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Exploring the associations between food security and multidimensional well-being under economic uncertainty: a cross-sectional study in Türkiye
Food insecurity, indicative of material deprivation and the associated social and psychological challenges in accessing food, is a critical marker of sustainable development. This cross-sectional study investigates the association between food security status and multidimensional well-being in Türkiye, a nation grappling with high inflation and income inequality. Conducted in December 2024, the online survey included 526 participants. Food security was evaluated using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and well-being was assessed using the Flourish Index across five domains. Additionally, perceptions of inflation and income inequality were measured using single-item questions, along with sociodemographic data. Results indicated a significant correlation between food insecurity and perceived inflation impact (d = -0.37, p = .009) and income inequality (d = -0.23, p < .001). Participants classified as moderately or severely food insecure exhibited lower Flourish Index scores (d = 0.56, p < .001), particularly in life satisfaction (d = 0.53, p < .001), compared to their food-secure or mildly food-insecure counterparts. Hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that monthly income and religious belief positively predicted the Flourish Index (p < .001), while food insecurity maintained a significant negative relationship even after controlling for these variables (β = -0.16, p < .001). Cluster analysis identified four distinct profiles based on food security, income status, and religious influence, with notable differences in the Flourish Index and all its domains across clusters (p < .001). The largest effect sizes were observed in life satisfaction (η² = 0.17), happiness (η² = 0.137), and the overall Flourish Index score (η² = 0.127), indicating variability in well-being. Participants classified as “Financially Fragile & Low Religious” reported the lowest scores across most domains, whereas those in the “Financially Secure & Highly Religious” group demonstrated the highest flourishing levels. This study underscores the association between food insecurity and diminished well-being across multiple dimensions amid economic uncertainty. Furthermore, it highlights the divergent well-being outcomes across groups defined by financial conditions and religious engagement, suggesting that policy and intervention strategies addressing food insecurity should adopt a multidimensional perspective on well-being. [NPID: Food insecurity, well-being, life satisfaction, religious, economic]
Year: 2025
