Food insecurity is a critical social determinant of health that can adversely affect mental well-being. This study examined the association between household food insecurity and mental health outcomes among 1,500 adults in low-income urban communities. Mental health was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, while food insecurity was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Results showed that adults experiencing moderate-to-severe food insecurity had higher rates of depression (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 2.1–3.6) and anxiety (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.8–3.0). The findings highlight the need for integrated public health strategies addressing both nutritional support and mental health services in vulnerable populations.

Keywords:
Food insecurity, mental health, depression, anxiety, social determinants of health