Association of food insecurity with mental health status, mental health services utilisation and general healthcare utilisation among US adults

Top Things to Know

Addressing food insecurity through food is medicine programs can improve mental health outcomes by reducing stress and anxiety related to food access.

Integrating food is medicine initiatives with mental health services can ensure that food-insecure individuals receive comprehensive care, reducing reliance on emergency services.

Food is medicine programs can serve as preventive measures, mitigating the mental health impacts of food insecurity and enhancing overall well-being.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study examined the impact of food insecurity on mental health and healthcare utilization. It found that food insecurity is associated with worse mental health outcomes, including higher rates of depressive symptoms and psychological distress. Despite these adverse mental health effects, food-insecure adults were not more likely to receive outpatient mental health services or psychotropic medications. Instead, they had a higher likelihood of emergency room visits. The study suggests that food insecurity contributes to poor mental health but does not lead to adequate mental health care utilization.