Food insecurity is adversely associated with psychological distress, anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT: Early COVID-19 pandemic data showed a spike in both food insecurity and poor mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between food insecurity and mental health outcomes nine months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. A national survey of adults 18 years and older was administered in December 2020 (N = 8,355). Multivariable logistic models and post-estimation margins commands were used to show the predicted probability of mental health outcomes (psychological distress, anxiety, and depression) by food security status. The majority of participants (68.5%) reported high/marginal food security, 15.5% had low food security, and 16.0% had very low food security. There was a strong dose response relationship between food insecurity and higher psychological di

SUBMITTER: Sundermeir SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8425295 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature