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Mobley C, Luo Y, Fernandez M, Hossfeld L. Social Determinants of Health and College Food Insecurity. Nutrients 2024; 16:1391. [PMID: 38732637 PMCID: PMC11085391 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many students have faced economic hardship and experienced food insecurity, even as universities strive to create more equitable pathways to college. There is a need for a more holistic perspective that addresses the complexity of food insecurity amongst college students. To this end, we examined the relationship between the social determinants of health, including college food insecurity (CoFI) and childhood food insecurity (ChFI), and their relationship with well-being measures. The study sample was a convenience sample that included 372 students at a public university who responded to an online survey in fall 2021. Students were asked to report their food security status in the previous 30 days. We used the following analytical strategies: chi-square tests to determine differences between food secure (FS) and food insecure (FI) students; binary logistic regression of CoFI on student demographics and ChFI; and ordinal or binary logistic regression for well-being measures. Black students, off-campus students, first-generation students, in-state students, and humanities/behavioral/social/health sciences majors were more likely to report CoFI. FI students were more likely to have experienced ChFI and to have lower scores on all well-being measures. ChFI was associated with four well-being measures and its effects were mediated by CoFI. College student health initiatives would benefit from accounting for SDOH, including ChFI experiences and its subsequent cumulative disadvantages experienced during college.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Mobley
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
| | - Ye Luo
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
| | - Mariela Fernandez
- Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
| | - Leslie Hossfeld
- College of Behavioral, Social and Health Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA;
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2
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Kopels MC, Shattuck EC, Rocha J, Roulette CJ. Investigating the linkages between food insecurity, psychological distress, and poor sleep outcomes among U.S. college students. Am J Hum Biol 2024; 36:e24032. [PMID: 38116753 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that sleep is key to human health and wellbeing. Several factors likely contribute to sleep quality, including factors, such as food security and low income. In addition, exposure to structural inequalities early in life likely have downstream effects upon multiple dimensions of health. The objective of this study is to fill gaps in literature by specifically examining the associations between childhood food insecurity, current food insecurity, psychological distress, and sleep among college students. METHODS QR codes were randomly distributed to students, linking them to an online quantitative survey. The survey measured sociodemographic variables, food security (current and childhood), diet, mental distress, and sleep quality. A total of n = 134 completed the entire survey. Data were analyzed using binary and multiple linear regressions, as well as cross-tabulations. RESULTS The findings revealed that psychological distress was the primary factor influencing sleep health (𝛽 = 1.51, p < .01). Students reporting higher childhood food insecurity were more likely to experience extreme psychological distress (OR = 4.61), food insecurity in college (OR = 8.41), and lack of stable housing (OR = 5.86). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that potential linkages exist between childhood food insecurity, poor sleep, and greater psychological distress. While acknowledging the contribution of other factors, the study highlights the importance of addressing food insecurity in relation to sleep health, considering the significant impact of sleep to overall health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam C Kopels
- Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Eric C Shattuck
- Anthropology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Jennifer Rocha
- Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Casey J Roulette
- Anthropology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
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Chodur G, Singh S, Riordan EE, Kalaydjian S, Martinez SM. Campus Food Pantry Use May Improve Daily Frequency of Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among California University Students Experiencing Food Insecurity. J Acad Nutr Diet 2024; 124:225-232.e1. [PMID: 37742827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2023.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students are at increased risk for both food insecurity and suboptimal fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake. Campus food pantries (CFP) have been a common intervention in response to student food insecurity, but there have been few evaluations of the effectiveness of this strategy on improving students' dietary intake. OBJECTIVE To examine differences in the frequency of F/V intake by food security status, and whether the number of monthly CFP visits was associated with frequency of F/V intake among university students who were CFP clients. DESIGN Cross-sectional PARTICIPANTS: The study population included 1,188 university students across the 10-campus University of California system who had accessed their CFP or Basic Needs Center. MAIN MEASURES United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 6-item short food security module, monthly CFP visits, and self-reported frequency of F/V intake (daily). STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED T-tests were performed to compare differences in mean daily frequency of F/V intake by food security status. Generalized linear models were used to examine associations between monthly CFP visits and mean daily frequency of F/V intake. Using a post hoc Wald test, an interaction term (monthly CFP visits × food security status) was included to the models to determine whether food security status modified associations. RESULTS Students experiencing food insecurity consumed total F/V 0.48 fewer times per day compared with students who were food secure (2.64 ± 2.11 vs 3.12 ± 2.01; P < .001). Among students experiencing food insecurity, each monthly CFP visit was associated with higher daily frequencies of intake for total F/V (β = 0.06), whole fruit (β = 0.03), 100% fruit juice (β = 0.01), and leafy greens (β = 0.01); however, no associations were found among the food-secure group. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that CFPs may be supporting students in need of nutritional assistance increase their daily frequency of F/V intake. Future studies are needed to validate these findings to inform investment in campus food pantries and support university students in need of nutritional assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwen Chodur
- Department of Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Center for Educational Partnerships, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sonali Singh
- Department of Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Center for Educational Partnerships, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Erin E Riordan
- Department of Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Center for Educational Partnerships, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sevan Kalaydjian
- Department of Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Center for Educational Partnerships, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Suzanna M Martinez
- Department of Nutritional Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Center for Educational Partnerships, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA.
