Food insecurity and depression: a cross‐sectional study of a multi‐site urban youth cohort in Durban and Soweto, South Africa

Objective To assess the prevalence of food insecurity and independent association between depression among youth living in two urban settings South Africa. Methods Baseline cross-sectional survey data was analysed from a prospective cohort study conducted 2014 2016 (aged 16–24 years) Soweto Durban. Interviewer-administered questionnaires collecting socio-demographic, sexual reproductive health mental were conducted. Household measured using 3-item Hunger Scale, with insecure participants defined as having ‘moderate’ or ‘severe hunger’ compared to ‘no hunger’. Depression assessed 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies (CES-D 10) Scale (range 0–30, probable ≥ 10). Multivariable logistic regression models used estimate insecurity. Results There 422 participants. Median age 19 years (interquartile range [IQR] 18–21) 60% women. Overall, 18% 42% had depression. After adjustment socio-demographic variables (age, gender, female-headed household, household size school enrolment), higher odds being than non-depressed (2.79, 95%CI 1.57–4.94). Conclusion Nearly one-fifth this insecure. Those increased Interventions are needed address Africa, combining nutritional support better access quality support.