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

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.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 476-485 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilana G Raskind ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Carla J Berg
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Food Security ◽  
University Students ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Psychosocial Health ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
College And University ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Effect Of Food

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.

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

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.

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

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 &lt; .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 &lt; .001). APS scores were negatively associated with marginal food security and food insecurity for both undergraduate and graduate students (P &lt; .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.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for Food Insecurity in Undergraduate Students at a Rural Liberal Arts Institution (P04-050-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Heying ◽  
Emma Backes
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Liberal Arts Institution ◽  
Campus Resources

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of food insecurity and accompanying risk factors among undergraduate students at a private liberal-arts institution in a rural setting. Methods A cross-sectional research design was used to analyze the food security status and potential risk factors of undergraduate students. Participants completed an online survey distributed via email. The USDA Six-item Household Food Security Module was used to assess food security status. The perceived stress scale (PSS) assessed perceived stress levels. Participants were also asked about demographics, employment status, living situation, and on or off campus dining options. Results 532 respondents met the criteria for the study (14.5% of total undergraduate enrollment). 35% of female participants (n = 335) and 47% of male participants (n = 197) from the total sample were considered food insecure at some time during the semester. 3rd/4thyear students were more likely to be food insecure than 1st/2nd year students (P = 0.03). Factors that increased risk for food insecurity were: being a student of color, first-generation, working more than 16 hours per week, higher levels of perceived stress, and having a meal-plan that did not provide unlimited access to on-campus dining, Conclusions Food insecurity was prevalent in at least one third of participants at an undergraduate liberal arts institution in a rural community. Institutions in rural communities need to further explore the root of food insecurity to alleviate potential hunger and malnutrition, as these students often depend on on-campus resources due to lack of off-campus resources in the near vicinity. Funding Sources This study was funded through a “Becoming Community” grant to the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University provided by the Carnegie Mellon Foundation.

scholarly journals SEGURIDAD ALIMENTARIA EN LOS HOGARES DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DE UNA POBLACIÓN UNIVERSITARIA

e-CUCBA ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 65-71
Author(s):  
Delia Guillermina González-Aguilar ◽  
◽  
Zoila Gómez-Cruz ◽  
Patricia Landeros-Ramírez ◽  
Kenya Regina Morales-Ángel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
University Center ◽  
The World ◽  
The University ◽  
Latin American And Caribbean

Food insecurity is a public health problem throughout the world, since a growing number of households present this situation of vulnerability. The objective of this study was to carry out a diagnosis of the situation regarding food security in The homes of the students of the University Center for Biological and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Guadalajara, in Mexico. An online survey was applied to 225 undergraduate students through a platform based on the Latin American and Caribbean Scale of Food Security. 52% of the households present some level of food insecurity, of which 76 present mild insecurity (33.77%), 30 moderate insecurity (13.33%) and 11 severe insecurity (4.88%). The largest number of “yes” answers (85) was for the question “Have you ever worried that food would run out at home?”. The data presented suggest a worrying reality regarding food security in the families of the University Center students, five out of 10 students live in families with food insecurity, that is, the students are suffering from hunger and malnutrition and are concerned about it.

scholarly journals Domestic and International Remittances and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-54
Author(s):  
Narges Ebadi ◽  
Davod Ahmadi ◽  
Hugo Melgar-Quiñonez
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
International Remittances ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

The amount of remittances to developing counties, defined as the flow of monetary and non-monetary goods, has increased globally and has surpassed the amount of money spent on foreign aid in these developing countries. The impact of remittances on households’ purchasing power has been studied; however, its link to food security status is yet to be explored. This paper quantitatively analyses the relationship between food security status (measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale) and the receipt of domestic/ international or both remittances on households in sub- Saharan Africa. Data are derived from the Gallup World Poll from the years 2014-2017. Multinomial logistic regression models and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the data. Results showed that remittance recipients had significantly higher household incomes (especially if the remittance was coming internationally and domestically), lived with significantly more household members (7 or more members), and were more likely to be separated (including divorced or widowed). Households that received domestic remittances had significantly higher odds of being food insecure than households receiving no remittances. Conversely, households receiving remittances internationally or a combination of domestic and international remittances had significantly lower odds of food insecurity compared to non-receivers. This study found that receiving remittances affect the food security status of people living in SSA countries. 

