Residential Mobility and Its Impact on Self-Rated General and Mental Health Among Young Indigenous Adults: The Mediating and Moderating Roles of Food Insecurity

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between residential mobility and self-rated health among Indigenous adults aged 19–24, exploring whether food insecurity acts as a mediator or moderator in this relationship. Data were collected from the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, a nationally representative survey administered by Statistics Canada (N = 4,028). Logistic regression analysis revealed that food insecurity fully mediated the negative effects of residential mobility on self-rated general and mental health. Furthermore, food insecurity amplified the negative impacts of residential mobility on both health outcomes. These results underscore the importance of implementing culturally specific interventions to address food insecurity among young Indigenous adults.