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Prevalence of food insecurity in people with major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and related psychoses: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Teasdale et al. (2021) conducted a review and meta-analysis to report the prevalence of food insecurity in people with severe mental illnesses. It is believed that these patients with major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia experience several risk factors that may predispose them to food insecurity. But there has been limited research done on the incidences and effects of food insecurity among this population. The review identified 29 unique datasets (including 31 publications related to food insecurity in severe mental illnesses). The average prevalence rate of severe mental illnesses among the studies was 40%. Compared to the general population/control group, people with severe mental illness were 2.71 times more likely to show food insecurity. The odds of people with severe mental illness demonstrating food insecurity were higher in high/high-middle income countries compared to low/low-middle income countries. The authors hypothesized that this is due to the general population of lower income countries having higher rates of food insecurity. In terms of diagnosed food insecurity, there were no differences in prevalence rates. Thus, healthcare professionals working with patients with severe mental illness should consider food insecurity. [NPID: food insecurity, severe mental illness, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia]
Year: 2021
