Work

The Interplay of Food Insecurity, Resilience, Stress Mindset, and Mental Distress: Insights From a Cross‐Sectional Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Aims: In the United States, food insecurity (FI) is a serious health issue potentially affecting brain function. While neuroimaging suggests that diet quality influences brain functions, gaps remain regarding its impact on resilience, stress mindset, and mental distress, particularly across age and gender. This cross-sectional study investigated these relationships using data from 1099 participants, of whom 26.19% were females and 70.39% were males, with the majority (70%) being under 30 years. Methods: A multi-scale questionnaire assessing FI, resilience, stress mindset, and mental distress was distributed via social media. ANOVA and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were used to analyze the data in Python. Results: < 0.01), with physical activity showing the greatest improvement in resilience. Women exhibited stronger correlations between FI and neurobehaviors than men. Conclusion: Encouraging physical activity and targeted mental health interventions can enhance resilience and reduce distress, particularly in women. Community-based programs addressing gender and age disparities may be key to improving mental well-being.

Source: Health Science Reports

DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.70787

Authors: Lina Begdache, Amera Al‐Amery, Katerina K. Nagorny, Ushima Chowdhury, Lexis R. Rosenberg, Zeynep Ertem

Institutions: Binghamton University, Princess Sumaya University for Technology

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,280