Food insecurity, psychosocial health and academic performance among college and university students in Georgia, USA

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether psychosocial health mediates the association between food insecurity and grade point average (GPA) among college and university students.DesignData for the present study are from a longitudinal cohort study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the proposed mediation hypothesis. Food insecurity was measured using the US Department of Agriculture’s Six-Item Short Form. Psychosocial health was operationalized as a latent factor with three indicators: depression, anxiety and hope. Validated scales were used to measure each indicator. GPA was self-reported.SettingSeven colleges and universities in Georgia, USA.ParticipantsStudents aged 18–25 years were recruited via email and surveyed every four months over a two-year period (analytic n 2377).ResultsApproximately 29 % of students were food insecure. In the final SEM, food insecurity was associated (standardized β, se) with poorer psychosocial health (0·22, 0·03, P<0·0001) and poorer psychosocial health was associated with a lower GPA (−0·21, 0·03, P<0·0001). The indirect effect of food security status on GPA, as mediated by psychosocial health, was significant (−0·05, 0·01, P<0·0001) and accounted for 73 % of the total effect. After accounting for psychosocial health, the direct effect of food security status on GPA was not significant (−0·02, 0·02, P=0·43).ConclusionsPsychosocial health may be an important mechanism through which food insecurity affects academic performance among college and university students. Multicomponent interventions that address immediate food security needs as well as co-occurring mental health and academic concerns are needed to ensure student success.

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Food Insecurity: Is It a Threat to University Students’ Well-Being and Success?

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115627 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5627

Author(s):

Nor Syaza Sofiah Ahmad ◽

Norhasmah Sulaiman ◽

Mohamad Fazli Sabri

Keyword(s):

Academic Performance ◽

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Well Being ◽

Food Security Status

Food insecurity is a growing concern among university students. The high prevalence of food insecurity is a threat to students’ health and success. Therefore, this study aims to determine an association between food security status, psychosocial factors, and academic performance among university students. A total of 663 undergraduate students in seven randomly selected faculties in Universiti Putra Malaysia participated in this study. An online survey was conducted to obtain demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, food security status (six-item USDA; food security survey module, FSSM), psychosocial factors (depression, anxiety and stress scale, DASS-21) and academic performance. Among the abovementioned participating students, 32.4% are male. About 62.8% reported to have experienced food insecurity. Binary logistic regression revealed that students whose fathers were working (AOR = 6.446, 95% CI: 1.22, 34.01) came from low- (AOR = 14.314, 95% CI: 1.565, 130.954) and middle-income groups (AOR = 15.687, 95% CI: 1.720, 143.092), and those receiving financial aid (AOR = 2.811, 95% CI: 1.602, 4.932) were associated with food insecurity. Additionally, food insecurity students were less-likely reported, with CGPA ≥ 3.7 (AOR = 0.363, 95% CI: 1.22–34.014). Food insecurity respondents had higher odds for stress (AOR = 1.562, 95% CI: 1.111, 2.192), anxiety (AOR = 3.046, 95% CI: 2.090, 4.441), and depression (AOR = 2.935, 95% CI: 2.074, 4.151). The higher institutions should identify students with food insecurity problems and future intervention programs need to be conducted to combat food insecurity among students, thus yielding benefits to their health and success.

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Food Security Status is Associated with Academic Performance in Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_133 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 282-282

Author(s):

