Food insecurity as a target for suicide prevention (literature review)
Authors: Rothschild-Varibrus V.Z. , Savina M.V. , Fritzsce L.M. 
Published: January 2025

Background. The review presents a summary of English-language sources that explore the relationship between food insecurity and suicidal behavior in humans. The study was conducted to analytically identify a new target for suicide prevention. The hypothesis was tested that food insecurity could be a pro-suicidal factor, i.e., one that increases levels of suicidal activity and mortality, and thus serves as a potential target for suicide prevention.

Relevance: The lack of access to adequate and quality nutrition poses a significant psychological, socio-economic, and medical challenge. It contributes to elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior, particularly among vulnerable population groups such as adolescents, students, older adults, and veterans.

Purpose – the study aims to analyze the impact of food insecurity on mental health and suicidal behavior. It identifies the potential of leveraging food security improvement approaches for suicide prevention.

Materials and Methods. A systematic review of the literature from the past five years using international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). Content analysis of studies and reports to uncover key hypotheses and relationships. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, sociology, economics, and medicine.

Results and discussion. The study confirms that food security plays a vital role in supporting mental health, while its absence is a significant risk factor for developing suicidal behavior.

Impact of Food Insecurity on Mental Health: Individuals experiencing food deficits are more prone to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. For example, in the United States, youth with insufficient food security were three times more likely to develop suicidal ideation compared to their food-secure peers. In Tanzania, schoolchildren suffering from food scarcity had twice the frequency of suicide attempts as their well-fed counterparts.

Global Trends: Regions in Africa with chronic food shortages report high levels of suicidal thoughts – up to 30% among adults. In Canada, acute food deprivation was linked to reduced life expectancy and increased suicide risk. Among older adults in low-income countries, inadequate nutrition tripled the likelihood of suicide attempts.

Youth and Students as Vulnerable Groups: Food insecurity profoundly impacts the mental health of adolescents and students. In Canada, up to 13% of adolescents facing food insecurity reported suicidal thoughts. Similarly, in Bangladesh, 75.5% of university students experienced food insecurity, which was associated with high rates of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts.

Challenges Faced by Military Veterans: Among U.S. military veterans, food insecurity was associated with nearly a fourfold increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts. This risk was particularly pronounced among those with co-existing mental health disorders.

Social Mechanisms of Influence: Food insufficiency leads to stress, feelings of social isolation, and hopelessness – factors that significantly increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts. It was found that up to 46% of this link is mediated by stress and isolation.

Heterogeneity in Data and Methodology: Some aspects of the research remain unevenly addressed. Differences in measuring food insecurity complicate the comparison of results; however, all sources confirm its substantial impact on mental well-being.

Results. The results highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing food security issues. Recognizing the absence of food security as a major risk factor for mental health opens new avenues for developing targeted suicide prevention programs. Ensuring access to quality food, conducting localized research, and integrating food security parameters into national policy plans can significantly reduce suicide risks. Notably, the creation of regional support programs targeting vulnerable groups can ensure both physical and psychological well-being.

Conclusion: The findings confirm that food security is not merely a socio-economic issue but also a crucial psychological category that demands attention from both the scientific community and governments. Ensuring food security transcends the fulfillment of physical needs, encompassing complex socio-economic and psychological challenges. Its provision is a vital step toward preserving mental health and saving lives globally. Recognizing food insecurity as a target for suicide prevention offers new opportunities to alleviate social tension and safeguard human lives.