scholarly journals Examining the relationship between food security and perceived health among Memorial University students

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Blundell ◽  
Maria Mathews
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Security Level ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Objectives: The prevalence of student food insecurity at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) is relatively high (58.0%) compared to the national population (12.7%). We explored the relationship between food security status, perceived health, and student experience among MUN students. Methods: Through an online survey of returning MUN students at the St. John’s campus, we assessed food security using Statistics Canada’s Canadian Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM), and self-reported physical health, mental health, and stress. We used logistic regression to compare health and stress ratings between students of different food security levels. We thematically coded open-ended responses to describe students’ experiences related to food insecurity. Results: Among the 967 study eligible students, 39.9% were considered food insecure, 28.2% were moderately food insecure, and 11.7% were severely food insecure. After controlling for significant predictors, students who were moderately or severely food insecure were 1.72 [95% CI:(1.20,2.48)] and 2.81 [95% CI:(1.79,4.42)] times as likely to rate their physical health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, and 1.66 [95% CI:( 1.22,2.27)] and 4.23 [95% CI: (2.71-6.60] times as likely to rate their mental health as ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ than food secure students, respectively. Conclusion: Food security level experienced by MUN students was closely related to their perceived physical and mental health. As food security level worsened among participants, their self-reported physical and mental health also worsened. Health professionals working with university student populations should screen for food security and consider its relationship to students’ health.

scholarly journals College Student Sleep Quality and Mental and Physical Health are Associated with Food Insecurity in a Multi-Campus Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Rebecca L. Hagedorn ◽  
Melissa D. Olfert ◽  
Lillian MacNell ◽  
Bailey Houghtaling ◽  
Lanae B. Hood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationship between food insecurity, sleep quality, and days with mental and physical health issues among college students. Design: An online survey was administered. Food insecurity was assessed using the 10-item Adult Food Security Survey Module. Sleep was measured using the 19-item Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Mental health and physical health were measured using three items from the Healthy Days Core Module. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the relationship between food insecurity, sleep quality, and days with poor mental and physical health. Setting: Twenty-two higher education institutions. Participants: College students (n=17,686) enrolled at one of 22 participating universities. Results: Compared to food secure students, those classified as food insecure (43.4%) had higher PSQI scores indicating poorer sleep quality (p<.0001) and reported more days with poor mental (p<.0001) and physical (p<.0001) health as well as days when mental and physical health prevented them from completing daily activities (p<.0001). Food insecure students had higher adjusted odds of having poor sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]:1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.14), days with poor physical health (AOR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02), days with poor mental health (AOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.03), and days when poor mental or physical health prevented them from completing daily activities (AOR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04). Conclusions: College students report high food insecurity which is associated with poor mental and physical health and sleep quality. Multi-level policy changes and campus wellness programs are needed to prevent food insecurity and improve student health-related outcomes.

scholarly journals The perceived impact of the 2016 election: A mediation model predicting health outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 651-664
Author(s):  
Hannah Rose Koerten ◽  
Leah Michelle Bogusch ◽  
Aniko Viktoria Varga ◽  
William H. O’Brien
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Thought Suppression ◽  
Mediation Model ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Personal Impact ◽  
Perceived Impact ◽  
The Relationship

The present study examined the relationship between the self-reported personal impact of the election of President Donald J. Trump, as measured by the Personal Impact of the Election Scale (PIES), and physical and mental health. A sample of 299 MTurk Amazon workers completed an online survey, including measures of the perceived personal impact of the 2016 presidential election, thought suppression, and mental and physical health. A mediation model was tested, with thought suppression included as a mediator of the relationship between the PIES and physical and mental health. Results indicated that thought suppression partially mediated the relationship between the PIES and physical and mental health. Specifically, the perceived impact of the election was positively associated with thought suppression (β = .51, SE = .01, p < .001), which was in turn negatively associated with physical health (β = -.25, SE = .44, p < .001) and mental health (β = -.50, SE = .47, p < .001). The results of this study suggest that perceptions of this sociopolitical event were related to the health of United States citizens and show a need for large-scale interventions to address this relationship, especially for those who feel threatened based on their ethnic or religious background.

