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The association between food insecurity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
During the COVID-19 epidemic, this study by Fang, Thomsen & Nayga (2021) sought to examine the association between food insecurity and mental health effects, including anxiety and depression, among low-income Americans. Between June 29, 2020, and July 21, 2020, 2,714 low-income respondents countrywide participated in a poll. Food insecurity was associated with a 253% increased risk of sadness and a 257% increased risk of anxiety, according to the study. A 27% rise in the likelihood of despair and a 32% increase in the risk of anxiety were also linked to losing a job during the epidemic. The results suggest that food insecurity, particularly during the pandemic, was strongly associated with an increased risk of mental health issues. The mental health risks of food insecurity were nearly three times greater than those associated with job loss. Public health measures should focus on providing direct food purchase subsidies to low-income families, especially those with children, and addressing the stigma related to accepting charitable food assistance. [NPID: Food insecurity, mental health, anxiety, depression, low-income Americans, COVID-19 pandemic, job loss, public health measures, food subsidies, stigma]
Year: 2021
