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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-06-2016 | Original Paper

The relationship between hunger and mental health outcomes among school-going Ecuadorian adolescents

Authors: Matthew L. Romo, Victoria Abril-Ulloa, Elizabeth A. Kelvin

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 6/2016

Abstract

Purpose

Mental health and food insecurity are major public health issues among adolescents in Ecuador. Our objective was to determine the relationship between hunger, symptoms of depression, and suicidal ideation among school-going Ecuadorian adolescents.

Methods

We conducted crude and multivariable logistic regression models using data from the 2007 Global School-based Student Health Survey from Quito, Guayaquil, and Zamora, Ecuador (N = 5524). Hunger was defined as having gone hungry in the past 30 days due to lack of food in the home. Outcomes of interest were symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation with or without planning in the past year.

Results

Overall, 41.2 % (2200/5467) of students reported experiencing hunger. In multivariable logistic regression models, hunger had an increasing exposure–response relationship with symptoms of depression [sometimes hungry odds ratio (OR) 1.80, P = 0.0001; most of the time or always hungry OR 2.01, P < 0.0001] and suicidal ideation with planning (sometimes hungry OR 1.55, P = 0.04; most of the time or always hungry OR 2.63, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Hunger was associated with increased odds of symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation with planning. Strategies to improve mental health among adolescents in Ecuador should consider the potential contribution of hunger and food insecurity.

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Title: The relationship between hunger and mental health outcomes among school-going Ecuadorian adolescents
Authors: Matthew L. Romo
Victoria Abril-Ulloa
Elizabeth A. Kelvin
Publication date: 01-06-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1204-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The relationship between hunger and mental health outcomes among school-going Ecuadorian adolescents

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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