The association of food insecurity with psychological distress and health-related quality of life in the general adult population of Lebanon.
The socio-economic situation in Lebanon has been dramatically deteriorating over the years affecting food insecurity (FI), psychological distress, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, the objectives of the study are to estimate the prevalence and severity of FI among Lebanese residents; evaluate the association between FI and psychological distress; and examine the association between FI and HRQoL.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Lebanon aged 18 years or older in 2024. The final sample included 519 participants. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale, Beirut Distress Scale (BDS), and EQ-5D-5 L were used to assess FI, distress, and HRQoL levels, respectively. The questionnaire also included sociodemographic and general health-related questions. Regression analysis was applied to explore the association of FI with psychological distress and HRQoL after adjustment for relevant covariates.
14.3% of the participants exhibited moderate to severe FI. A moderate level of HRQoL was shown with a mean of 74.18 (SD = 19.0) for the EQ-VAS. Moreover, FI was significantly associated with HRQoL and psychological distress. FI (B = 5.183), age (B = 0.092), gender (B = 3.998), employment status (B = 0.558), and job loss (B = 6.021), were significant predictors of the BDS (p < 0.05). Whereas FI (B = - 8.490), age (B = - 0.461), job loss (B = - 4.659), and household income (B = 1.466) were significant predictors of EQ-VAS (p < 0.05).
FI was associated with poorer mental health and lower HRQoL among Lebanese residents. This highlights the impact of the socio-economic crisis and provides data that could guide efforts to improve population health, especially for NGOs that are providing support to local communities.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Lebanon aged 18 years or older in 2024. The final sample included 519 participants. The Food Insecurity Experience Scale, Beirut Distress Scale (BDS), and EQ-5D-5 L were used to assess FI, distress, and HRQoL levels, respectively. The questionnaire also included sociodemographic and general health-related questions. Regression analysis was applied to explore the association of FI with psychological distress and HRQoL after adjustment for relevant covariates.
14.3% of the participants exhibited moderate to severe FI. A moderate level of HRQoL was shown with a mean of 74.18 (SD = 19.0) for the EQ-VAS. Moreover, FI was significantly associated with HRQoL and psychological distress. FI (B = 5.183), age (B = 0.092), gender (B = 3.998), employment status (B = 0.558), and job loss (B = 6.021), were significant predictors of the BDS (p < 0.05). Whereas FI (B = - 8.490), age (B = - 0.461), job loss (B = - 4.659), and household income (B = 1.466) were significant predictors of EQ-VAS (p < 0.05).
FI was associated with poorer mental health and lower HRQoL among Lebanese residents. This highlights the impact of the socio-economic crisis and provides data that could guide efforts to improve population health, especially for NGOs that are providing support to local communities.