Food Handling Concerns and Practices at-Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic by Food Security Status

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Lin ◽  
Frank A Granata IV ◽  
Abbey K Trippel ◽  
Leslie Tello ◽  
Tammy K Stump ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Food Handling ◽  
Cleaning Agents ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
Food Handling Practices

There is limited examination about COVID-19-related food handling concerns and practices that cause chemical or microbial contamination and illness, particularly among those with food insecurity. We investigated consumer food handling concerns and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether they differed by food insecurity status. An online survey was distributed among Chicago, Illinois residents between July 15-August 21, 2020 (N=437). Independent t-tests and Fisher’s Exact tests were used to identify differences in food handling concerns and practices between those with and without food insecurity (alpha=0.05). Survey items included questions about food handling practices that were considered safe or neutral (i.e., washing hands and produce with water, sanitizing food packaging) and unsafe (i.e., using cleaning agents to wash foods, leaving perishable foods outside) using 5-point Likert-style scales or categorical responses (i.e., yes, no). Participant responses fell between “slightly” and “somewhat” concerned about contracting COVID-19 from food and food packaging (mean ± SE: 2.7±0.1). While participants reported washing their hands before eating and preparing foods at least “most of the time” (mean ± SE: 4.4 ± 0.0 and 4.5 ± 0.0, respectively), only one-third engaged in unsafe practices. The majority of participants (68%) indicated that they altered food handling practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic and received information about food safety from social media (61%).  When investigating differences in concerns and practices by food insecurity status, food insecure participants were more concerned about COVID-19 foodborne transmission for all food items (ps&lt;0.0001) and more frequently performed unsafe based food handling practices than those with food security (ps&lt;0.0001). Results from this study suggest more investigation is needed to understand barriers to safe food handling knowledge and practices, particularly among those with food insecurity.

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

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.

scholarly journals Does Students’ Home Zip Code Relate to Food Insecurity on Campus? Implications of Home Demographics on Food Insecurity in College

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 178-178
Author(s):  
Abigail Sarna ◽  
Jesse Stabile Morrell
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Census Data ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Security Status ◽  
Security Index ◽  
Zip Code

Abstract Objectives To explore the relationship between students’ home zip code demographics and their food security status at a midsized, northeastern university. Methods Data were collected between 2018–2020 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross sectional study at a midsized, public, northeastern university. As part of an online survey (Qualtrics) offered during the 3rd or 4th week of the semester, students completed the 6-item USDA Food Insecurity Questionnaire and provided the zip code associated with their primary residence prior to attending college. Students’ self-reported answers were used to categorize current food security status: food secure, low food secure, or very low food secure. A food security index was created from 13 unique sets of US Census data associated with zip codes. Each zip code was scored by sextiles for each census demographic and summed; final index values were assigned to each reported zip code and ranged from high to low risk of food insecurity (13–78). Results After exclusion of missing data, 687 students were included in the final analysis. The sample of predominantly female (62.0%), white (93.1%), first year (47.7%), and reported a zip code from the home state of the institution (39.9%). The mean food security index (±SD) of reported zip codes was 45.3 ± 8.9. In all, 18.8% reported food insecurity, (5.5% very low food security and 13.2% low food security), and 81.2% reported food security or marginal food security. Food insecurity was highest (21.8%) in students from zip codes most at risk for food insecurity based on the index, however, not significantly different from students from zip codes with the most food secure index score (18.8%). Conclusions Food insecurity among college students has been previously linked to poorer health, grades, and academic retention. More work is needed to elucidate the role of students’ prior place of residence to identify those at greatest risk of experiencing food insecurity on campus. Funding Sources The New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA National Institute of Food and Agricultural Hatch Project 1010738.

scholarly journals Effects of COVID-19 on University Student Food Security

Nutrients ◽  
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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