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4
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Baiocchi A, Curry S, Crutchfield R, Wolin J, Wilking J, Roll S. College focused rapid rehousing: Deploying an existing community model to address homelessness on campus. J Prev Interv Community 2024; 52:122-142. [PMID: 38363152 DOI: 10.1080/10852352.2024.2315369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Research indicates that financial and housing insecurity challenges are widespread on most college campuses throughout the U.S. However, there is wide variability in how campuses address these challenges. This study reports on a three-year implementation of the College-Focused Rapid Rehousing pilot; an initiative in California by which universities commissioned community providers to assist students in need via a modified Rapid Rehousing (RRH) intervention. RRH is a widely implemented intervention that combines move-in assistance, short-term rental subsidies, and ongoing case management, to help individuals quickly transition into stable housing. The mixed-methods evaluation included analyses of online surveys (n = 141), administrative records (n = 368), and focus groups conducted with staff across eight campuses (n = 35). Survey findings indicate that CFRR programs assisted a diverse group of students with similar histories of housing insecurity. Quantitative analyses also show that most participants experienced the intervention as designed, though with some inconsistencies in how quickly some were assisted. Qualitative findings highlight contextual factors that affected the consistency of the intervention, including tight rental markets and philosophical disagreements among administrators about the intervention's scope. Despite study limitations, findings provide insights into the applicability of the RRH model on campus settings and directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Baiocchi
- School of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Susanna Curry
- School of Social Work, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Jessica Wolin
- Department of Public Health, San Francisco State University
| | - Jennifer Wilking
- Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice, California State University, Chico
| | - Susan Roll
- Office of Graduate Studies, California State University, Chico
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5
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Loofbourrow BM, Scherr RE. Food Insecurity in Higher Education: A Contemporary Review of Impacts and Explorations of Solutions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105884. [PMID: 37239614 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity is a global phenomenon which impacts a variety of social, economic, and life-stage groups. One such group affected by food insecurity is college students, who tend to experience food insecurity at a prevalence which exceeds the average of their local communities. The impacts of food insecurity in this population are multifaceted and have implications for their college experience and beyond. Food insecurity has been observed to have negative effects on college student academic performance, physical health, and mental health. This review explores the impacts of and solutions for food insecurity in this population globally, with particular emphasis on the United States, and specifically California.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel E Scherr
- Family, Interiors, Nutrition and Apparel, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
- Scherr Nutrition Science Consulting, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
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Harville C, James DCS, Burns A. Profile of a Food-Insecure College Student at a Major Southeastern University: A Randomized Cross-Sectional Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051108. [PMID: 36904108 PMCID: PMC10005036 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ten percent of Americans are food-insecure. Few known studies have accessed college food insecurity via random sampling. An online cross-sectional survey (n = 1087) was distributed via email to a random sample of undergraduate college students. Food insecurity was determined by the USDA Food Security Short Form. Data were analyzed using JMP Pro. Results: Thirty-six percent of the students were food-insecure. Most food-insecure students were enrolled full-time (93.6%), female (81.2%), received financial aid (77.9%), lived off-campus (75.0%), non-white (59.6%), and employed (51.7%). Food-insecure students had a significantly lower GPA (p < 0.001 *), were more likely to be non-white (p < 0.0001 *), and were more likely to have received financial aid compared to food-secure students (p < 0.0001 *). Food-insecure students were significantly more likely to have lived in government housing, had free or reduced lunch, used SNAP and WIC benefits, and received food from a food bank during childhood (p < 0.0001 * for all). Food-insecure students were significantly less likely to report that they experienced a food shortage to counseling and wellness personnel, a resident assistant, and their parents (p < 0.05 * for all). Discussion: College students might be at greater risk for food insecurity if they are non-white, first-generation students, employed, on financial aid, and have a history of accessing government assistance during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Harville
- Department of Applied Health, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Campus Box 1126, Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(618)-650-2876
| | - Delores C. S. James
- Health Education & Behavior, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Road, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
| | - Arné Burns
- Department of Applied Health, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, Campus Box 1126, Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA
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7
