Feed

The study investigated the effect of food security (FS) on anxiety levels of women living in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, who were users of the Unified Health System during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This was a cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2020 with 122 women recruited in Family Health Units and followed up in their homes. Food security and levels of food insecurity were assessed using the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, and anxiety levels were measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Sociodemographic and economic information was collected. Analyses were performed using a generalized estimating equation model adjusted for age and income. Women classified at any level of food insecurity presented higher anxiety scores. Throughout the follow-up period, women who remained food secure or transitioned from some level of food insecurity to food security showed a 9.3% reduction in their anxiety scores. The findings highlight the importance of food security not only as a human right but also as a protective factor against mental health disorders in women during a critical stage of life. Integration of mental health services with food security interventions is recommended, particularly during prenatal and postpartum care.