Hungry for connection: associations between social isolation, mental health, and food insecurity in regional Australian adults.

ABSTRACT: Food insecurity is increasingly recognized as a public health issue with social and psychological dimensions. However, evidence on its association with mental health and social isolation in regional Australia remains limited. A cross-sectional online survey among adults (≥18 years) living in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of Australia assessed food insecurity using the 18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module, categorized into 'food secure' (score = 0) or 'food insecure' (score = 1+). Self-rated mental health and physical health (excellent/good vs. fair/poor) and reported diagnosis of a mental health condition was determined. Social isolation was assessed using six individual indicators and a composite social isolation score dichotomized participants into high versus low is

SUBMITTER: Kent K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12550559 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature