbridge Rd, The Bronx, New York City, 10468, US
| | - Alexander W Uzdavines
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2450 Holcombe Blvd Suite 01Y, Houston, Texas, 77021, US
| | - Drew A Helmer
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2450 Holcombe Blvd Suite 01Y, Houston, Texas, 77021, US
| | - Natalie E Hundt
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, 2450 Holcombe Blvd Suite 01Y, Houston, Texas, 77021, US.,Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas, 77030, US
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Hossain A, Ahmed B, Rahman T, Sammonds P, Zaman S, Benzadid S, Jakariya M. Household food insecurity, income loss, and symptoms of psychological distress among adults following the Cyclone Amphan in coastal Bangladesh. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0259098. [PMID: 34727102 PMCID: PMC8562802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cyclone Amphan swept into Bangladesh's southwestern coast at the end of May 2020, wreaking havoc on food security and economic stability, as well as possibly worsening mental health. We studied the prevalence of post-cyclone stressors in adults following the cyclone and its association with symptoms of psychological distress. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study in a coastal district of Bangladesh. A five-item brief symptom rating scale was used to measure the symptoms of psychological distress. Household food insecurity was measured using the USAID Household Food Insecurity Access Scale questionnaire. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) using robust log-linear models adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS A total of 478 adults (mean [SD] age, 37.0[12.6] years; 169[35.4%] women) participated in the study. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe psychological symptoms and suicidal ideation was 55.7% and 10.9%, respectively. Following the cyclone, 40.8% of the adults reported severe food insecurity, and 66% of them reported moderate-to-severe mental health symptoms. Also, 54.4% of women and 33.7% of men reported severe food insecurity in the households. Moreover, 25.5% of respondents reported no income or a significant income loss after the cyclone, and 65.5% of them had moderate-to-severe psychological symptoms. Also, 13.8% of respondents reported housing displacement because of severely damaged houses, and 68.2% of them reported moderate-to-severe psychological symptoms. The high prevalence of mental health symptoms was found in women (aPR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.06-1.82), people with severe food insecurity (aPR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.01-2.64), and people who lost jobs or lost a major income source (aPR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.02-1.54). CONCLUSION Following cyclone Amphan, many low-income individuals saw their income drop drastically while others were unemployed and living with severe food insecurity. The result suggests gender inequalities in food-security after the cyclone. Immediate action is needed to ensure household food-security for reducing the burden of mental illness. Rising opportunities of paid-jobs and decreasing income-loss, especially for the poor people, can have a protective impact on psychological distress. However, due to the high prevalence of severe psychological symptoms, long-term mental health services are required among the population of coastal Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hossain
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Global Health Institute, North South University (NSU), Bashundhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Health Management BD Foundation, Sector 6, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Bayes Ahmed
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
- Department of Disaster Science and Management, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Taifur Rahman
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Health Management BD Foundation, Sector 6, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Peter Sammonds
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Shamrita Zaman
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction (IRDR), University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Shadly Benzadid
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Health Management BD Foundation, Sector 6, Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Jakariya
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Choi M, Lim J, Chang SS, Hwang M, Kim CS, Ki M. Financial hardship and suicide ideation: Age and gender difference in a Korean panel study. J Affect Disord 2021; 294:889-896. [PMID: 34375217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.07.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Socioeconomic factors influence suicide risk but a systematic understanding of the role of financial hardship is unclear. We examined whether financial hardship had cumulative or contemporaneous impacts on suicide ideation and any gender and age differences in a large Korean sample. METHODS Data of 67,728 observations from 14,321 individuals were extracted from seven waves of Korean Welfare Panel Study. The association of financial hardship at baseline and its change over two years with suicide ideation was investigated using generalized estimation equation to account for repeated measurements within an individual, adjusting for other socioeconomic factors. RESULTS Financial hardship was associated with suicide ideation but the magnitude of association varied across age and gender groups. Specifically, the impact of financial hardship was persistent over two years presenting a cumulative effect among men aged 50-64 years and ≥65 years; e.g., adjusted OR (adjusted odds ratio) = 3.87, 95 % CI = 2.71-5.54 for emergent hardship group vs adjusted OR = 4.22, 95 %CI = 3.00-5.93 for persistent group in those aged ≥65 years. Financial hardship increased the risk of suicide ideation incrementally with age, although the pattern was less clear among women. LIMITATIONS Financial hardship was identified as having changing nature, though it was assumed to occur over two years. CONCLUSION In general, financial hardship plays a role in amplifying suicide ideation in a contemporaneous way but also in a cumulative way, predominantly among late-middle-aged and elderly men. Monitoring and intervention for financial hardship would be a promising strategy for suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjae Choi
- Program in Public Health, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiseun Lim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Eulji University, 77 Gyeryong-ro 771beon-gil, Yongdu-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Shu-Sen Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences and Global Health Program, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Minji Hwang
- Program in Public Health, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheong-Seok Kim
- Department of Sociology, Dongguk University, 30 Pildong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ki
- Program in Public Health, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea; BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Tripodi E, Jarman R, Morell R, Teasdale SB. Prevalence of food insecurity in community-dwelling people living with severe mental illness. Nutr Diet 2021; 79:374-379. [PMID: 34608729 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM The present study aimed to measure the prevalence and severity of food insecurity in people with a severe mental illness, defined as schizophrenia and related psychoses, and bipolar disorder; and explore relationships between food insecurity status, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited community-dwelling people with severe mental illness receiving clozapine and/or a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication within three mental health services in Sydney, Australia. Participants completed the 18-item Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Sociodemographic and medical information was obtained from participants' medical records. Independent samples t-test and chi-square analyses were used to test for between group differences based on food insecurity status. Binary logistic regression analyses adjusting for age and gender were used to determine the odds ratio. RESULTS One-hundred and eighty-eight people completed the assessment: 63% were male, mean age was 49.2 ± 12.4 years, and the majority (85%) had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Food insecurity was detected in 31% of participants. Of those who were food insecure, 12% were classified as severe, 13% as moderate and 7% as mild. Tobacco smoking was higher in food insecure people compared to food secure people (odds ratio = 3.1, 95% CI 1.3 to 7.1, p = 0.01). Food insecurity status was not associated with demographic, diagnostic or other clinical data. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity is highly prevalent among community-dwelling people with severe mental illness receiving clozapine and/or long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication. Food security screening should be considered as routine care for this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Tripodi
