Exploring the associations between food security and multidimensional well-being under economic uncertainty: a...

Food insecurity, as a reflection of both material deprivation and the broader social and psychological challenges related to accessing food, has emerged as a core indicator of sustainable development. This cross-sectional study examines the link between food security status and multidimensional well-being in Türkiye, a country facing high inflation and income inequality.

An online survey was conducted in December 2024, involving 526 participants. Food security was assessed by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and the Flourish Index was used to assess multidimensional well-being across five domains. Perceptions of inflation and income inequality were assessed using single-item questions, alongside sociodemographic information.

Food insecurity was significantly associated with the perceived inflation impact (d = - 0.37, p = .009) and income inequality (d = - 0.23, p < .001). The moderately or severely food insecure group reported a lower Flourish Index (d = 0.56, p < .001), particularly in life satisfaction (d = 0.53, p < .001) compared to food secure or mildly food insecure group. Hierarchical linear regression analysis identified monthly income status and influence of religious belief as significant positive predictors of the Flourish Index (p < .001), while food insecurity showed a significant negative association even after adjusting for these factors (β = - 0.16, p < .001). Cluster analysis revealed four distinct profiles based on food security, income status, and religious influence. Significant differences were observed in the Flourish Index and all its domains across the clusters (p < .001). The largest effect sizes were found in life satisfaction (η² = 0.17), happiness (η² = 0.137), and the overall Flourish Index score (η² = 0.127) indicating variation in well-being. Participants in the "Financially Fragile & Low Religious" group reported the lowest scores across most domains, whereas those in the "Financially Secure & Highly Religious" group exhibited the highest levels of flourishing.

Food insecurity was associated with reduced flourishing across multiple domains under economic uncertainty, and well-being outcomes differed across groups defined by financial conditions and religious engagement. This suggests that policy and intervention strategies targeting food insecurity should adopt a multidimensional perspective on well-being.