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Onyeaka H, Ejiohuo O, Taiwo OR, Nnaji ND, Odeyemi OA, Duan K, Nwaiwu O, Odeyemi O. The Intersection of Food Security and Mental Health in the Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals. Nutrients 2024; 16:2036. [PMID: 38999784 PMCID: PMC11243539 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Food insecurity, a multifaceted global challenge, intertwines with mental health concerns, necessitating nuanced strategies for sustainable solutions. The intricate web of challenges posed by these intersections has made it imperative to delineate a strategic way forward, incorporating solutions and robust policy recommendations. This study aims to comprehensively examine the intricate relationship between food security and its intersection with mental health on a global scale, offering insights into case studies, responses, and innovative approaches to inform effective strategies for addressing these pressing challenges. This study involved an analysis of a literature search, mainly between 2013 and 2023, with an updated addition of relevant 2024 studies. Examining responses across regions unveils varied interventions, from targeted social safety net programs in West Africa to technology-driven solutions in Asia. Success stories, such as Ghana's sustainable agricultural practices and Canada's income transfer programs, underscore the efficacy of multifaceted approaches. Innovative initiatives like community food programs offer promising alternatives to traditional food banks. Furthermore, international cooperation and policy innovations, exemplified by the European Union's "Farm to Fork Strategy", demonstrate the potential for collective action in addressing food insecurity. By prioritizing integrated strategies, global collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking, we lay the groundwork for sustainable development where communities thrive nutritionally and mentally. We emphasize continuous research and evaluation and incorporating mental health support into community programs to pave the way for a future where communities are not only food-secure but also mentally resilient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B152TT, UK; (N.D.N.); (O.N.)
| | - Ovinuchi Ejiohuo
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Bukowska 70, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
- Molecular and Cell Biology Unit, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
| | - Oluseyi Rotimi Taiwo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan 200132, Oyo, Nigeria;
| | - Nnabueze Darlington Nnaji
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B152TT, UK; (N.D.N.); (O.N.)
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu 410001, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Omowale A. Odeyemi
- College of Nursing, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, Ile Ife 220005, Osun, Nigeria;
| | - Keru Duan
- Birmingham Business School, Department of Management, University of Birmingham, University House Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2TY, UK;
| | - Ogueri Nwaiwu
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B152TT, UK; (N.D.N.); (O.N.)
| | - Olumide Odeyemi
- Ecology and Biodiversity Centre, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7004, Australia;
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Elshahat S, Moffat T, Iqbal BK, Newbold KB, Gagnon O, Alkhawaldeh H, Morshed M, Madani K, Gehani M, Zhu T, Garabedian L, Belahlou Y, Curtay SAH, Zhu IHC, Chan C, Duzenli D, Rajapaksege N, Shafiq B, Zaidi A. 'I thought we would be nourished here': The complexity of nutrition/food and its relationship to mental health among Arab immigrants/refugees in Canada: The CAN-HEAL study. Appetite 2024; 195:107226. [PMID: 38266714 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Nutritional psychiatry suggests that diet quality impacts one's mental health (MH). The relationship between food/nutrition and MH may be particularly salient for immigrants/refugees who often experience high risk for household food insecurity and MH challenges. An innovative collaborative community-based participatory research and integrated knowledge translation approach was adopted to explore food/nutrition needs as they relate to MH among Arab immigrants/refuges (AIR) in Ontario, Canada. The goal was to co-identify areas that require social change and co-produce applicable knowledge for service improvement. The CAN-HEAL study used a multi-methodological approach, employing qualitative interviews, photovoice and a questionnaire survey. A combination of three sampling approaches (convenience, snowball and purposive) was used to recruit sixty socio-demographically-diverse adult AIR participants. The research was guided by an integrated bio-psycho-socio-cultural framework. Participants reported various socio-economic and structural barriers to nutritious eating. Food quality/safety was a significant concern and source of anxiety among AIR; food mislabeling, the widespread presence of genetically/chemically modified foods and expired/rotten food products were associated with negative MH. Participants experienced an alarming prevalence of food insecurity (65%), which was associated with negative MH. Intersections among age, gender, religion, socio-economic status, parenthood, disability, and place of residence played a considerable role in how nutrition, food security, and dietary intake impacted AIR's MH and caused substantial disparities within the AIR community. The food/nutrition-MH relationship among AIR is multi-faceted, and various psycho-socio-cultural pathways/processes were found to shape MH. Intersectoral collaboration between health and non-health sectors is needed to implement a co-proposed socio-political and community-level action plan to achieve nutrition and health equity for AIR and other similar marginalized groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Elshahat
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L9, Canada.
