A study published today in Frontiers in Public Health provides a comprehensive examination of how socioeconomic factors, particularly food insecurity, shape mental health outcomes among working adults in Hawaiʻi. The research, co-led by Ruben Juarez, the UHERO-HMSA Professor in Health Economics, and Binh Le, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), and a team of researchers at UHERO and JABSOM underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address food insecurity and its profound effects on mental well-being.
The study analyzed data from 2,270 adults residing in Hawaiʻi, collected in 2022, to assess the impact of key socioeconomic and demographic factors on mental health. Findings reveal that nearly 40% of participants reported symptoms of depression, with 4.2% experiencing suicidal ideation. Among the most significant predictors of poor mental health was food insecurity, which disproportionately affected individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
“These results highlight the critical role food security plays in shaping mental health outcomes,” said Dr. Juarez. “Addressing food insecurity isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about safeguarding mental well-being and improving overall community resilience.”
Additional findings from the study showed that employment and positive perceptions of community safety helped mitigate the risk of depression. Those with stable employment were 2.8% less likely to experience depression, while individuals who felt their communities were safe during the COVID-19 pandemic saw a 9.9% reduction in depression risk.
The implications of this study are profound for Hawaiʻi policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations. With food insecurity identified as a key driver of mental health challenges, the authors stress the importance of expanding food assistance programs, strengthening economic security, and fostering trust in community safety measures.
“This study provides clear evidence that improving food security along with other socioeconomic factors must be a public health priority,” said Dr. Juarez. “By addressing these underlying economic and social factors, we can take meaningful steps toward reducing mental health disparities in Hawaiʻi.”The full study, Socioeconomic Determinants of Mental Health Outcomes Among Hawaii Adults, is available online at https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1526687.