(P19-022-24) Association Between Water Insecurity and Depressive Symptomatology in Mexican Adults

Objectives: To analyze the association between water insecurity (WI) and depressive symptomatology (DS) in Mexican adults.

Methods: We analyzed information from 11,806 adults and participants of the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut)-2022. We used the Household Water Insecurity Experiences and CESD-7 scales to measure WI and DS, respectively. We conducted a multinomial logistic regression model adjusted by sociodemographic characteristics.

Results: The adjusted prevalence of DS was 6.1 points higher in people with WI. Other factors associated with DS, in the presence of WI, were: being female (OR=2.0; p< 0.001), being separated or divorced (OR=1.5; p=0.001), not having any schooling (OR=2.9; p< 0.001), belonging in the low tercile of well-being conditions (OR=1.3; p=0.005), and to have ³60 years old (OR=3.5; p< 0.001).

Conclusions: Water-related problems affect the mental health of the population. Monitoring mental health and WI is relevant in projects where water plays a key role, such as poverty reduction, economic development, and climate change mitigation.

Funding Sources: This work did not receive funding.