Food Insecurity and Depression among US Adults: NHANES 2005–2016

Abstract

A growing body of evidence suggests that food insecurity is associated with adverse mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. In this study, the relationship between food insecurity and depression was examined using data from the 2005–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Food insecurity was assessed with the 18-item United States Food Security Survey Module with zero affirmative responses indicating high food security, 1 or 2 affirmative responses indicating marginal food security, and ≥3 affirmative responses indicating food insecurity. Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 with scores ≥10 indicating depression. Data were analyzed from 28,448 adult participants aged 20 or older. Food insecurity was present in 19.2% of the sample population (n = 5452). Food security status was significantly associated with gender, race, education level, marital status, smoking status, and BMI (Rao-Scott chi-square, p < 0.05). Fully food secure and very low food security adults experienced depression at a rate of 5.1% and 25.8%, respectively (Rao-Scott chi-square, p < 0.0001). Participants with very low food security had a significantly greater odds of depression than food secure adults, OR = 3.50 (95% CI: 2.98, 4.12). These findings suggest that food insecurity is a significant risk factors for depression in US adults over 20 years of age. To address this issue in our citizenry, police initiatives and public health interventions addressing both food access and mental health should be prioritized.

The Interactions of Food Security, Health, and Loneliness among Rural Older Adults before and after the Onset of COVID-19

“…This is supported by studies that show food insecurity is higher among those with physical disabilities [ 28 ]. In addition, individuals who do not feel well may have reduced appetites and/or experience mental health burdens that further limit the desire to eat [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]. A national analysis using the 2005–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found food insecurity to be significantly associated with depression in U.S. adults [ 50 ].…”

“…In addition, individuals who do not feel well may have reduced appetites and/or experience mental health burdens that further limit the desire to eat [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]. A national analysis using the 2005–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey found food insecurity to be significantly associated with depression in U.S. adults [ 50 ]. During the pandemic, anxiety, illness, and poor emotional and mental health among older adults led to poorer appetites and poor nutritional behaviors, and, thus, could have reduced food security [ 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”

Association between energy‐adjusted dietary inflammatory index and total immunoglobulin E: A cross‐sectional study

“…Diabetes and hypertension were confirmed through self‐reported clinician diagnosis. In the subgroup analysis stratified by BMI, participants were categorized into three categories: normal weight (<25 kg/m 2 ), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m 2 ), and obesity (≥30 kg/m 2 ) (Reeder et al., 2022 ).…”

Association between atherogenic coefficient and depression in US adults: a cross-sectional study with data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2018

“…In 2008, the WHO ranked major depression as the third leading cause of the global disease burden and projected that it would be the number one cause by 2030 2. More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD),3 affecting about 8% of adults in the USA 4. Depression can cause various adverse events, seriously endangering lives and global health 5 6.…”

“… 2 More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD), 3 affecting about 8% of adults in the USA. 4 Depression can cause various adverse events, seriously endangering lives and global health. 5 6 Current antidepressant treatments are effective, but there are many side effects; for example, antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts in some people.…”