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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and depressive symptoms among adults with low family income in the U.S.: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) aims to reduce food insecurity. On the other hand, nothing is known about the relationship between SNAP membership over time and depression symptoms. This study by Wei et al. (2024) seeks to examine the link between SNAP participation status and depressive symptoms among low-income individuals in the U.S. Study candidates (data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES] participants, 2011 – 2018, at least 20 years old) had low family income and data on depressive symptoms and SNAP participation. The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to evaluate depressed symptoms; a score of ≥10 denotes serious depressive symptoms. Current SNAP participation and participation in the past 12 months but not currently were associated with higher depressive symptoms and a higher likelihood of significant depressive symptoms. Regarding limitations, the authors comment that the inclusion of self-reported data for important variables may induce bias, and the cross-sectional design restricts the capacity to prove causation. Participation in SNAP in the last 12 months was associated with higher depressive symptoms among individuals with low family income. Improving diet quality may be an important strategy for reducing depressive symptoms in SNAP participants. [NPID: SNAP, depressive symptoms, low-income, food insecurity, PHQ-9, diet quality, mental health, nutrition assistance, U.S. health policy, nutrition intervention]
Year: 2024