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Jarman
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachel Morell
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales & Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Scott B Teasdale
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales & Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity (FI) is an important public health issue for US veterans. For many veterans, civilian life is fraught with service-incurred health issues and socioeconomic challenges, each risk factors for FI. The FI literature on veterans is limited due to insufficient coverage of the topic's complexity and the methods used to study it in this population. No published analysis has evaluated how FI has been examined in US veterans. OBJECTIVES We assessed how FI has been examined in US military veterans by identifying (1) the major content areas, or domains, studied in association with FI and (2) the existing research gaps. METHODS A scoping literature review was conducted to map the main research domains of the FI literature and identify knowledge gaps. Electronic database and hand searches identified potentially relevant studies (n = 61). Data extraction, utilizing a standardized set of design parameters, was completed. Duplicate removal and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria resulted in the studies (n = 21) selected for critical review. RESULTS Eight research domains were determined: FI prevalence, health status, dietary practices, health care utilization, economic instability, homelessness/housing instability, food program participation, and community/emergency preparedness-the most dominant was health status and the least dominant were social determinants (ie, homelessness/housing instability, food program participation). Research on validity and usability of FI assessment methods in veterans was virtually absent. Military service factors, longitudinal effects, FI among women, intervention effectiveness, and other areas lacked sufficient inquiry. CONCLUSION Research is required on lesser examined content areas and methodology to optimize surveillance and policy for veteran FI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin S Cypel
- Epidemiology Program, Post-Deployment Health Services (12POP5), Office of Patient Care Services, 8267US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jodie G Katon
- 49462US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D) Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark B Schure
- Department of Health & Human Development, 1705Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Shanna Smith
- Epidemiology Program, Post-Deployment Health Services (12POP5), Office of Patient Care Services, 8267US Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
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Rouhani S, Allen ST, Whaley S, White RH, O'Rourke A, Schneider KE, Kilkenny ME, Weir BW, Sherman SG. Food access among people who inject drugs in West Virginia. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:90. [PMID: 34419045 PMCID: PMC8379557 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00536-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substance use epidemic in the United States continues to drive high levels of morbidity and mortality, particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID). Poor access to food often co-occurs with drug use and contributes to associated sequelae, such as risks for HIV and diabetes. The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with adequate food access among PWID in a rural Appalachian community. METHODS Cross-sectional surveys were used to collect data among PWID aged 18 and older in Cabell County, West Virginia. Frequency of hunger and sociodemographic, structural and drug use characteristics were measured. Adequate food access was defined as reporting 'never' going to bed hungry at night in the past six months. Pearson's χ2 and t-tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with food access. RESULTS Only 71 individuals (17%) reported never going to bed hungry at night in the past six months. Adjusted odds of having adequate food access were higher among PWID who completed high school (aOR 2.94; P = 0.010) and usually used drugs alone (aOR 1.97; P = 0.025), and lower among PWID who were female (aOR 0.51; P = 0.037), experienced homelessness (aOR 0.23, P < 0.001), were recently arrested (aOR 0.50 P = 0.047), and engaged in receptive sharing of injection equipment (aOR 0.52, P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS We found extremely low food access in a population of PWID in Appalachia who are vulnerable to overdose and infectious disease transmission. Integrated interventions promoting food access are needed to improve the public health and wellbeing of people who inject drugs in Appalachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Rouhani
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sara Whaley
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Allison O'Rourke
- DC Center for AIDS Research, Department of Psychology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kristin E Schneider
- Department of Mental Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Brian W Weir
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Austin AE, Shanahan ME. Material hardship and suicidal behavior: Associations among parents and non-parents. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2021; 51:646-656. [PMID: 33280153 PMCID: PMC8179931 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Material hardship is unique facet of economic distress and may be a risk factor for suicidal behavior. Parents are more likely to experience both material hardship and suicidal behavior than non-parents. The aims of this study were to (a) examine the association of material hardship with suicidal behavior and (b) assess whether associations differed for parents and non-parents. METHODS We used data from Waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 10,685). We conducted logistic regression to examine the association of one and two or more material hardships at Wave IV with suicidal behavior at Wave V. RESULTS Overall, 38.8% of participants reported material hardship at Wave IV and 7.5% reported suicidal ideation or attempts at Wave V. In the total sample, one material hardship (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.20, 2.06) and two or more material hardships (OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.04, 2.21) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among parents, two or more material hardships (OR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.17, 2.94) were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. Among non-parents, one material hardship (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.26, 2.59) was associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal behavior. CONCLUSIONS Programs and policies aimed at addressing material hardship, particularly accumulating material hardships among parents, may be an effective suicide prevention strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E. Austin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Meghan E. Shanahan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Marshall GL, Kahana E, Gallo WT, Stansbury KL, Thielke S. The price of mental well-being in later life: the role of financial hardship and debt. