Oral Presentation 49th Nutrition Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Food insecurity, mental health and social isolation in a regional Australian population (129338)

Katherine Kent 1 , Alemayehu Digssie Gebremariam 1 , Denis Visentin 2 , Kelly Andrews 3 , Grace Potter 3 , Karen Charlton 1
  1. School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
  2. School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, NSW, Australia
  3. Healthy Cities Australia, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia

Food insecurity, defined as inadequate or uncertain access to food due to financial or social constraints, is increasingly recognised as a key social determinant of health(1). While some estimates suggest around 30% of Australians experience food insecurity(2), regional prevalence statistics are less well documented. International studies have consistently linked food insecurity with poor mental health outcomes, but Australian data, particularly at the local level, remain limited. This study examined associations between food insecurity, self-reported mental health, and social isolation in a regional Australian population. Data were drawn from the Let’s Talk About Food survey, a cross-sectional online survey of adults (≥18 years) living in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions of New South Wales, conducted in April–May 2024. Food insecurity was assessed using the 18-item Household Food Security Survey Module and classified into four categories (food secure, marginal, moderate, severe) using USDA/Health Canada thresholds(3). Mental health was measured via self-rated mental health, diagnosed mental health conditions, and six social isolation indicators. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, income, education, household structure, and disability. Among 666 respondents (79.8% female, 57.1% with university education), 38.3% were food insecure compromising 7.8% experiencing marginal food insecurity, 18.8% moderate food insecurity, and 11.7% severe food insecurity. Food insecurity was significantly associated with poor mental health outcomes. Respondents with fair or poor self-rated mental health (n = 107, 22.0%) had more than double the odds of food insecurity (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.47–3.96), as did those with a diagnosed mental health condition (n = 157, 27.7%; AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.46–3.71). Strong associations were also observed with social isolation indicators. Feeling alone and friendless at least half the time (AOR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.81–5.43), often feeling separate (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.65–4.52), isolated (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.81–4.67), or struggling to reach out (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.31–3.03) all increased the odds of food insecurity. A lack of emotional support similarly doubled the odds (AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.37–4.24). This is the first Australian study to demonstrate consistent associations between food insecurity, mental health, and social isolation in a regional context. Findings highlight that food insecurity should be treated as both a nutritional and mental health issue. Integrated responses that embed mental health support within food programs, alongside broader policies addressing income, housing, and social connection, are urgently needed.

  1. Hawkins M & Panzera A (2021) Arch Psychiatr Nurs 35, 113–117
  2. Seivwright A, Kocar S, Visentin D & Kent K (2024) Aust J Soc Issues 59, 65–86
  3. Kirkpatrick SI & Tarasuk V (2008) Can J Public Health 99, 324–327