Evaluating the independent contribution of food insecurity from financial insecurity and economic disadvantage on mental health: Evidence from the first UK Covid-19 lockdown.

Abstract

Purpose: Food insecurity is associated with poor mental health. However, it is not clear whether food insecurity independently contributes to poor mental health outcomes or if this association is driven only by financial insecurity, which characterises food insecurity experiences. To better understand this relationship, we investigated the association between food insecurity and mental health during the first UK lockdown at a time when food insecurity levels increased across the population. Methods: We employed data from a cross-sectional survey administered through YouGov (July 2020). Questions from the United States Department of Agriculture’s food insecurity module were adapted to measure moderate/severe food insecurity arising from financial or other reasons. Worry about food was also captured. GAD-7 and PHQ-9 measured anxiety and depression. We used logistic regression models to examine the relationship between food insecurity and mental health, and stratified models to assess whether this relationship varied across socioeconomic groups. Results: Food insecurity was observed in all socioeconomic groups. We found anxiety and depression to be higher among those experiencing food insecurity compared to those who were not. In stratified models, food insecurity was positively associated with anxiety in all socioeconomic strata, but depression only in the moderate and low socioeconomic groups. Conclusion: Regardless of socioeconomic disadvantage and the financial insecurity that underlies food insecurity, it is likely an independent contributor to poor mental health. Our findings suggest that interventions or policies aimed at reducing food insecurity, may also benefit population mental health.