The joint effect of female sex and food insecurity on self-reported mood disorder among Canadian adults: the Canadian community health survey.

Background: Food insecurity is prevalent in Canada and may influence mental health, particularly among females. The present study examined the joint effect of female sex and food insecurity on mood disorders.

Methods: The study used data from 104,420 adults aged 18 years or older who participated in the 2017/2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS). Log-binomial models explored the independent and joint associations of female sex and food insecurity with the prevalence of self-reported mood disorder. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion (AP), and synergy index (S) were used to assess the additive interaction of female sex and food insecurity. The complex survey design was taken into consideration.

Results: The prevalence of mood disorder was 6.7% for males and 11.4% for females, with an adjusted prevalence ratio being 1.59 (95% CI 1.51, 1.68) for females versus males. Mood disorder was associated with moderate food insecurity (PR 2.06, 95% CI 1.91, 2.23) and severe food insecurity (PR 3.29, 95% CI 3.06, 3.55). There was a significant additive interaction between female sex and food insecurity in association with the prevalence of mood disorders among females aged 18 to 39 years (RERI 1.19, 95% CI 0.27,2.08).

Conclusion: Food insecurity was associated with an increased prevalence of mood disorders, especially in younger females. Interventions that facilitate access to food while being cognizant of the socioeconomic vulnerabilities of females may have substantial benefits for the prevention and management of mood disorders.