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:1338-1344. [PMID: 32426995 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2020.1758902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the associations between various financial hardship and debt indicators and mental health status among older adults. METHODS Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), we considered the association between different forms of financial hardship and debt of those who were identified as having high levels of depressive symptoms (N = 7678) and anxiety (N = 8079). Financial hardship indicators: difficulty paying bills, food insecurity, and medication need; debt indicators: credit card and medical debt. Associations were tested using multiple logistic regression analyses and are reported as relative risk (RR) ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Participants who had difficulty paying bills were more likely to have high levels of depressive symptoms (RR = 2.06, CI = 1.75-2.42, p < 0.001) and anxiety (RR = 1.46, CI = 1.02-2.05, p < 0.001) compared to those who did not have financial difficulty. Similarly, medical debt was associated with depressive symptoms (RR = 1.43, CI = 1.14-1.74, p < 0.01) and anxiety (RR = 1.20, CI = 0.96-1.50, p < 0.01). Credit card debt was not significantly associated with either mental health outcome. CONCLUSION Indicators of financial hardship and medical debt were associated with depressive symptoms and anxiety in a cohort of older adults. In contrast, the influence of credit card debt appeared to be more complex and vary by individual. These findings indicate that doing without meeting personal salient needs has a particularly adverse effect on psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Kahana
- Department of Sociology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - William T Gallo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kim L Stansbury
- Department of Social Work, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Stephen Thielke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Seattle VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Bhawra J, Kirkpatrick SI, Hammond D. Food insecurity among Canadian youth and young adults: insights from the Canada Food Study. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2021; 112:663-675. [PMID: 33620691 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored associations between socio-demographic characteristics, self-reported health, and household food security among young adults. METHODS National cohort study participants from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, and Halifax, Canada, aged 16-30 years (n = 2149) completed online surveys. Multinomial logistic regression, weighted to reflect age and sex proportions from the 2016 census, was conducted to examine associations between food security status and covariates. RESULTS Almost 30% of respondents lived in food-insecure households, with 19% in "moderately" food-insecure and 10% in "severely" food-insecure households. Respondents identifying as Black or Indigenous were more likely to live in moderately (AOR = 1.96, CI: 1.10, 3.50; AOR = 3.15, CI: 1.60, 6.20) and severely (AOR = 4.25, CI: 2.07, 8.74; AOR = 6.34, CI: 2.81, 14.30) food-insecure households compared with those identifying as mixed/other ethnicity. Respondents who found it "very difficult" to make ends meet were more likely to be moderately (AOR = 20.37, CI: 11.07, 37.46) and severely (AOR = 101.33, CI: 41.11, 249.77) food insecure. Respondents classified as "normal" weight (AOR = 0.64, CI: 0.43, 0.96) or overweight (AOR = 0.53, CI: 0.34, 0.83) were less likely to be moderately food insecure compared with those affected by obesity. Compared with "very good or excellent," "poor" health, diet quality, and mental health were each positively associated with severe food insecurity (AOR = 7.09, CI: 2.44, 20.61; AOR = 2.63, CI: 1.08, 6.41; AOR = 2.09, CI: 1.03, 4.23, respectively). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of correlates of food insecurity among young adults suggests the need for policies that consider the unique challenges (e.g., precarious income) and vulnerability associated with this life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Bhawra
- School of Public Health & Health Systems, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, B.C. Matthews Hall, Rm. LHN 1716, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sharon I Kirkpatrick
- School of Public Health & Health Systems, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, B.C. Matthews Hall, Rm. LHN 1716, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health & Health Systems, Faculty of Health, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, B.C. Matthews Hall, Rm. LHN 1716, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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Shafiee M, Vatanparast H, Janzen B, Serahati S, Keshavarz P, Jandaghi P, Pahwa P. Household food insecurity is associated with depressive symptoms in the Canadian adult population. J Affect Disord 2021; 279:563-571. [PMID: 33152560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is essential to identify factors associated with depression as it is a highly prevalent and disabling mental disorder. The aim of this study was to examine the association between depressive symptoms and household food security status among the Canadian adult population. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of the adult population in the five provinces and one territory (Northwest Territories) of Canada using data from the 2015-2016 Canadian Community Health Survey-Annual Component (n=19,118). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Household food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Security Survey Module. A weighted logistic regression analysis with robust variance estimation technique was performed. RESULTS Approximately 22% of the Canadian adult population reported mild-to-severe depressive symptoms, and 8.3% were from households classified as food insecure. Household food insecurity remained a predictor of mild-to-severe depressive symptoms after adjustment for other known risk factors (ORajd: 2.87, 95% CI: 2.33-3.55, p<0.001). In the multivariable model, significant associations were also found with multimorbidity, lower household income, a history of illicit drug use, being a current smoker, being a widowed/divorced/separated, obesity, and being a non-drinker. Significant interactions also emerged between employment status and age (p=0.03), employment status and gender (p<0.001), and physical activity level and gender (p<0.001). LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow inferring causality. CONCLUSIONS Household food insecurity is associated with depressive symptoms in Canadian adults. Additional longitudinal research is required to further elucidate the nature of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Shafiee
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Hassan Vatanparast
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Bonnie Janzen
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Sara Serahati
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Pardis Keshavarz
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Parisa Jandaghi
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Punam Pahwa
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada; Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