Jessica Soldavini ◽

Maureen Berner

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

Academic Performance ◽

Food Security ◽

Graduate Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

University Of North Carolina ◽

High Food ◽

Negatively Associated ◽

Chapel Hill ◽

Food Security Status

Abstract Objectives To assess the association between food security status and outcomes related to academic performance in undergraduate and graduate students. Methods This cross-sectional analysis used data from 4897 students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who completed an online questionnaire in October and November of 2016. Food security status was assessed using the 10-item US Adult Food Security Survey Module. Students were classified as experiencing high food security, marginal food security, or food insecurity. Students rated their perceived academic performance using a 4-item academic performance scale (APS) that included items related to overall progress towards graduating on time, class attendance, attention span, and understanding of concepts taught in class. Students also self-reported GPA, whether they had taken fewer classes to save tuition money, and demographic information. Multinomial logistic regression and multiple linear regression assessed the association between food security status and academic performance-related outcomes separately for undergraduate and graduate students. GPA was only examined for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Statistical significance was considered P < .05. Results The proportion of students reporting high food security, marginal food security, and food insecurity was 52%, 25%, and 23%, respectively, for undergraduate students and 62%, 17% and 21%, respectively, for graduate students. GPA was negatively associated with experiencing marginal food security (P = .009) and food insecurity (P < .001). APS scores were negatively associated with marginal food security and food insecurity for both undergraduate and graduate students (P < .001). Undergraduate and graduate students who experienced marginal food security and food insecurity were significantly more likely to select lower ratings for perceived academic performance on each APS scale item and report sometimes or often taking fewer classes to save tuition. Conclusions Experiencing marginal food security and food insecurity were negatively associated with outcomes related to academic performance among both undergraduate and graduate students. Funding Sources University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Food for All micro-grant.

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Associations Between College-Student Food Insecurity and Diet at a Large, Public Midwestern University

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa043_094 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 243-243

Author(s):

Jeannie Mei ◽

Aarohee Fulay ◽

Cindy Leung

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Security ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Short Form ◽

Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽

Added Sugars ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Midwestern University

Abstract Objectives Food insecurity, a state of not being able to consistently access nutritious food, is an issue that 43% of students on college campuses experience. This study examines the associations between food insecurity and dietary intake in a sample of undergraduate students at a large, public Midwestern university. Methods A Qualtrics survey was completed by 1033 students, recruited from three dining halls as part of a different sugar-sweetened beverage intervention study. Baseline data, collected prior to the intervention, were used in the present study. Food security was assessed using the 6-item Short Form Food Security Survey Module and dietary intake was assessed using the National Cancer Institute 26-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire and the Beverage Intake Questionnaire-15. Generalized linear regression models were used to examine differences in dietary intake by student's food security status. Results After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, food-insecure students reported 9% lower intake of fruits, 9% lower intake of vegetables, 10% higher intake of dairy, 6% higher intake of total added sugars, 10% higher intake of added sugars from sugar-sweetened beverages, 4% higher intake of calcium, and 4% lower intake of fiber, compared to food-secure students. With respect to beverage intake, food-insecure students had 55% higher intake of fruit drinks, 148% higher intake of energy drinks, 129% higher intake of sweetened teas, 46% higher intake of flavored milk, 54% higher intake of total sugar-sweetened beverages, and 66% higher intake of diet soda. Conclusions Despite having similar access to university dining halls, there were significant differences in the diets of college students by food security status, providing more reason to increase food insecurity awareness among college students and contribute to initiatives to alleviate food insecurity, such as on-campus food pantry programs. Funding Sources This study was supported by a grant from Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan.

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Financial problems associated with food insecurity among public university students in Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysian Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.31246/mjn-2020-0032 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 411-423

Author(s):

Nurulhudha Mohd Jamil ◽

◽

Norhasmah Sulaiman ◽

Siti Nur’Asyura Adznam ◽

Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Public Universities ◽

Eating Behaviour ◽

Public University ◽

Peninsular Malaysia ◽

Financial Problem ◽

Financial Problems ◽

Food Security Status

Introduction: Food is a necessity for students. Yet, students’ food expenditure is anticipated to be restrained by their financial status. This cross-sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and its determinants among university students attending public universities in Peninsular Malaysia. Methods: Multistage random sampling was used to select respondents from public universities in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 427 undergraduate students completed a selfadministered questionnaire at four randomly selected universities (Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Pahang and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia). The questionnaire consisted of information concerning demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, food security status, eating behaviour, financial literacy, and financial problem among university students. Frequency, chi-square, and logistic regression were used to analyse the variables. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 21.6 years, and 60.9% were found to be food insecure. Gender (χ2=5.415), origin (χ2=3.871), number of siblings (χ2=4.521), financial problem (χ2=42.364), and regular breakfast intake (χ2=5.654) were associated with food security status (p<0.05). Male respondents had 1.5 times (AOR=1.547, 95% CI: 1.006-2.380) the risk of having low food security status. Those with higher financial problems (AOR=3.575, 95% CI: 2.332-5.481) were 3.5 times more likely to be food insecure. Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity among public university students in Peninsular Malaysia was significantly high. Thus, intervention studies should focus on students with financial problems. Moreover, establishing a better system for an on campus food pantry or food bank is needed to counter the high prevalence of food insecurity among university students.