| | - Tina Moffat
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L9, Canada
| | - Basit Kareem Iqbal
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L9, Canada
| | - K Bruce Newbold
- School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Olivia Gagnon
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Haneen Alkhawaldeh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Mahira Morshed
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Keon Madani
- Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences Faculty, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Mafaz Gehani
- Department of Psychological and Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Scarborough, ON, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Tony Zhu
- Department of Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Lucy Garabedian
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Science, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Yasmine Belahlou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Sarah A H Curtay
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Irene Hui-Chen Zhu
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Brescia University College, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Charlotte Chan
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Brescia University College, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Deniz Duzenli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | | | - Bisma Shafiq
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Brescia University College, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Amna Zaidi
- Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
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Zangiabadi S, Alghalyini B, Zoubi F, Tamim H. Effect of food insecurity on depression, anxiety, and stress among resettled Syrian refugees in Ontario. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002571. [PMID: 38489325 PMCID: PMC10942079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Food insecurity has been linked to adverse health outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations such as refugees. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with depression, anxiety, and stress among resettled Syrian refugee parents in Ontario. This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 540 Syrian refugee parents who resided in Ontario for an average of four years and had at least one child less than 18 years who were interviewed. Information about food insecurity was collected based on the question "During the past year, did you ever eat less because there was not enough food or money for food?". Levels of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between food insecurity and depression, anxiety, and stress after adjusting for sociodemographic, migration-, and health-related factors. 44.6% of respondents reported experiencing food insecurity. Of participants, 7.6%, 8.9%, and 8.5% reported severe to extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that food insecurity was significantly associated with higher levels of depression (Adjβ = 2.00, p = 0.008), anxiety (Adjβ = 1.53, p = 0.013), and stress (Adjβ = 1.87, p = 0.019). Implementation of effective government interventions and frameworks are essential to reduce food insecurity among resettled Syrian refugees to ultimately improve their mental health outcomes and overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoura Zangiabadi
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Baraa Alghalyini
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatmeh Zoubi
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hala Tamim
- School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Beck J, Koebach A, Abreu L, Regassa MD, Hoeffler A, Stojetz W, Brück T. COVID-19 Pandemic and Food Insecurity Fuel the Mental Health Crisis in Africa. Int J Public Health 2024; 68:1606369. [PMID: 38283859 PMCID: PMC10811217 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: Providing country-level estimates for prevalence rates of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), COVID-19 exposure and food insecurity (FI) and assessing the role of persistent threats to survival-exemplified by exposure to COVID-19 and FI-for the mental health crisis in Africa. Methods: Original phone-based survey data from Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Uganda (12 consecutive cross-sections in 2021; n = 23,943) were analyzed to estimate prevalence rates of GAD. Logistic regression models and mediation analysis using structural equation models identify risk and protective factors. Results: The overall prevalence of GAD in 2021 was 23.3%; 40.2% in Mozambique, 17.0% in Sierra Leone, 18.0% in Tanzania, and 19.1% in Uganda. Both COVID-19 exposure (ORadj. 1.4; CI 1.3-1.6) and FI (ORadj 3.2; CI 2.7-3.8) are independent and significant predictors of GAD. Thus, the impact of FI on GAD was considerably stronger than that of COVID-19 exposure. Conclusion: Persistent threats to survival play a substantial role for mental health, specifically GAD. High anxiety prevalence in the population requires programs to reduce violence and enhance social support. Even during a pandemic, addressing FI as a key driver of GAD should be prioritized by policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jule Beck
- Development Research Group, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anke Koebach
- Development Research Group, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Liliana Abreu
- Development Research Group, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Anke Hoeffler
- Development Research Group, Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Stojetz
- ISDC—International Security and Development Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tilman Brück
- Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Großbeeren, Germany
- ISDC—International Security and Development Center, Berlin, Germany
- Albrecht Daniel Thaer Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Stroud B, Jacobs MM, Palakshappa D, Sastre LR. A Rural Delivery-Based Produce Prescription Intervention Improves Glycemic Control and Stress. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:803-814. [PMID: 37737814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the impact of a pilot 24-week delivery-based produce prescription (PRx) intervention with tailored education and culinary resources for rural patients (n = 40) with type-2 diabetes in underresourced communities on behavioral and clinical outcomes. METHODS We used a single group pretest-posttest design that included a home-delivered PRx, culturally tailored recipes, and health/nutrition education handouts. Measures included hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), self-reported fruit/vegetable consumption, and stress. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were conducted. RESULTS Mean HbA1c decreased from 7.6 ± 1.6% to 7.1% ± 1.4% (P = 0.001). Self-reported consumption of fruit/vegetables improved, including frequency and serving size of beans (P = 0.01 and P = 0.01), serving size of lettuce salad (P = 0.02), and serving size of vegetable soup (P = 0.001). Perceived stress decreased (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Findings from this pilot PRx intervention suggest a delivery-based PRx with tailored educational resources has the potential to reduce HbA1c and stress while improving fruit/vegetable consumption within rural patients with type-2 diabetes in underresourced communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Stroud
- Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
| | - Molly M Jacobs
- Department of Health Services Research, Management and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Deepak Palakshappa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
| | - Lauren R Sastre
- Department of Nutrition Science, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
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Kamelkova D, Strømme EM, Diaz E. Food insecurity and its association with mental health among Syrian refugees resettled in Norway: a cross-sectional study. J Migr Health 2023; 7:100173. [PMID: 36968559 PMCID: PMC10034432 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Refugees are at a higher risk of food insecurity than the general population in high-income resettling countries. Simultaneously, the prevalence rates of mental ill health among refugees surpasses the general population in receiving countries both in high- and low-income settings. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of food insecurity and to study the association between food insecurity and mental health among Syrian refugees resettled in Norway. Methods As part of the CHART study (Changing Health and health care needs Along the Syrian Refugees' Trajectories to Norway), 353 Syrian refugees resettled in Norway for approximately one year participated in a structured telephone survey. We assessed food insecurity with the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) and mental health (symptoms of anxiety and depression) with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-10). We used descriptive statistics to estimate food insecurity overall, and among women, men, and children separately. The association between food insecurity and mental health symptoms was studied using logistic regression. Results One year after resettlement in Norway food insecurity was reported among 22% of adult Syrian refugees and 24% of their children. The most frequently reported problems were that food did not last or that they skipped meals often or sometimes (approximately 15% for each parameter). Respondents also worried that food would run out before they got money to buy more (15%), had not been eating balanced food in the past 12 months (9%), and had been eating less than before (7%). A few participants reported that they had not been eating for a whole day (5%), had been hungry (4%), or had lost weight during the last year (3%). Most of the women did not report any food insecurity among children in their households (76%), some reported that their children were moderate food insecure (13%), and a few that their children were severely food insecure (10%). Among adults, mental ill health was significantly associated with severe food insecurity (odds ratio (OR) 6.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-20.5) but not with moderate food insecurity (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.4-5.8). Conclusion Food insecurity among refugees and their children after resettlement to high-income countries should be acknowledged and systematically targeted. The association with mental health reinforces the need to consider food insecurity in public health strategies towards refugees.
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Beyene SD. The impact of food insecurity on health outcomes: empirical evidence from sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:338. [PMID: 36793014 PMCID: PMC9930357 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15244-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity adversely affects human health, which means food security and nutrition are crucial to improving people's health outcomes. Both food insecurity and health outcomes are the policy and agenda of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, there is a lack of macro-level empirical studies (Macro-level study means studies at the broadest level using variables that represent a given country or the whole population of a country or economy as a whole. For example, if the urban population (% of the total population) of XYZ country is 30%, it is used as a proxy variable to represent represent country's urbanization level. Empirical study implies studies that employ the econometrics method, which is the application of math and statistics.) concerning the relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries though the region is highly affected by food insecurity and its related health problems. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of food insecurity on life expectancy and infant mortality in SSA countries. METHODS The study was conducted for the whole population of 31 sampled SSA countries selected based on data availability. The study uses secondary data collected online from the databases of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), and the World Bank (WB). The study uses yearly balanced data from 2001 to 2018. This study employs a multicountry panel data analysis and several estimation techniques; it employs Driscoll-Kraay standard errors (DKSE), a generalized method of momentum (GMM), fixed effects (FE), and the Granger causality test. RESULTS A 1% increment in people's prevalence for undernourishment reduces their life expectancy by 0.00348 percentage points (PPs). However, life expectancy rises by 0.00317 PPs with every 1% increase in average dietary energy supply. A 1% rise in the prevalence of undernourishment increases infant mortality by 0.0119 PPs. However, a 1% increment in average dietary energy supply reduces infant mortality by 0.0139 PPs. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity harms the health status of SSA countries, but food security impacts in the reverse direction. This implies that to meet SDG 3.2, SSA should ensure food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisay Demissew Beyene
- College of Business and Economics, Department of Economics, Arsi University, Asella, Ethiopia.
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Marlow M, Skeen S, Hunt X, Sundin P, Weiss RE, Mofokeng S, Makhetha M, Cluver L, Sherr L, Tomlinson M. Depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among caregivers of young children in rural Lesotho: Associations with food insecurity, household death and parenting stress. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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