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Raifman J, Bor J, Venkataramani A. Association Between Receipt of Unemployment Insurance and Food Insecurity Among People Who Lost Employment During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2035884. [PMID: 33512519 PMCID: PMC7846943 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.35884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance More than 50 million US residents have lost work during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and food insecurity has increased. Objective To evaluate the association between receipt of unemployment insurance, including a $600/wk federal supplement between April and July, and food insecurity among people who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used difference-in-differences analysis of longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of US adults residing in low- and middle-income households (ie, <$75 000 annual income) who lost work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were from 15 waves of the Understanding Coronavirus in America study (conducted April 1 to November 11, 2020). Exposure Receipt of unemployment insurance benefits. Main Outcomes and Measures Food insecurity and eating less due to financial constraints, assessed every 2 weeks by self-report. Results Of 2319 adults living in households earning less than $75 000 annually and employed in February 2020, 1119 (48.3%) experienced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic and made up our main sample (588 [53.6%] White individuals; mean [SD] age 45 [15] years; 732 [65.4%] women). Of those who lost employment, 415 (37.1%) reported food insecurity and 437 (39.1%) reported eating less due to financial constraints in 1 or more waves of the study. Among people who lost work, receipt of unemployment insurance was associated with a 4.3 (95% CI, 1.8-6.9) percentage point decrease in food insecurity (a 35.0% relative reduction) and a 5.7 (95% CI, 3.0-8.4) percentage point decrease in eating less due to financial constraints (a 47.8% relative reduction). Decreases in food insecurity were larger with the $600/wk supplement and for individuals who were receiving larger amounts of unemployment insurance. Conclusions and Relevance In this US national cohort study, receiving unemployment insurance was associated with large reductions in food insecurity among people who lost employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The $600/wk federal supplement and larger amounts of unemployment insurance were associated with larger reductions in food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Raifman
- Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Atheendar Venkataramani
- Leonard Davidson Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Fitzpatrick KM, Harris C, Drawve G. How bad is it? Suicidality in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2020; 50:1241-1249. [PMID: 32589799 PMCID: PMC7361329 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current paper examines the intersection between social vulnerability, individual risk, and social/psychological resources with adult suicidality during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD Data come from a national sample (n = 10,368) of U.S. adults. Using an online platform, information was gathered during the third week of March 2020, and post-stratification weighted to proportionally represent the U.S. population in terms of age, gender, race/ethnicity, income, and geography. RESULTS Nearly 15 percent of sampled respondents were categorized as high risk, scoring 7+ on the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). This level of risk varied across social vulnerability groupings: Blacks, Native Americans, Hispanics, families with children, unmarried, and younger respondents reported higher SBQ-R scores than their counterparts (p < .000). Regression results confirm these bivariate differences and also reveal that risk factors (food insecurity, physical symptoms, and CES-D symptomatology) are positive and significantly related to suicidality (p < .000). Additionally, resource measures are significant and negatively related to suicidality (p < .000). CONCLUSIONS These results provide some insight on the impact COVID-19 is having on the general U.S. POPULATION Practitioners should be prepared for what will likely be a significant mental health fall-out in the months and years ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Sociology and CriminologyUniversity of Arkansas‐FayettevilleFayettevilleARUSA
| | - Casey Harris
- Department of Sociology and CriminologyUniversity of Arkansas‐FayettevilleFayettevilleARUSA
| | - Grant Drawve
- Department of Sociology and CriminologyUniversity of Arkansas‐FayettevilleFayettevilleARUSA
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Probst C, Kilian C, Rehm J, Carvalho AF, Koyanagi A, Lange S. Socioeconomic inequality in the risk of intentional injuries among adolescents: a cross-sectional analysis of 89 countries. Inj Prev 2020; 27:349-355. [PMID: 33028648 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2015, the elimination of hunger worldwide by 2030 was declared by the United Nations as a Sustainable Development Goal. However, food insecurity remains pervasive, contributing to socioeconomic health inequalities. The overall objective was to investigate the relationship between food insecurity and intentional injuries among adolescents. METHODS Individual-level data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey from 89 countries were used (370 719 adolescents, aged 12-17 years). Multilevel logistic regressions were used to examine the sex-specific association between the level of food insecurity (none, medium and high) and intentional injuries (interpersonal violence and suicide attempts), accounting for the clustering of observations within surveys. Random-effects meta-analyses were used to analyse dose-response relationships. RESULTS Medium and high food insecurity were associated with increased odds of reporting an injury from interpersonal violence among both sexes. A positive dose-response relationship was found, where each level increase in food insecurity was associated with a 30% increase in the odds of an injury due to interpersonal violence among boys (1.30; 95% CI 1.26 to 1.34) and a 50% increase among girls (1.53; 95% CI 1.46-1.62). The odds for suicide attempts increased by 30% for both sexes with each level increase in food insecurity (boys: 1.29; 95% CI 1.25-1.32; girls: 1.29; 95% CI 1.25-1.32). DISCUSSION The findings indicate that socioeconomic inequalities exist in the risk of intentional injuries among adolescents. Although additional studies are needed to establish causality, the present study suggests that the amelioration of food insecurity could have implications beyond the prevention of its direct consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Probst
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany .,Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolin Kilian
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontaio, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ai Koyanagi
- Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.,Instituciò Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shannon Lange
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity in community-based individuals with severe mental illness receiving long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatment. Br J Nutr 2020; 124:470-477. [PMID: 32234106 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520001191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
People with severe mental illness (SMI) have numerous risk factors that may predispose them to food insecurity (FI); however, the prevalence of FI and its effects on health are under-researched in this population. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence of FI and its relationship to lifestyle factors in people with SMI. This cross-sectional study recruited people with SMI receiving long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication from community services at three sites in Sydney, Australia. Assessments were completed on physical health and lifestyle factors. χ2 Tests, independent-samples t tests and binary logistic regression analyses were calculated to examine relationships between lifestyle factors and FI. In total, 233 people completed the assessments: 154 were males (66 %), mean age 44·8 (sd 12·7) years, and the majority (70 %) had a diagnosis of schizophrenia. FI was present in 104 participants (45 %). People with FI were less likely to consume fruits (OR 0·42, 95 % CI 0·24, 0·74, P = 0·003), vegetables (OR 0·39, 95 % CI 0·22, 0·69, P = 0·001) and protein-based foods (OR 0·45, 95 % CI 0·25, 0·83, P = 0·011) at least once daily, engaged in less moderate to vigorous physical activity (min) (OR 0·997, 95 % CI 0·993, 1·000, P = 0·044), and were more likely to smoke (OR 1·89, 95 % CI 1·08, 3·32, P = 0·026). FI is highly prevalent among people with SMI receiving LAI antipsychotic medications. Food-insecure people with SMI engage in less healthy lifestyle behaviours, increasing the risk of future non-communicable disease.