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Effects of COVID-19 on University Student Food Security

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13061932 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1932

Author(s):

Elizabeth D. Davitt ◽

Michelle M. Heer ◽

Donna M. Winham ◽

Simon T. Knoblauch ◽

Mack C. Shelley

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Fast Food ◽

State University ◽

Related Factors ◽

White Ethnicity ◽

Food Security Status

During COVID-19 restrictions in spring 2020, college students experienced closed dormitories and increased unemployment and many students moved in with their families. College students were vulnerable to food insecurity pre-pandemic and this study examined how the living situations and food security status changed for Midwestern university students due to COVID-19 restrictions. An email survey administered to Iowa State University students between the ages of 18 and 30 who physically attended campus prior to its closure produced 1434 responses. Students living with a parent or guardian increased by 44% and were less likely to experience food insecurity or less likely to work. They had lower stress and ate more home-cooked meals. Students living on their own had higher rates of food insecurity, greater stress, poorer health status, higher cooking self-efficacy, and worked more hours. Seventeen percent of all students were food insecure; related factors were non-White ethnicity, lower cooking self-efficacy, undergraduate status, receipt of financial aid, employment, stress, living in the same situation as before the campus closure, and consumption of more take-out or fast food. These individuals had more barriers to food access. Knowledge of these factors provide useful information to inform future support services for this population in similar conditions.

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Food Insecurity and Associated Factors Among University Students

Food and Nutrition Bulletin ◽

10.1177/0379572119826464 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (2) ◽

pp. 271-281 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Patricia Ukegbu ◽

Blessing Nwofia ◽

Uchechi Ndudiri ◽

Nnenna Uwakwe ◽

Ada Uwaegbute

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status

Background: Food insecurity is a growing public health issue and a barrier to students achieving adequate nutrition. Data regarding food insecurity among university students in Nigeria are scarce. Objective: The study assessed the prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among university students, southeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 398 randomly selected students recruited from 2 universities in southeast Nigeria was conducted. Food security status was assessed using the 10-item US Household Food Security Scale Module. Anthropometric measurements and sociodemographic data were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with food insecurity. Results: A majority of the students were categorized as food insecure. Of this, about 35.7% and 45.0% were considered to have low and very low food insecurity, respectively. Food insecurity was significantly associated with monthly allowance, daily amount spent on food, and source of income. The odds of food insecurity was significantly higher for students whose fathers were farmers (4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.453-14.737), but lower for those whose mothers were farmers (0.18, 95% CI: 0.059-0.564). Conclusion: The result provides an insight into the food security status of university students in Nigeria. The prevalence of food insecurity was high among the students. Therefore, further studies involving different urban and rural (and/or public and private) universities in Nigeria are suggested in order to have a deeper understanding of the magnitude and contributing factors among this population group.

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Food Insecurity in Portugal Among Middle- and Older-Aged Adults at a Time of Economic Crisis Recovery: Prevalence and Determinants

Food and Nutrition Bulletin ◽

10.1177/0379572119858170 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (4) ◽

pp. 504-513 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Isabel Maia ◽

Teresa Monjardino ◽

Brenda Frias ◽

Helena Canhão ◽

Jaime Cunha Branco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Economic Crisis ◽

Household Income ◽

Short Form ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Skilled Workers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Crisis Recovery

Background: To characterize the scenario of food insecurity in Portugal at a time of economic crisis recovery is of the utmost relevance. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and to identify the determinants of food insecurity during economic crisis recovery in a population-based urban sample of middle- and older-aged Portuguese adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 604 participants of the EPIPorto cohort was conducted. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and on food security status were collected. Food security status was assessed using the US Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-Item Short Form. Logistic regression models, crude and adjusted for sex, age, education, and household income perception, were performed. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity was 16.6%. Women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-3.54), those less educated (OR = 5.46; 95% CI: 2.84-10.46), and those who had the perception of an insufficient household income (OR = 10.39; 95% CI: 5.00-21.56) were more likely to belong to a food insecure household. Unmarried individuals (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.05-3.06) and lower white-collar workers (OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.03-4.77) were also more prone to live within a food insecure household, regardless of sex, age, education, and household income perception. Conclusions: The obtained information is valuable for the development of intervention strategies to reduce food insecurity in middle- and older-aged adults, suggesting that women, unmarried, less educated individuals, less skilled workers, and lower income families should be targeted.

