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Navigating the Nexus of Food Insecurity, Anxiety, and Depression in the Face of Climate Change: A Longitudinal Study in Rural Kenya

Goodman, M. L.; Raimer-Goodman, L.; McPherson, H.; Sharma, S.; Ramphul, R.; Woldu, D.; Mukiri, F.

2023-11-13 public and global health
10.1101/2023.11.13.23298460 medRxiv
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ObjectiveTo investigate the temporal relationships between food insecurity, anxiety, and depression among adult participants in a community-based empowerment program in Meru County, Kenya. MethodsA cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted using data from 362 adult participants in a community-based empowerment program in Meru County, Kenya. Participants completed self-report measures of food insecurity, anxiety, and depression at two-time points, 11 weeks apart. ResultsFood insecurity (T1) predicted subsequent anxiety and depression (T2), controlling for within-variable, within-time, and control-variable correlations. Village-level food insecurity (T1) was correlated with significantly higher anxiety (T2). Additionally, anxiety (T1) predicted higher subsequent food insecurity (T2). ConclusionFood insecurity and anxiety have a complex bidirectional relationship. Interventions that address food security, mental health, and the psychosocial factors that promote adaptation to food-insecure environments are essential for promoting the well-being of individuals and communities in the face of climate change.

Published in Depression and Anxiety · not in our set (fewer than 10 published preprints to learn from) · training set

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