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Identifying future study designs for mental health and social wellbeing associated with diets of a cohort living in eco-regions: Findings from the INSUM Expert Workshop
Indicators for assessment of health effects of consumption of sustainable, organic school meals in Ecoregions (INSUM) is an international research project developing novel research strategies to evaluate the psychological health benefits of sustainable and organic diets in Eco-Regions. Eco-Regions are communities working towards creating sustainable food regions which use organic food production practices and understand the full life cycle of local food products. These eco-region communities provide opportunities for building our knowledge base on how sustainable, organic, and region-specific diets may affect mental health and social well-being (MHSW). Elsner & Matthiessen et al. (2022) highlight the findings of a convening of interdisciplinary and international experts to identify commonly used research methods and tools for evaluating the relationship between MHSW and diets in Eco-Region environments. The authors concluded from the workshop discussions that family-targeting cohort study designs are the best-suited to generate MHSW-related observations in Eco-Regions. Additionally, questionnaires were found to be the most popular tool in evaluating MHSW, owing to their adaptability in the method of distribution (in-person, online, etc.) and to study design. Such methodologically-adherent MHSW studies have the additional advantage of evaluating other somatic health indicators. In conclusion, the authors recommend using interdisciplinary study designs to address MHSW indicators and related factors in Eco-Regions. [NPID: Mental health, social health, wellbeing, sustainable diet, healthy diet, Eco-Regions, sustainable food systems]
Year: 2022