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Raifman J, Bor J, Venkataramani A. Unemployment insurance and food insecurity among people who lost employment in the wake of COVID-19. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [PMID: 32766606 PMCID: PMC7402065 DOI: 10.1101/2020.07.28.20163618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Forty million U.S. residents lost their jobs in the first two months of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In response, the Federal Government expanded unemployment insurance benefits in both size ($600/week supplement) and scope (to include caregivers and self-employed workers). We assessed the relationship between unemployment insurance and food insecurity among people who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic in the period when the federal unemployment insurance supplement was in place. We analyzed data from the Understanding Coronavirus in America (UAC) cohort, a longitudinal survey collected by the University of Southern California Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) every two weeks between April 1 and July 8, 2020. We limited the sample to individuals living in households earning less than $75,000 in February 2020 who lost their jobs during COVID-19. Using difference-in-differences and event study regression models, we evaluated the association between receipt of unemployment insurance and self-reported food insecurity and eating less due to financial constraints. We found that 40.5% of those living in households earning less than $75,000 and employed in February 2020 experienced unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of those who lost their jobs, 31% reported food insecurity and 33% reported eating less due to financial constraints. Food insecurity peaked in April 2020 and declined over time, but began to increase again among people receiving unemployment insurance during the final wave of the survey ahead of the federal supplement to unemployment insurance ending. Food insecurity and eating less were more common among people who were non-White, lived in lower-income households, younger, and who were sexual or gender minorities. Receipt of unemployment insurance was associated with a 4.4 percentage point (95% CI: −7.8 to −0.9 percentage points) decline in food insecurity (a 30.3% relative decline compared to the average level of food insecurity during the study period). Receipt of unemployment insurance was also associated with a 6.1 percentage point (95% CI: −9.6 to −2.7 percentage point) decline in eating less due to financial constraints (a 42% relative decline). Estimates from event study specifications revealed that reductions in food insecurity and eating less were greatest in the four-week period immediately following receipt of unemployment insurance, with no evidence of differential pre-existing trends in either outcome. We conclude that receiving unemployment insurance benefits during the period when the $600/week federal supplement was in place was associated with large reductions in food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Raifman
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Jacob Bor
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Atheendar Venkataramani
- Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Leonard Davidson Institute for Health Economics, Center for Health Incentives & Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review summarises and synthesises the existing literature on the relationship between food insecurity (FS) and mental health conditions among adult individuals experiencing homelessness. DESIGN Scoping review. Papers published between 1 January 2008 and 2 November 2018, searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and CINAHL, using homelessness, food security and mental health keywords. SETTING Global evidence. PARTICIPANTS Homeless adults aged 18 years or more. RESULTS Nine articles (eight cross-sectional and one longitudinal) were included in the present review. FS was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module, as well as single-item or constructed measures. Depression and depressive symptoms were the most common mental health conditions studied. Other mental health conditions assessed included alcohol and substance use, emotional disorders, mental health problems symptoms severity and psychiatric hospitalisations. Composite measures such as axis I and II categories and a cluster of severe mental conditions and mental health-related functioning status were also analysed. FS and mental health-related problems were considered as both exposure and outcome variables. The existing evidence suggests a potential association between FS and several mental health conditions, particularly depression, mental health symptoms severity and poor mental health status scores. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests the potential association between some mental health conditions and FS among homeless adults. However, there is a need for more longitudinal- and interventional-based studies, in order to understand the nature and directionality of the links between FS and mental health in this population group.
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Men F, Gundersen C, Urquia ML, Tarasuk V. Association between household food insecurity and mortality in Canada: a population-based retrospective cohort study. CMAJ 2020; 192:E53-E60. [PMID: 31959655 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.190385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity affects 1 in 8 households in Canada, with serious health consequences. We investigated the association between household food insecurity and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. METHODS We assessed the food insecurity status of Canadian adults using the Canadian Community Health Survey 2005-2017 and identified premature deaths among the survey respondents using the Canadian Vital Statistics Database 2005-2017. Applying Cox survival analyses to the linked data sets, we compared adults' all-cause and cause-specific mortality hazard by their household food insecurity status. RESULTS Of the 510 010 adults sampled (3 390 500 person-years), 25 460 died prematurely by 2017. Death rates of food-secure adults and their counterparts experiencing marginal, moderate and severe food insecurity were 736, 752, 834 and 1124 per 100 000 person-years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause premature mortality for marginal, moderate and severe food insecurity were 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.18), 1.11 (95% CI 1.05-1.18) and 1.37 (95% CI 1.27-1.47), respectively. Among adults who died prematurely, those experiencing severe food insecurity died on average 9 years earlier than their food-secure counterparts (age 59.5 v. 68.9 yr). Severe food insecurity was consistently associated with higher mortality across all causes of death except cancers; the association was particularly pronounced for infectious-parasitic diseases (adjusted HR 2.24, 95% CI 1.42-3.55), unintentional injuries (adjusted HR 2.69, 95% CI 2.04-3.56) and suicides (adjusted HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.50-3.24). INTERPRETATION Canadian adults from food-insecure households were more likely to die prematurely than their food-secure counterparts. Efforts to reduce premature mortality should consider food insecurity as a relevant social determinant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Men
- Department of Nutritional Sciences (Men, Tarasuk), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (Gundersen), University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Urquia), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Urquia), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Craig Gundersen
- Department of Nutritional Sciences (Men, Tarasuk), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (Gundersen), University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Urquia), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Urquia), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Marcelo L Urquia
- Department of Nutritional Sciences (Men, Tarasuk), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (Gundersen), University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Urquia), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Urquia), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Valerie Tarasuk
- Department of Nutritional Sciences (Men, Tarasuk), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (Gundersen), University of Illinois, Urbana, Ill.; Department of Community Health Sciences (Urquia), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Man.; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Urquia), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
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Marcone MF, Madan P, Grodzinski B. An Overview of the Sociological and Environmental Factors Influencing Eating Food Behavior in Canada. Front Nutr 2020; 7:77. [PMID: 32582753 PMCID: PMC7283517 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review extensively discusses various socio environmental factors affecting eating behavior of the general public within Canada including the development and implementation of national policies. A framework representing the determinants of healthy eating can be grouped into four categories i.e., the individual determinants, the economic environment, the social environment and the physical environment. This framework allowed for addressing food insecurity and social economic ecosystem of Canadians. Lastly, we investigate the role in which biotechnology plays in improving food security and addresses the significant impact biotechnology has contributed toward on agriculture and the food market. Overall, this review using such sources as Web of Science, Pub Med and Scopus provides significant contribution toward understanding the social economic environment and eating behavior of people living in Canada. In conclusion, this has led to identify a research gap as there is a significant need to address the development and implementation of policies in the food and nutrition environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo F Marcone
- Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Pavneesh Madan
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Associations between food insecurity and psychotropic medication use among women living with HIV in the United States. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2020; 29:e113. [PMID: 32248873 PMCID: PMC7214522 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796020000232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Psychotropic prescription rates continue to increase in the United States (USA). Few studies have investigated whether social-structural factors may play a role in psychotropic medication use independent of mental illness. Food insecurity is prevalent among people living with HIV in the USA and has been associated with poor mental health. We investigated whether food insecurity was associated with psychotropic medication use independent of the symptoms of depression and anxiety among women living with HIV in the USA. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), a nationwide cohort study. Food security (FS) was the primary explanatory variable, measured using the Household Food Security Survey Module. First, we used multivariable linear regressions to test whether FS was associated with symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression [CESD] score), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD-7 score) and mental health-related quality of life (MOS-HIV Mental Health Summary score; MHS). Next, we examined associations of FS with the use of any psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, sedatives and antipsychotics, using multivariable logistic regressions adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, income, education and alcohol and substance use. In separate models, we additionally adjusted for symptoms of depression (CESD score) and anxiety (GAD-7 score). RESULTS Of the 905 women in the sample, two-thirds were African-American. Lower FS (i.e. worse food insecurity) was associated with greater symptoms of depression and anxiety in a dose-response relationship. For the psychotropic medication outcomes, marginal and low FS were associated with 2.06 (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36-3.13) and 1.99 (p < 0.01; 95% CI = 1.26-3.15) times higher odds of any psychotropic medication use, respectively, before adjusting for depression and anxiety. The association of very low FS with any psychotropic medication use was not statistically significant. A similar pattern was found for antidepressant and sedative use. After additionally adjusting for CESD and GAD-7 scores, marginal FS remained associated with 1.93 (p < 0.05; 95% CI = 1.16-3.19) times higher odds of any psychotropic medication use. Very low FS, conversely, was significantly associated with lower odds of antidepressant use (adjusted odds ratio = 0.42; p < 0.05; 95% CI = 0.19-0.96). CONCLUSIONS Marginal FS was associated with higher odds of using psychotropic medications independent of depression and anxiety, while very low FS was associated with lower odds. These complex findings may indicate that people experiencing very low FS face barriers to accessing mental health services, while those experiencing marginal FS who do access services are more likely to be prescribed psychotropic medications for distress arising from social and structural factors.
