Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Mental Distress in Firefighters

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Nutritional Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Firefighters face unique occupational stressors impacting health.
• Food insecurity is a growing concern within public service professions.
• Mental distress and diet quality are critical indicators of well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationships between food insecurity, mental distress, diet quality, and coping mechanisms in active US firefighters.
• To identify potential occupational factors contributing to these health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 88 active US firefighters in June 2024.
• Validated measures assessed food insecurity, mental distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD), diet quality, and coping strategies.
• Correlational and chi-square analyses were employed to examine associations.

Main Results:

• 22.7% of firefighters reported food insecurity.
• Significant prevalence of mental distress: 27.2% anxiety, 43.2% PTSD.
• Food insecurity was linked to higher anxiety (r=0.27), avoidant coping (r=0.28), and poorer diet quality (r=-0.31).

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight a significant association between food insecurity and adverse mental and nutritional health in firefighters.
• Tailored interventions addressing occupational drivers of food insecurity are crucial.
• Supporting firefighter well-being requires a holistic approach to psychological and nutritional health.