Hawaiʻi sticker residents reside regularly at the grocery store have serious implications for mental health for adults who are struggling to get out of it, according to a New study from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa.
The researchers, who have used in-depth health surveys to measure the impact of more than a dozen socio-economic factors on mental health, have found that food insecurity is the greatest predictor of poor mental health in the islands.
“People affected by food insecurity are much more likely to have depressive symptoms, as well as by low self -esteem and suicidal ideas,” said Ruben Juarez, UH teacher and one of the main researchers.
Even residents who can afford their grocery bills are not immune to the mental and emotional benefits of the high cost of living in the state.
Residents who spend a high percentage of their income for housing – even if they are well above the poverty line – are also more likely to encounter mental health problems, said Juarez.
Almost 40% of adults in the study in the study reported symptoms of depression – a higher rate than the state as a whole.
Food insecurity again
The report comes at a high concern about the high cost of state of the state and the potential economic impacts of federal cuts and dismissals initiated by the Trump administration.
Almost a third of households working in the state – and almost half of households with children – have financial difficulties. A family of four should win $ 107,795 this year to pay the basic necessities, According to Aloha United Way.
In recent months, food basket workers have noticed a sharp increase in the number of double -income families looking for food assistance, said Kristin Frost Albrecht, executive director of the food bank based on the island of Hawaii.
The non-profit organization obtains as many requests for help as during the top of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Frost Albrecht.
“It seems to have an impact on families where both parents work and they have children in school,” said Frost Albrecht. “And it’s heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking.
In addition to the socio-economic problems that contribute to poor mental health, researchers have identified a number of “protective factors” that can reduce the prevalence of mental health problems.
Married people or had a long -term partner declared better mental health. Employment has also been identified as a protective factor, improving self -esteem and reducing depression rates. What people feel safe in their neighborhood also plays a big role.
A big point to remember from the UH study, said Juarez is that there are many things that decision -makers can do to deal with the risk factors that researchers have identified.
Improving public security, programs to treat employment safety and efforts to reduce food insecurity can all serve as mental health interventions, said Juarez.
But Juarez said: “The big point to remember from all this is that the fight against food insecurity is essential.”
Community health coverage of Civil Beat is supported by The Atherton Family FoundationSwayne Family Fund of Hawai’i Community Foundation, The Cooke Foundation Dad Ola lōkahi.
