Author:
Goodman Michael,Raimer-Goodman Lauren,McPherson Heidi,Sharma Shreela,Ramphul Ryan,Woldu Dawit,Mukiri Fridah
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the temporal relationships between food insecurity, anxiety, and depression among adult participants in a community-based empowerment program in Meru County, Kenya.MethodsA cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted using data from 362 adult participants in a community-based empowerment program in Meru County, Kenya. Participants completed self-report measures of food insecurity, anxiety, and depression at two-time points, 11 weeks apart.ResultsFood insecurity (T1) predicted subsequent anxiety and depression (T2), controlling for within-variable, within-time, and control-variable correlations. Village-level food insecurity (T1) was correlated with significantly higher anxiety (T2). Additionally, anxiety (T1) predicted higher subsequent food insecurity (T2).ConclusionFood insecurity and anxiety have a complex bidirectional relationship. Interventions that address food security, mental health, and the psychosocial factors that promote adaptation to food-insecure environments are essential for promoting the well-being of individuals and communities in the face of climate change.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Reference36 articles.
1. Relation between depression and sociodemographic factors;International journal of mental health systems,2007
2. Social determinants of depression: The intersections of race, gender, and socioeconomic status;Brain sciences,2017
3. Economic Self-Help group programs for improving women’s Empowerment: a systematic review;Campbell Systematic Reviews,2015
4. Mental health and productivity at work: Does what you do matter?;Labour economics,2017
5. Household food insecurity along an agro-ecological gradient influences children’s nutritional status in South Africa;Frontiers in nutrition,2018