Food Insecurity and Children’s Mental Health: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052615
• Publication Date: 2012-12-26T22:02:50Z
• Authors: Maria Melchior; Jean-François Cha...; Bruno Falissard; Cédric Galéra; Richard E. Tremblay; Sylvana M. Côté; Michel Boivin
• Keywords: Depression; Longitudinal Study

Food insecurity (which can be defined as inadequate access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets individuals' dietary needs) is concurrently associated with children's psychological difficulties. However, the predictive role of regard specific types mental health symptoms has not previously been studied. We used data from Longitudinal Study Child Development in Québec, LSCDQ, a representative birth cohort study children born Québec region, Canada, 1997–1998 (n = 2120). Family was ascertained when were 1½ 4½ years old. Children's assessed longitudinally using validated measures behaviour at ages 4½, 5, 6 8 years. Symptom trajectory groups estimated identify persistently high levels depression/anxiety (21.0%), aggression (26.2%), hyperactivity/inattention (6.0%). The prevalence 5.9%. In sex-adjusted analyses, food-insecure families disproportionately likely experience persistent (OR: 1.79, 95% CI 1.15–2.79) 3.06, 1.68–5.55). After controlling for immigrant status, family structure, maternal age child's birth, income, paternal education, prenatal tobacco exposure, depression negative parenting, only remained (fully adjusted OR: 2.65, 1.16–6.06). predicts symptoms, particularly hyperactivity/inattention. Addressing problems could help reduce burden social inequalities development.