Unpacking the Association Between Food Insecurity and Mental Health Disorders Among Older Adults
1Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
None:
ObjectivesPrevious research shows a negative correlation between food insecurity and mental health, but limited exploration exists among older adults. This study examines this association in Canadian adults aged 65 and older, focusing on the mediating roles of perceived life stress and community belonging, and the moderating role of gender.MethodsCross-sectional data from the 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 28,044) were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsThe associations between food insecurity and both anxiety and mood disorders were partially mediated by high life stress and low community belonging. The adverse associations of food insecurity, high life stress, and low community belonging with an anxiety disorder were more pronounced in women than in men. Similar patterns were observed for a mood disorder.DiscussionInterventions should address food insecurity, life stress, and community belonging, with particular attention to the unique challenges faced by older women to improve mental health.
Related Concept Videos
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Binge Eating Disorders
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Bulimia Nervosa
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...