scholarly journals Food Insecurity Prevalence, Severity and Determinants in Australian Households during the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Perspective of Women

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4262
Author(s):  
Sue Kleve ◽  
Christie J. Bennett ◽  
Zoe E. Davidson ◽  
Nicole J. Kellow ◽  
Tracy A. McCaffrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Household Food Insecurity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Distress Scale

This study aimed to describe the prevalence, severity and socio-demographic predictors of food insecurity in Australian households during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, from the perspective of women. A cross-sectional online survey of Australian (18–50 years) women was conducted. The survey collected demographic information and utilised the 18-item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). A multivariable regression was used to identify predictors of food security status. In this cohort (n = 1005), 19.6% were living in households experiencing food insecurity; with 11.8% experiencing low food-security and 7.8% very low food-security. A further 13.7% of households reported marginal food-security. Poor mental health status (K10 score ≥ 20) predicted household food insecurity at all levels. The presence of more than three children in the household was associated with low food-security (OR 6.24, 95% CI: 2.59–15.03). Those who were renting were 2.10 (95% CI: 1.09–4.05) times likely to experience very low food-security than those owning their own home. The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to an increased prevalence of household food insecurity. This study supports the need for a range of responses that address mental health, financial, employment and housing support to food security in Australia.

scholarly journals The impact of novel and traditional food bank approaches on food insecurity: a longitudinal study in Ottawa, Canada

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Rizvi ◽  
Rania Wasfi ◽  
Aganeta Enns ◽  
Elizabeth Kristjansson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Choice Model ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Food Banks ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Resource ◽  
The Mean

Abstract Background Food insecurity is strongly associated with poor mental and physical health, especially with chronic diseases. Food banks have become the primary long-term solution to addressing food insecurity. Traditionally, food banks provide assistance in the form of pre-packed hampers based on the food supplies on hand, such that the food items often do not meet the recipients’ cultural, religious or medical requirements. Recently, new approaches have been implemented by food banks, including choice models of food selection, additional onsite programming, and integrating food banks within Community Resource Centres. Methods This study examined changes in food security and physical and mental health, at four time points over 18 months at eleven food banks in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The participants – people who accessed these food banks – were surveyed using the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) and the Short-Form Health Survey Version 2 (SF-12). Statistical analyses included: pairwise paired t-tests between the mean perceived physical and mental health scores across the four waves of data collection, and longitudinal mixed effects regression models to understand how food security changed over time. Results The majority of people who were food insecure at baseline remained food insecure at the 18-month follow-up, although there was a small downward trend in the proportion of people in the severely food insecure category. Conversely, there was a small but significant increase in the mean perceived mental health score at the 18-month follow-up compared to baseline. We found significant reductions in food insecurity for people who accessed food banks that offered a Choice model of food distribution and food banks that were integrated within Community Resource Centres. Conclusions Food banks offer some relief of food insecurity but they don’t eliminate the problem. In this study, reductions in food insecurity were associated with food banks that offered a Choice model and those that were integrated within a Community Resource Centre. There was a slight improvement in perceived mental health at the 18-month time point; however, moderately and severely food insecure participants still had much lower perceived mental health than the general population.

scholarly journals 1284Food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Aguiar ◽  
Isabel Maia ◽  
Marta Pinto ◽  
Raquel Duarte
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
The United States ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Health Features ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting population’s health and economies, in which food insecurity appears as important concern, particularly considering its associations with mental health and adverse behaviours. This study explored the relationship between food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional study using data from an online survey was performed, including Portugal’s residents aged ≥18 years. Data on sociodemographics, behaviours, mental health features and food security status were collected. Food security status was evaluated with the United States Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-item Short Form. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, were used to explore the relationship between food security status and categorical variables. Results Food insecurity prevalence was 6.8%; showed to be significantly higher among less educated individuals (≤12 years of schooling) (p&lt;0.001), those who were employed and remained since the beginning of the pandemic (p&lt;0.001) and among those reporting need to be careful about expenses (p&lt;0.001). Comparing to individuals who were food secure, food insecure participants were more likely to smoke (p=0.009), to report depressive symptoms (p&lt;0.001) and anxiety (p&lt;0.001), measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Conclusions From the present study, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic can affect food security in different subpopulations. Key messages The findings of this study have several implications for health policy and reinforce the need for investment in contexts of populations vulnerable to food insecurity

