Impact of the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage on Self-Reported Rates of Anxiety and Depression: Evidence from the Household Pulse Survey

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of the 2022 infant formula shortage on self-reported anxiety and depression.

Background: The US national infant formula shortage of 2022 originated from supply chain disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shortage was further compounded by a recall of tainted formula products.

Methods: We used survey-weighted data from the Household Pulse Survey (HPS) to measure self-reported anxiety and depression among individuals with formula-fed infants less than 1 year of age. We evaluated the association between 2 formula disruption variables (being impacted by the infant formula shortage or having difficulty obtaining formula in the last 7 days) with 2 mental health outcomes (anxiety and depression) using multivariable logistic regressions.

Results: We found increased odds of self-reported anxiety (aOR: 3.13; P < .001) and depression (aOR: 3.05; P = .005) for respondents affected by the infant formula shortage. There were no adjusted associations between having difficulty obtaining formula in the last 7 days and anxiety and depression.

Conclusions: Individuals affected by the infant formula shortage had increased odds of both anxiety and depression. Continued efforts to improve food security for low-income infants is critical for ensuring equitable nutritional and health outcomes across infant populations.

Implications for practice and research: Continued efforts to reduce food insecurity for low-income infants are critically needed, as infant nutrition impacts caregiver mental health and infant health. Efforts to improve lactation support and breastfeeding initiation are needed in addition to improvements in access to formula.