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Prevalence and Correlates of Food Insecurity among Students Attending a Small, Rural Canadian University

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/cjdpr-2018-004 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 79 (3) ◽

pp. 125-128 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Erica Reynolds ◽

Christine Johnson ◽

Jennifer A. Jamieson ◽

Hannah Mawhinney

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

University Students ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Low Income ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Potential Health ◽

Web Based ◽

Household Food ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Academic Implications

Purpose: University students may be at risk for food insecurity (FI) due to low income coupled with rising tuition, housing, and food costs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FI and potential correlates among students at a small, rural Canadian university. Methods: Health Canada’s 10-item household food security survey module (HFSSM) was adapted to assess food security status within the postsecondary student population. An additional 11 items measured food access and demographics. The validated, web-based survey was distributed by email and completed by 218 students (15.6% response rate). Participants were classified as food secure, moderately food insecure, or severely food insecure using the HFSSM Adult scale. Results: An overall FI rate of 37.2% was observed. This included 25.7% moderately food insecure and 11.5% severely food insecure. Students in higher years of study and who lived off campus had higher rates of FI. Conclusions: FI appears to be a significant concern for university students and has potential health and academic implications. Further research is needed to clarify the determinants and extent of FI for postsecondary students and to develop strategies to mitigate the prevalence and effects of food insecurity in these young adults.

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1284Food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal

International Journal of Epidemiology ◽

10.1093/ije/dyab168.015 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ana Aguiar ◽

Isabel Maia ◽

Marta Pinto ◽

Raquel Duarte

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Short Form ◽

The United States ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Health Features ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting population’s health and economies, in which food insecurity appears as important concern, particularly considering its associations with mental health and adverse behaviours. This study explored the relationship between food insecurity and mental health features and behaviours in adults from Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional study using data from an online survey was performed, including Portugal’s residents aged ≥18 years. Data on sociodemographics, behaviours, mental health features and food security status were collected. Food security status was evaluated with the United States Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-item Short Form. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, were used to explore the relationship between food security status and categorical variables. Results Food insecurity prevalence was 6.8%; showed to be significantly higher among less educated individuals (≤12 years of schooling) (p<0.001), those who were employed and remained since the beginning of the pandemic (p<0.001) and among those reporting need to be careful about expenses (p<0.001). Comparing to individuals who were food secure, food insecure participants were more likely to smoke (p=0.009), to report depressive symptoms (p<0.001) and anxiety (p<0.001), measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Conclusions From the present study, it can be concluded that the COVID-19 pandemic can affect food security in different subpopulations. Key messages The findings of this study have several implications for health policy and reinforce the need for investment in contexts of populations vulnerable to food insecurity

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Characteristics associated with changes in food security status among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Translational Behavioral Medicine ◽

10.1093/tbm/ibaa110 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jessica Soldavini ◽

Hazael Andrew ◽

Maureen Berner

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Online Survey ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Security Status ◽

The Usa ◽

Security Module ◽

Adult Food

Abstract The prevalence of food insecurity in the USA has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, past studies have not examined how the food security status of college students has been impacted. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the prevalence of food insecurity; determine the proportion of students experiencing a change in food security status; and identify characteristics associated with changes in food security status from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of college students. We administered a cross-sectional online survey to students from a large public university in the Southeastern USA. The 10-item U.S. Adult Food Security Module was used to assess food security status during the spring 2020 semester both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and students self-reported a variety of individual characteristics. The overall prevalence of food insecurity increased by approximately one-third during the spring 2020 semester from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. When examining the types of changes in food security status experienced by students, 12% improved, 68% stayed the same, and 20% worsened. A variety of characteristics were associated with an improvement or worsening of food security status category from before to during the pandemic. Similar to what is seen in other reports, we found that the overall proportion of college students in our sample experiencing food insecurity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, some students showed improvements in food security status. Approaches for addressing food insecurity during and beyond the pandemic are needed.

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