scholarly journals Association of Household Food Insecurity with the Mental and Physical Health of Low-Income Urban Ecuadorian Women with Children

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Margaret Weigel ◽  
Rodrigo X. Armijos ◽  
Marcia Racines ◽  
William Cevallos ◽  
Nancy P. Castro
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Household Food Insecurity ◽  
Health Complaints ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Epidemiologic Transition ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Mental And Physical Health

Chronic physical and mental health conditions account for a rising proportion of morbidity, mortality, and disability in the Americas region. Household food insecurity (HFI) has been linked to chronic disease in US and Canadian women but it is uncertain if the same is true for low- and middle-income Latin American countries in epidemiologic transition. We conducted a survey to investigate the association of HFI with the physical and mental health of 794 women with children living in low-income Quito, Ecuador, neighborhoods. Data were collected on HFI and health indicators including self-reported health (SF-1), mental health (MHI-5), blood pressure, and self-reported mental and physical health complaints. Fasting blood glucose and lipids were measured in a subsample. The multivariate analyses revealed that HFI was associated with poorer self-rated health, low MHI-5 scores, and mental health complaints including stress, depression, and ethnospecific illnesses. It was also associated with chest tightness/discomfort/pain, dental disease, and gastrointestinal illness but not other conditions. The findings suggest that improving food security in low-income households may help reduce the burden of mental distress in women with children. The hypothesized link with diabetes and hypertension may become more apparent as Ecuador moves further along in the epidemiologic transition.

scholarly journals Progress After Placement

2021 ◽  
pp. 199-222
Author(s):  
Harriet Ward ◽  
Lynne Moggach ◽  
Susan Tregeagle ◽  
Helen Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Developmentally Delayed ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Adult Adoptees

AbstractThe chapter explores the progress made by the 93 adoptees in the core follow-up sample in terms of physical and mental health and education from the time they entered their adoptive homes until they were followed up, on average 18 years later. It draws on data collected through responses to an online survey concerning 93 adoptees (44% of the cohort) completed at follow-up, and interviews focusing on 24 adult adoptees. On entering their placements, 40% of adoptees were developmentally delayed; 13% had poor physical health; 38% were in poor mental health. Emotional and behavioural problems affected their academic progress; 76% required specialist help. After placement, 74% improved in physical health, 66% in mental health and 68% in academic performance. The challenges faced by adoptive parents provide a powerful case for careful preparation and long-term post-adoption support.

scholarly journals Changes in Eating Behaviors During COVID-19 and Association With Food Insecurity: Results From a Nation-Wide Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 202-202
Author(s):  
Shahmir Ali ◽  
Niyati Parekh ◽  
Ariadna Capasso ◽  
Yesim Tozan ◽  
Abbey Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Security Risk ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed both a health and economic crisis in the US, with growing concerns on how eating behaviors and food security (risk factors of non-communicable disease) have changed. This study examines changes in food insecurity and eating behaviors during the early months of the pandemic among US adults. Methods A nationwide survey of US adults was conducted in April 2020 through social-media advertisement-based recruitment to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Food insecurity was measured using a six-item validated USDA Household Food Security instrument. Eating behaviors were assessed by asking participants how their eating has changed since the pandemic (“Much More” to “Much Less”). Sociodemographic differences in food behaviors were assessed with chi-square tests, and an adjusted logistic regression model evaluated the association between food insecurity and eating behaviors. Results Overall, 5256 participants had data on eating behaviors; 58.6% were female, 43.8% aged 40–59 years old, and 56.4% were employed. Eating remained unchanged for most participants (52.7%), while 34.6% noted eating more, and 12.7% noted eating less since the pandemic. 85.3% of participants displayed high/marginal food insecurity, while 14.7% displayed low/very-low food security. Compared to those eating more during the pandemic, those eating less were more likely to be younger (24.7% vs. 17.4% aged 18–39), male (42.0% vs. 33.4%), not working, or unemployed (17.1% vs. 13.7%), and make &lt;$30,000 a year (20.7% vs. 12.6%). When adjusting for socio-demographic variables, compared to those whose eating behavior did not change, the adjusted odds of low/very-low food insecurity was higher among both those who were eating less (AOR:6.44, 95%CI:4.96–8.37) and eating more (AOR:1.67, 95%CI:1.33–2.09). Conclusions Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed significant food insecurity, with food insecurity being associated with bidirectional changes in food consumption. Public health professionals must critically examine the various contributors of eating behaviors during the pandemic and their link with food insecurity to develop targeted interventions. Funding Sources N/A

