2026/03/02 by Solange M. Saxby, Anna M Klein, Farnoosh Shemirani +4 · 1 voice
Health Professions · Medicine · Psychology · #COVID-19 and Mental Health #Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations #Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2024-068
openalex publication_date 2026/03/02 · openalex created_date 2026/03/03 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) can influence food security status and social support, affecting an individual’s quality of life (QOL). Thus, this pilot study aimed to understand the relationship between food security, social support, and QOL for individuals with MS in rural counties compared with urban counties in Iowa. Methods: Using a mixed-methods design, validated self-reported questionnaires were provided: Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54, Social Support and Eating Habits Survey, Social Support and Exercise Survey (SSES), and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Household Food Security Survey Module. Semistructured interviews further explored participants’ perceptions of QOL, with a focus on food security, social support, and QOL. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative interviews. Results: Thirty-four Iowa residents with MS participated (11 rural; 23 urban). Although the impact of food security on QOL did not differ between rural and urban participants, food security was inversely associated with lower mental QOL (r = –0.63; P < .001). Greater social support from family (SSES family participation; r = 0.43; P = .02) and friends (SSES friend participation; r = 0.39; P = .04) was linked to improved mental QOL. Qualitative findings supported these results and highlighted contextual differences in social support and food access between rural and urban residents. Conclusions: In individuals with MS, food insecurity is associated with decreased mental QOL scores, regardless of geographic location. Strengthening family- and friend-based social support may be an effective strategy to enhance mental QOL. Further research is warranted with a larger sample size to explore the influence of food security and social support on improving mental QOL.