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Honolulu, HI – A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has found that food insecurity is a significant driver of poor mental health among residents of Hawaiʻi. Published in Frontiers in Public Health, the study analyzed data from 2,270 adults collected in 2022, highlighting the profound impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on mental well-being.
According to the study’s findings, nearly 40% of participants reported symptoms of depression, 15% experienced low self-esteem, and 4.2% had thoughts of suicide. Among the most significant predictors of mental health challenges was food insecurity, which was particularly prevalent among individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
“These results highlight the critical role food security plays in shaping mental health outcomes,” said Ruben Juarez, co-lead author of the study and UH Economic Research Organization (UHERO)-HMSA Professor in Health Economics. “Addressing food insecurity isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about safeguarding mental well-being and improving overall community resilience.”
Employment and Community Safety as Protective Factors
The study also found that employment and positive perceptions of community safety played a role in mitigating the risk of depression. Individuals with stable employment were 2.8% less likely to experience depression, while those who felt their communities were safe during the COVID-19 pandemic saw a 9.9% reduction in depression risk.
Policy Implications: Addressing Food Insecurity and Economic Stability
This research, co-led by Juarez and Binh Le, a postdoctoral researcher at UHERO, provides one of the most comprehensive analyses of mental health determinants among Hawaiʻi’s adult population. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand food assistance programs, strengthen economic security, and promote trust in community safety measures.
“This study provides clear evidence that improving food security, along with other socioeconomic factors, must be a public health priority,” Juarez noted. “By addressing these underlying economic and social factors, we can take meaningful steps toward reducing mental health disparities in Hawaiʻi.”
Authors and Further Information
The study was co-authored by researchers Daniela Bond-Smith, Carl Bonham, Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen, and Alika K. Maunakea. More details can be found in the original paper published in Frontiers in Public Health.
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Individuals experiencing mental health concerns should seek professional help from qualified practitioners. Additionally, food insecurity is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, and further research may be needed to explore its full impact on mental health.
