Impact of the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage on Self-Reported Rates of Anxiety and Depression: Evidence from the Household Pulse Survey.
Dominique DuBois, Joe Sundell, Michael R Thomsen and 1 others
PMID 39074328WHAT IT FOUND
Caregivers of formula-fed infants who were affected by the 2022 US formula shortage reported more anxiety and depression than unaffected caregivers.
These were self-reported symptom scores, not clinical diagnoses, and the study did not prove cause.
Key findings
01Caregivers affected by the infant formula shortage had higher self-reported anxiety and depression than caregivers not affected: anxiety 41.3% vs 16.6%, depression 31.5% vs 15.2%.
02In adjusted models, being affected by the shortage was associated with increased odds of anxiety (aOR 3.13) and depression (aOR 3.05).
03Difficulty obtaining formula in the last seven days was not statistically associated with anxiety or depression after adjustment.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study used survey responses collected between September 14 and November 14, 2022, so it cannot show that the formula shortage caused anxiety or depression. Anxiety and depression were self-reported scores, not clinical diagnoses. The Household Pulse Survey has potential measurement, coverage, non-response, and processing errors, and telephone access may miss low-income populations. State-level differences in formula access and WIC eligibility were not adjusted because some states had small response numbers. The analysis included all caregivers of formula-fed infants without separating fathers, other caregivers, adoptive families, or non-heteronormative couples. WIC participation was associated with higher anxiety and depression, but the authors note this may reflect self-selection or underlying need rather than a causal effect.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the higher anxiety and depression rates as proof that the formula shortage caused these symptoms. The study used responses from one survey wave and self-reported scores, so it only shows an association among caregivers who said they were affected.