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A study of the link between food-water insecurities and self-reported psychotic experiences among young adults in Gaza Strip: What role does social support play under conditions of war and extreme suffering?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to significant food and water insecurities, which adversely affect physical and mental health. This research investigates how social support mediates the relationship between food-water insecurities and psychotic experiences (PEs) in a sample of 476 adults aged 18-35. The study utilized various assessment tools, including the Prodromal Questionnaire- Brief and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, to gather data over one month in September 2024.
Findings indicate that 23.1% of participants reported low tangible social support, with 27.3% experiencing moderate to severe food insecurity and 41% facing water insecurity. The analysis revealed that increased food and water insecurities correlate with lower social support and higher instances of PEs. Moreover, social support was found to mediate the effects of food insecurity and water insecurity on PEs.
This study underscores the importance of enhancing social support networks in communities affected by war and emphasizes the necessity for immediate food aid and improved water supplies, alongside sustainable long-term solutions. In contexts of armed conflict, strategies aimed at mental health prevention should prioritize strengthening social support systems to mitigate the impact of environmental stressors and reduce the risk of psychosis. [NPID: food insecurity, social support, psychotic experiences]
Year: 2025
