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Differing within-household food security statuses are associated with varied maternal mental health outcomes
Food insecurity does not affect all household members equally, with mothers often being the first to alter their food intake when resources are scarce. This study by Liebe, Holmes & Misyak (2024) aimed to explore the links between food security differences among families and maternal mental health. Validated measures of food security, mental and physical health, and associated determinants were used in a cross-sectional survey of low-income mothers in Virginia between August and October 2021. The 570 participants were divided into groups according to how secure their houses were regarding food for both adults and children. Mothers in households facing any level of food insecurity reported poorer overall mental health. They utilized 3 to 4 more food coping strategies than those in food-secure households (such as buying cheaper food items and asking family or friends for additional resources). The authors noted that mothers belonging to households where adults are food insecure reported considerably greater levels of anxiety and depression compared to those in food-secure families. While any instance of household food insecurity correlates with worsened maternal mental health, differences emerged based on the food security status within the household. Future research should focus on screening methods that identify food security for specific household members to better connect them with available resources. [NPID: Intrahousehold food security, mental health, maternal health, behavioral food coping, diet quality]
Year: 2024
