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Verónica Mundo-Rosas1, Alicia Muñoz-Espinosa2, Corin Hernández-Palafox3
1Centro de Investigación en Evaluación y Encuestas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.. vmundo@insp.mx.
Salud Publica De Mexico
|December 7, 2023
Summary
Water insecurity is linked to higher rates of depressive symptoms in Mexican adults. This highlights the importance of water access for mental well-being and public health initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Mental Health Research
- Public Health
Context:
- Water insecurity is a growing global concern impacting various aspects of life.
- Mental health conditions, such as depression, represent a significant public health burden.
- Understanding the interplay between environmental factors and mental health is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose:
- To analyze the association between water insecurity and depressive symptoms in Mexican adults aged 20 and over.
- To quantify the prevalence of depressive symptoms among individuals experiencing water insecurity.
- To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with depressive symptoms in the context of water insecurity.
Summary:
- A study of 11,806 Mexican adults using the National Health and Nutrition Survey 2022 found a significant association between water insecurity (measured by HWISE) and depressive symptoms (measured by CESD-7).
- Individuals with water insecurity had a 6.1 percentage point higher adjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms (OR=1.5; p<0.001).
- Associated factors included being female, separated/divorced, having no schooling, low socioeconomic status, and being 60 years or older.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the impact of water access issues on population mental health.
- Highlights the need for integrated approaches in water management projects, poverty reduction, economic development, and climate change mitigation.
- Suggests incorporating mental health monitoring in areas with water-related challenges.