Food Security and Mental Health: A Meta-Analysis Público

Abstract

Background: A growing body of literature investigates whether food insecurity is related to common mental disorders (CMD). This paper aims to characterize the association between food insecurity and CMD across studies.

Methods: We performed a PubMed search for relevant articles published between January 2000 and December 2018. Only studies of adult participants (>=18 years) were eligible. Data extracted from each published study included the food insecurity and mental health variables, the relevant point estimates, confidence intervals, and standard errors. We completed five random-effects meta-analyses to quantify the associations between food insecurity and various CMD-related outcomes. The results of each meta-analysis were expressed as meta-odds ratios (meta-ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Inter-study heterogeneity was assessed by calculating an I² statistic.

Findings: Of 2,014 candidate records, 110 were suitable for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Food insecurity was associated with greater odds of depressive symptoms (81 studies, 304,405 participants; meta-OR 2·35, 95% CI 2·14–2·59, I²=95%), anxiety symptoms (16 studies, 93,997 participants; meta-OR 1·78, 95% CI 1·49–2·13, I²=71·80%), post-traumatic stress (5 studies, 5,838 participants; meta-OR 1·81, 95% CI 1·54–2·13, I²=0%), psychosocial stress (9 studies, 17,110 participants; meta-OR 2·39, 95% CI 1·90–3·00, I²=45%), and self-reported poor mental health or unspecified CMD (36 studies, 396,848 participants; meta-OR 2·40 95% CI 2·02–2·86, I²=98%).

Interpretation: Food insecurity is related to CMD. Future research should explore directionality, possible causal mechanisms, and opportunities for interventions.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Panel: Research in Context

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Subfield / Discipline	Global Epidemiology - MPH & MSPH
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Mental Health Health Sciences, Nutrition Health Sciences, Public Health
Palavra-chave	food security mental health
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Goodman, Michael, Emory University

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