Theses and Dissertations

Advisor

Arterberry, Latara M.

Committee Member

Pylate, Leah B.P.

Committee Member

Komakech, Joel J.

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Embargo 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion (Health Promotion)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between food insecurity, depression, and mental distress among adults in Mississippi. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) PLACES dataset, a secondary quantitative cross-sectional analysis was conducted to explore interactions between the variables. Stepwise, linear regression models were used to assess the association between food insecurity and mental health outcomes, specifically focusing on mental distress and depressive prevalence at the county level within the state of Mississippi. Findings in this study showed that food insecurity was significantly associated with higher levels of both mental distress and depression at the county level. This study contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for comprehensive public health strategies that integrate food security with mental health initiatives. Further research may be necessary to explore the causal pathways underlying this relationship, particularly in populations disproportionately affected by food insecurity, especially in underserved communities like those in Mississippi.

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Available for download on Friday, January 15, 2027

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