Exploring the relationship between food insecurity and stress: A cross-sectional study in Cleveland, Ohio

Food insecurity (FI) is a pressing global public health issue that negatively impacts the physical and mental health status of individuals. The health consequences of stress can be significant, leading to various adverse effects such as an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, lower sleep quality, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Food literacy (FL) has emerged as a potential mediating factor as it empowers individuals to make better food-related decisions. FL provides knowledge, skills, and confidence in individuals to make better food choices. It can help individuals manage the challenges associated with FI, resulting in better dietary decisions and an improvement in the overall health of the person. The narrative review explored the relationship between FI, FL, and stress by reviewing existing literature. A literature search was conducted utilizing three databases: SCOPUS, PubMed, and PsycInfo, yielding 43 articles. All included literature examined the relationship between at least two of the three variables (FI, FL, and stress). The literature review revealed a consistent association between FI and stress and inconsistent results regarding the FL studies. While some studies suggest an increase in food security (FS) after the completion of an FL intervention, others did not find any relationship between these two. A dose-response relationship between FI and stress was found in 23% (n = 10) of the articles assessed. Findings suggest that when FI increases, higher stress levels also occur. However, other factors may indirectly contribute to FI, such as water insecurity and food coping mechanisms. In conclusion, evidence suggests that FI may be linked with higher stress levels, with FL emerging as a potential intervention. Future research should investigate specific FL components that can effectively reduce stress and improve FS in vulnerable and underrepresented food-insecure populations. The psychological effects of FI may lead to higher stress levels, with individuals in food-insecure households facing greater emotional and mental health challenges compared to their food-secure counterparts. In the long term, FI may result in deepening this stress, contributing to a cycle of instability and poor mental well-being that might become difficult to escape without adequate support and resources. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the association between FI and stress in individuals located in Cleveland, Ohio. Data were collected through an online survey using Qualtrics. The survey included demographic information (age, gender, etc.). FI was measured using the USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module (USDA Adult FSSM, 10-item), and stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10 item). Linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between FI and stress, as well as the influence of demographic factors such as age and gender. The study sample consisted of 26 participants. A statistically significant association was found between FI and PS (p=0.047), indicating that higher levels of FI were associated with elevated stress levels, but this relationship was no longer significant once age and gender were added to the model (p = 0.091). This study highlights the association between FI and stress. Interventions addressing FI may help to reduce stress and improve overall mental health in these populations. Future research should focus on further exploring the moderating effects of demographic factors, such as income, and developing targeted programs to improve FS and reduce psychological strains.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nutritional Sciences

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Roman Rivera, Kharina Milagros

Contributors dc:contributor

• Prescott, Melissa
• Pan, Yuan-Xiang
• Ellison, Brenna
• Lara-Cinisomo, Sandraluz

• Food Security
• Food Insecurity
• Food Literacy
• Perceived Stress Scale

Statement dc:rights

• © 2024 KHARINA MILAGROS ROMÁN-RIVERA

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127297

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F127297