Food Insecurity is Associated with Moderate and Severe Psychological Distress in Latino Adults

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dc.contributorMurillo, Rosenda
dc.contributorHernandez, Daphne
dc.contributor.authorAli, Arfa
dc.contributor.authorBhatt, Jhanvi
dc.contributor.authorDinh, Kristin
dc.date.accessioned2022-08-26T20:32:20Z
dc.date.available2022-08-26T20:32:20Z
dc.date.issued2022-04-14
dc.description.abstractLatinos are more likely to be food insecure and report psychological distress compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Despite these disparities, limited research has examined the association between food insecurity and psychological distress among Latinos. The purpose of our study was to examine associations between food insecurity and psychological distress levels in U.S. Latino adults. We used cross-sectional 2014-2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data on Latino participants 18-59 years of age (n=13,799). Food insecurity status was measured using the 10-item USDA Food Security Scale. Participants were categorized as food secure (2 or fewer items) and food insecure (3 or more items). Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler-6 scale, which categorized participants into no psychological distress, moderate psychological distress (MPD), and severe psychological distress (SPD). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between food insecurity and psychological distress level. All models were adjusted for sex, age, education, nativity, insurance coverage, and marital status. In adjusted models, compared with those that were food secure, individuals that were food insecure were significantly more likely to report MPD (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.60, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.24-3.01). Those that were food insecure were also more likely to report SPD (OR: 5.01, 95% CI: 4.06-6.18). These findings suggest that food insecure Latinos are more likely to experience psychological distress. Our findings highlight the continued need for community-based interventions and programs focused on providing food and mental health resources for individuals experiencing food insecurity. This project was completed with contributions from Daphne Hernandez from the UT Health Cizik School of Nursing.
dc.description.departmentPsychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, Department of
dc.description.departmentHonors College
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10657/10824
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.rightsThe author of this work is the copyright owner. UH Libraries and the Texas Digital Library have their permission to store and provide access to this work. Further transmission, reproduction, or presentation of this work is prohibited except with permission of the author(s).
dc.titleFood Insecurity is Associated with Moderate and Severe Psychological Distress in Latino Adults
dc.typePoster

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