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Gyasi RM, Obeng B, Yeboah JY. Impact of food insecurity with hunger on mental distress among community-dwelling older adults. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229840. [PMID: 32231372 PMCID: PMC7108730 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hunger frequently and persistently occur in older populations in low-income countries especially in sub-Sahara Africa. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between food insecurity with hunger and psychological distress among older people in Ghana. METHODS A total of 1200 individuals aged ≥50 years were recruited during 2016/2017 Ageing, Health, Psychological Well-being and Health-seeking Behavior Study. Associations between psychological distress (assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) and hunger (assessed with a 30-day subjective scale) were evaluated using linear regression modeling. RESULTS The overall prevalence of food insecurity was 36% with approximately 27% and 9% respectively for moderate and severe levels of hunger whilst the mean score of psychological distress was 9.5 (±4.10). Persons experiencing moderate hunger (β = 0.71, SE = 0.160, p < 0.001) and severe hunger (β = 1.81, SE = 0.280, p < 0.001) significantly reported increased psychological distress outcome compared to those without hunger. These associations varied between women (β = 1.59, SE = 0.359 p < 0.001) and men (β = 2.33, SE = 0.474, p < 0.001) as well as 50-64 age group (β = 1.48, SE = 0.368, p < 0.005) and 65+ age group (β = 2.51, SE = 0.467, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that experiencing hunger is associated with psychological distress and the effect may be aggravated with advancing age and in men. These findings may inform social policy initiatives and health programmatic interventions for older people exposed to food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razak M. Gyasi
- African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Bernard Obeng
- Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Y. Yeboah
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Hajizadeh M, Bombay A, Asada Y. Socioeconomic inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviours among Indigenous peoples living off-reserve in Canada. CMAJ 2019; 191:E325-E336. [PMID: 30910880 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.181374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indigenous peoples in Canada have high rates of psychological distress and suicide. We sought to assess the socioeconomic inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviours, and the factors that explain them within Indigenous peoples living off-reserve. METHODS Using the nationally representative 2012 Aboriginal Peoples Survey collected from Indigenous adults living off-reserve in Canada, we measured income-related inequalities in psychological distress (measured on the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) and suicidal behaviours (suicidal ideation and suicide attempt) and identified factors contributing to these inequalities using the concentration index (C) approach. RESULTS Among 14 410 individuals representing 600 750 Indigenous adults (aged ≥ 18 yr) living off-reserve in Canada, the mean score of psychological distress was 16.1; 19.4% reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 2.2% reported a lifetime suicide attempt. Women had higher psychological distress scores (mean score 16.7 v. 15.2, p < 0.001), and prevalence of suicidal ideation (21.9% v. 16.1%, p < 0.001) and suicide attempts (2.3% v. 2.0%, p = 0.002) than men. Poorer individuals disproportionately experienced higher psychological distress (C = -0.054, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.057 to -0.050), suicidal ideation (C n = -0.218, 95% CI -0.242 to -0.194) and suicide attempts (C n = -0.327, 95% CI -0.391 to -0.263). Food insecurity and income, respectively, accounted for 40.2% and 13.7% of the psychological distress, 26.7% and 18.2% of the suicidal ideation and 13.4% and 7.8% of the suicide attempts concentrated among low-income Indigenous peoples. INTERPRETATION Substantial income-related inequalities in psychological distress and suicidal behaviours exist among Indigenous peoples living off-reserve in Canada. Policies designed to address major contributing factors such as food insecurity and income may help reduce these inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hajizadeh
- School of Health Administration (Hajizadeh); Department of Psychiatry and School of Nursing (Bombay); Department of Community Health and Epidemiology (Asada), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Amy Bombay
- School of Health Administration (Hajizadeh); Department of Psychiatry and School of Nursing (Bombay); Department of Community Health and Epidemiology (Asada), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
| | - Yukiko Asada
- School of Health Administration (Hajizadeh); Department of Psychiatry and School of Nursing (Bombay); Department of Community Health and Epidemiology (Asada), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
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Nagata JM, Palar K, Gooding HC, Garber AK, Whittle HJ, Bibbins-Domingo K, Weiser SD. Food Insecurity Is Associated With Poorer Mental Health and Sleep Outcomes in Young Adults. J Adolesc Health 2019; 65:805-811. [PMID: 31587956 PMCID: PMC6874757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to determine the association between food insecurity, mental health, and sleep outcomes among young adults. Young adulthood represents an important developmental period when educational and economic transitions may increase the risk for food insecurity; however, little is known about associations between food insecurity and health outcomes in this period. METHODS Cross-sectional nationally representative data of U.S. young adults aged 24-32 years from Wave IV (2008) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health were analyzed in 2018. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted with food insecurity as the independent variable and self-reported mental health (depression, anxiety, and suicidality) and sleep (trouble falling and staying asleep) outcomes as the dependent variables. RESULTS Of the 14,786 young adults in the sample, 11% were food insecure. Food-insecure young adults had greater odds of mental health problems including a depression diagnosis (1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-2.01), anxiety or panic disorder diagnosis (1.47, 95% CI 1.16-1.87), and suicidal ideation in the past 12 months (2.76, 95% CI 2.14-3.55). Food insecurity was also associated with poorer sleep outcomes including trouble falling (adjusted odds ratio 1.78, 95% CI 1.52-2.08) and staying (adjusted odds ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.42-1.97) asleep. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity is associated with poorer mental and sleep health in young adulthood. Health care providers should screen for food insecurity in young adults and provide referrals when appropriate. Future research should test interventions to simultaneously combat food insecurity and mental health problems in young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| | - Kartika Palar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Holly C Gooding
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Andrea K Garber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Henry J Whittle
- Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Combined effects of disease management and food insecurity on physical and mental health in Korean adults. Public Health Nutr 2019; 23:112-122. [PMID: 31744589 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019003094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to examine the combined effects of disease management and food insecurity on physical and mental health in a representative Korean population. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2012-2015. PARTICIPANTS Adults aged ≥30 years (n 17 934) who participated in the KNHANES. RESULTS Among health-care factors, unmet health-care needs and mental health counselling were different by food insecurity status, with a higher prevalence in adults with food insecurity. The prevalence of underweight was higher in men with food insecurity (5·9 %), whereas the prevalence of obesity was higher in women with food insecurity (37·4 %), than that in men and women with food security. Food insecurity was associated with a high risk of all mental health outcomes. For the combined effects of disease management and food insecurity, unmet health-care needs was related to increased risk of obesity for food-insecure men (Pinteraction = 0·029) and lack of participation in nutrition education or counselling was related to increased risk of obesity for food-insecure women (Pinteraction = 0·010). In addition, higher unmet health-care needs in adults with food insecurity was related to higher risk of mental health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Unmet health-care needs may exacerbate obesity for food-insecure men and mental health problems for both food-insecure men and women. In addition, lack of participation in nutrition education or counselling may exacerbate the obesity for food-insecure women.
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Davison KM, Gondara L. A Comparison of Mental Health, Food Insecurity, and Diet Quality Indicators between Foreign-Born Immigrants of Canada and Native-Born Canadians. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2019.1672601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen M. Davison
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Biology, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, Canada
| | - Lovedeep Gondara
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Whittle HJ, Sheira LA, Wolfe WR, Frongillo EA, Palar K, Merenstein D, Wilson TE, Adedimeji A, Weber KM, Adimora AA, Ofotokun I, Metsch L, Turan JM, Wentz EL, Tien PC, Weiser SD. Food insecurity is associated with anxiety, stress, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in a cohort of women with or at risk of HIV in the United States. J Nutr 2019; 149:1393-1403. [PMID: 31127819 PMCID: PMC6675617 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxz093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity, which disproportionately affects marginalized women in the United States, is associated with depressive symptoms. Few studies have examined relations of food insecurity with other mental health outcomes. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of food insecurity with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), stress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), a prospective cohort study of women with or at risk of HIV in the United States. METHODS Participants were 2553 women with or at risk of HIV, predominantly African American/black (71.6%). Structured questionnaires were conducted during April 2013-March 2016 every 6 mo. Food security (FS) was the primary predictor, measured using the Household Food Security Survey Module. We measured longitudinal outcomes for GAD (GAD-7 score and a binary GAD-7 screener for moderate-to-severe GAD). Only cross-sectional data were available for outcomes measuring perceived stress (PSS-10 score) and PTSD (PCL-C score and a binary PCL-C screener for PTSD). We examined associations of FS with the outcomes through use of multivariable linear and logistic regression, including lagged associations with GAD outcomes. RESULTS After adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors including HIV serostatus, current marginal, low, and very low FS were associated with increasingly higher GAD-7 scores, and with 1.41 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.80; P < 0.01), 2.03 (95% CI: 1.59, 2.61; P < 0.001), and 3.23 (95% CI: 2.43, 4.29; P < 0.001) times higher odds of screening positive for moderate-to-severe GAD, respectively. Low and very low FS at the previous visit (6 mo earlier) were independently associated with GAD outcomes at current visit. Associations of FS with PSS-10 and PCL-C scores exhibited similar dose-response relations. Very low FS was associated with 1.93 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.24; P < 0.05) times higher odds of screening positive for PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity may be associated with a range of poor mental health outcomes among women in the United States with or at risk of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Whittle
- Centre for Psychiatry, Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK,Address correspondence to HJW (e-mail: )
| | | | | | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
| | | | - Daniel Merenstein
- Department of Family Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Tracey E Wilson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, School of Public Health, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Kathleen M Weber
- Cook County Health and Hospitals System and Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Adaora A Adimora
- School of Medicine and UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ighovwerha Ofotokun
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, and Grady Healthcare System, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lisa Metsch
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Janet M Turan
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Eryka L Wentz
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Phyllis C Tien
- Department of Medicine, UCSF and Medical Service, Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Division of HIV, ID and Global Medicine,Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF, San Francisco, CA
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Shayo FK, Lawala PS. Does food insecurity link to suicidal behaviors among in-school adolescents? Findings from the low-income country of sub-Saharan Africa. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:227. [PMID: 31340781 PMCID: PMC6657165 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal behaviors among adolescents is a major public health concern. Psychological factors have been extensively studied known risks linked to suicidal behaviors in the general population. However, the association between food insecurity and suicidal behaviors is less researched, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The present study sought to assess the link between food insecurity and suicide behaviors among in-school adolescents. METHODS The present study was based on the secondary analysis of the first nationally representative sample of the 2014 Tanzania Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). A total sample of 3,793 in-school adolescents was included in the present analysis. The primary independent variable was food insecurity while the dependent variables of interest were suicide ideation and suicide attempt. Chi-square χ2 and multivariate logistic regression were used to ascertain the measure of statistical association. In all analyses, a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Of the 3,793 in-school adolescents, 254 (6·7%) were food insecure. A significantly large proportion of adolescents with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt were food insecure than their counterparts, respectively. In the adjusted multivariate model, food insecure adolescents were more likely to have experienced suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt: [AOR; 1·8 95% C. I; 1·3-2·5] and [AOR; 2·4, 95% C. I; 1·7-3·3]; p < 0.001, respectively. CONCLUSION Food insecurity was an independent predictor of suicidal behaviors among in-school adolescents. An intervention that targets food security at the school level may protect adolescents of food insecure household from suicidal behaviors. Nevertheless, school-based mental health screening, evaluation, and promotion may be needed for adolescents with suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Festo K Shayo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship, Division of Public Health, Graduate School of Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan.
| | - Paul S Lawala
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, P.O. Box 419, Mbeya, Tanzania
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