A Cross-Sectional Study Exploring the Role of Social Isolation in the Relationship Between Food Insecurity,...

The study's objective was to determine whether social isolation serves as a mediator in the cross-sectional relationship between food insecurity, both as a short-term and longer-term situation, with resource use and depressive symptoms as outcomes.

This cross-sectional design study utilized secondary survey data, including 30-day and 12-month food security measured by the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module. The Baron-Kenny mediation approach was used to determine whether social isolation mediated the relationship between food security, depressive symptoms, and resource use (p ≤ 0.05).

Social isolation mediates the association between both 30-day and 12-month food security with depressive symptoms but not resource use.

Acknowledging and targeting social isolation, policies, and interventions that integrate peer support and community outreach to promote food security could support rural veterans food security and mental health.