scholarly journals The Impact of Community Size, Community Climate, and Victimization on the Physical and Mental Health of SGM Youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 427-448
Author(s):  
Megan S. Paceley ◽  
Jessica N. Fish ◽  
Margaret M. C. Thomas ◽  
Jacob Goffnett
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Community Context ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Community Size ◽  
Health Community ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Community Climate

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience high rates of victimization leading to health disparities. Community size and community climate are associated with health outcomes among SGM youth; however, we lack studies that include them as covariates alongside victimization to understand their collective impact on health. This study utilized minority stress theory to understand how community context shapes experiences of victimization and health among SGM youth. SGM youth in one Midwestern U.S. state completed an online survey ( n = 201) with measures of physical health, mental health, community context, and victimization. Data were analyzed via multiple regression using a path analysis framework. Results indicate that perceived climate was associated with mental, but not physical, health; Community size was unrelated to health outcomes. Victimization mediated the association between community climate and mental health. Findings are discussed in light of current literature and implications for research and practice are shared.

scholarly journals 224 Digital Media Use and Sleep in College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A89-A90
Author(s):  
Winnie Li ◽  
Lichuan Ye
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Sleep Disturbance ◽  
Digital Media ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Physical And Mental Health

Abstract Introduction To address the growing sleep deficiency epidemic in college students, more research is needed on recent factors that might affect sleep, such as the digital media use in this young adult population. Furthermore, sleep and the use of digital media can be heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of digital media during the pandemic, and its relationship with sleep disturbance, social isolation, physical and mental health in college students. Methods An online survey was sent out to college students enrolled in an urban university. Validated questionnaires including PROMIS (Sleep Disturbance, Global Mental Health, Global Physical Health, Social Isolation), Nighttime Media Usage, and Internet Addition Test were included in the survey. In addition, focus groups were conducted with a subsample of survey respondents to elicit a comprehensive understanding of how digital media use in daily life influences sleep during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data collection was conducted during June to December 2020. Results A total of 358 students completed the online survey. Sleep disturbance was significantly related to greater digital media use for recreational purposes two hours before bedtime (62.6±28.1 minutes, r=0.110, p=0.046), and a higher frequency of playing games (r=0.148, p=0.007) and using social media after going to bed (r=0.142, p=0.10). Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with social isolation (r=0.251, p&lt;0.001), poor global physical health (r=-0.186, p&lt;0.001) and mental health (r=-0.376, p&lt;0.001), and lower GPA (r=-0.167, p=0.004). Additionally, seven focus groups were conducted in a total of 32 students, suggesting that the increase in free time from the COVID-19 pandemic led to greater digital media use, compromising sleep duration and quality. With the increase of screen time also came feeling of guilt and anxiety which often led to greater awareness and self-control around media use. Conclusion Nighttime digital media use during the challenging pandemic time has a significant impact on poor sleep, which may lead to decreased academic performance, greater social isolation, and poor physical and mental health in college students. Effective interventions targeting digital media use are needed to improve sleep in this population. Support (if any):

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