Food insecurity in adults with mood disorders: prevalence estimates and associations with nutritional and psychological health.

Karen M Davison,Bonnie J Kaplan

doi:10.1186/s12991-015-0059-x

Abstract

BackgroundBecause little is known about food insecurity in people with mental health conditions, we investigated relationships among food insecurity, nutrient intakes, and psychological functioning in adults with mood disorders.MethodsData from a study of adults randomly selected from the membership list of the Mood Disorder Association of British Columbia (n = 97), Canada, were analyzed. Food insecurity status was based on validated screening questions asking if in the past 12 months did the participant, due to a lack of money, worry about or not have enough food to eat. Nutrient intakes were derived from 3-day food records and compared to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Psychological functioning measures included Global Assessment of Functioning, Hamilton Depression scale, and Young Mania Rating Scale. Using binomial tests of two proportions, Mann–Whitney U tests, and Poisson regression we examined: (1) food insecurity prevalence between the study respondents and a general population sample from the British Columbia Nutrition Survey (BCNS; n = 1,823); (2) differences in nutrient intakes based on food insecurity status; and (3) associations of food insecurity and psychological functioning using bivariate and Poisson regression statistics.ResultsIn comparison to the general population (BCNS), food insecurity was significantly more prevalent in the adults with mood disorders (7.3% in BCNS vs 36.1%; p < 0.001). Respondents who were food-insecure had lower median intakes of carbohydrates and vitamin C (p < 0.05). In addition, a higher proportion of those reporting food insecurity had protein, folate, and zinc intakes below the DRI benchmark of potential inadequacy (p < 0.05). There was significant association between food insecurity and mania symptoms (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.37, 95% CI 1.49–3.75, p < 0.05).ConclusionsFood insecurity is associated with both nutritional and psychological health in adults with mood disorders. Investigation of interventions aimed at food security and income can help establish its role in enhancing mental health.

Highlights

Because little is known about food insecurity in people with mental health conditions, we investigated relationships among food insecurity, nutrient intakes, and psychological functioning in adults with mood disorders
To further understanding of food insecurity in specific mental health populations, we used data from the study of adults with mood disorders to answer the following research questions: (1) what is the prevalence of food insecurity compared to a general population sample?; and (2) is food insecurity associated with poorer nutrient intakes and psychological function? It was hypothesized that in this sample of adults with mood disorders, food insecurity would be: (1) significantly more prevalent than in the general population; (2) associated with suboptimal nutrient intakes based on defined standards; and (3) associated with poorer psychological functioning
Sample The data were from a cross-sectional nutrition survey of adults (>18 years) with clinically defined mood disorders (Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)-TR Axis I Disorders or SCID; [13]) who lived in the lower mainland of British Columbia; 146 individuals were randomly selected from the membership list of the Mood Disorder Association of British Columbia and invited to participate

Summary

Introduction

Because little is known about food insecurity in people with mental health conditions, we investigated relationships among food insecurity, nutrient intakes, and psychological functioning in adults with mood disorders. In a previous study of the determinants of food intakes in a sample of adults with confirmed mood disorders conducted by the authors [12], a high prevalence of inadequate intakes of several micronutrients (e.g., folate, vitamin B12, iron, zinc) was found As part of this investigation, the authors included food insecurity screening questions and measures of psychological symptoms, as it was speculated that food access would be associated with both dietary intake and mental function in this population. To further understanding of food insecurity in specific mental health populations, we used data from the study of adults with mood disorders to answer the following research questions: (1) what is the prevalence of food insecurity compared to a general population sample?; and (2) is food insecurity associated with poorer nutrient intakes and psychological function? To further understanding of food insecurity in specific mental health populations, we used data from the study of adults with mood disorders to answer the following research questions: (1) what is the prevalence of food insecurity compared to a general population sample?; and (2) is food insecurity associated with poorer nutrient intakes and psychological function? It was hypothesized that in this sample of adults with mood disorders, food insecurity would be: (1) significantly more prevalent than in the general population; (2) associated with suboptimal nutrient intakes based on defined standards; and (3) associated with poorer psychological functioning

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion