Exploring the associations between food security and multidimensional well-being under economic uncertainty: a cross-sectional study in Türkiye

Abstract

Background: Food insecurity, as a reflection of both material deprivation and the broader social and psychological challenges related to accessing food, has emerged as a core indicator of sustainable development. This cross-sectional study examines the link between food security status and multidimensional well-being in Türkiye, a country facing high inflation and income inequality. Method: An online survey was conducted in December 2024, involving 526 participants. Food security was assessed by the Food Insecurity Experience Scale, and the Flourish Index was used to assess multidimensional well-being across five domains. Perceptions of inflation and income inequality were assessed using single-item questions, alongside sociodemographic information. Results: Food insecurity was significantly associated with the perceived inflation impact (d = − 0.37, p =.009) and income inequality (d = − 0.23, p