Publication year: 2011
Source: Social Science & Medicine, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 30 July 2011
Steven M., Cole , Gelson, Tembo
A growing number of studies show support for a positive association between food insecurity and poor mental health in developing countries. Few of these studies, however, explore the relationship statistically employing longitudinal data. This study combines ethnography with randomly sampled household-level panel data (two waves) collected in 2009 to examine the association between food insecurity and mental health in rural Zambia. Mental health was measured using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire and food insecurity was assessed utilizing a modified 7-item scale based on local coping strategies used during food shortages. A multilevel linear regression model was employed with repeated measures nested within…
Highlights: ► This panel data study examines the association between poor mental health and food insecurity in rural Zambia. ► A positive and significant association between food insecurity and poor mental health was found. ► Food insecurity in the dry season had a subsequent greater effect on mental health than food insecurity in the rainy season. ► Policies that improve access to key agricultural inputs may improve mental health through the increase in agricultural output.