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Duke NN, Campbell SD, Sauls DL, Stout R, Story MT, Austin T, Bosworth HB, Skinner AC, Vilme H. Prevalence of food insecurity among students attending four Historically Black Colleges and Universities. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:87-93. [PMID: 33759700 PMCID: PMC8521625 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1877144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Objective: This study examined the prevalence of food insecurity (FI) among students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Southeastern United States. Participants: Students attending four HBCUs (N = 351) completed an anonymous Web-based survey. Methods: Food insecurity was assessed using the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign Tool. Summary statistics were used to quantify FI experiences. Logistic regression was conducted to determine if student demographic characteristics were significantly associated with FI outcomes. Results: Nearly 3 in 4 students (72.9%) reported some level of FI in the past year. Students representing all levels of postsecondary education reported FI. Meal plan participation did not prevent FI. Conclusions: Students attending HBCUs experience FI at levels that exceed estimates reported among students attending predominantly White institutions. More work is needed to understand the lived experience of food-insecure HBCU students as a means to ensure institution-level food policies support student academic success and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi N. Duke
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Primary Care & Duke Center for Childhood Obesity Research, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Sociology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Santiba D. Campbell
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
| | - Derrick L. Sauls
- Department of Public Health and Exercise Science, Saint Augustine’s University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robyn Stout
- Center for Environmental Farming Systems/NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mary T. Story
- Duke Global Health Institute, University Institutes and Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Hayden B. Bosworth
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Health Services Research and Development, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT), Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Asheley C. Skinner
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Helene Vilme
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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8
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Guzman PG, Lange JE, McClain AC. The Association between Food Security Status and Psychological Distress and Loneliness among Full-Time Undergraduate Students at a Minority-Serving Institution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15245. [PMID: 36429963 PMCID: PMC9690574 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the relationship of food security (FS) status with mental health among students at minority-serving institutions. We aimed to elucidate the association of FS status with psychological distress and loneliness among full-time undergraduate students at a minority-serving institution. We used data from the National Collegiate Health Assessment III (n = 441). To assess FS, students responded to the USDA 6-item short form (range: 0-6) and responses were categorized as high (0), marginal (1) or low/very low (2-6) FS. The Kessler 6 scale assessed psychological distress (range: 0-24). The UCLA loneliness scale assessed loneliness (range: 3-9). Higher scores indicated higher psychological distress and loneliness. Using adjusted linear regression models, we examined the association of FS with psychological distress and loneliness. Compared to students with high FS (mean (SD): 9.4 (0.8)), students with marginal (11.4 (1.0); p < 0.05) or low/very low (11.8 (0.8); p < 0.01) FS had higher psychological distress scores. Compared to students with high FS (5.5 (0.3)), students with low/very low FS (6.0 (0.3); p < 0.05) had higher loneliness scores. Future studies should further explore these relationships using mixed methods, to provide complementary quantitative findings with the emic perspective of students and their experiences, which can inform programming to prevent and reduce food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro G. Guzman
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-7251, USA
| | - James E. Lange
- Well-Being & Health Promotion Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-4705, USA
| | - Amanda C. McClain
- School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182-7251, USA
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9
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Savoie-Roskos MR, Hood LB, Hagedorn-Hatfield RL, Landry MJ, Patton-López MM, Richards R, Vogelzang JL, Qamar Z, OoNorasak K, Mann G. Creating a culture that supports food security and health equity at higher education institutions. Public Health Nutr 2022; 26:1-7. [PMID: 36321438 PMCID: PMC9989698 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022002294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity on college campuses is a major public health problem and has been documented for the last decade. Sufficient food access is a crucial social determinant of health, thus campuses across the country have implemented various programmes, systems and policies to enhance access to food which have included food pantries, campus gardens, farmers' markets, meal share or voucher programmes, mobile food applications, campus food gleaning, food recovery efforts, meal deliveries and task force/working groups. However, little is understood about how to best address food insecurity and support students who are struggling with basic needs. The impact of food insecurity on students' academic and social success, in addition to their overall well-being, should be investigated and prioritised at each higher education institution. This is especially true for marginalised students, such as minority or first-generation students, who are at heightened risk for food insecurity. In order to create a culture of health equity, in which most at-risk students are provided resources and opportunities to achieve optimal well-being, higher education institutions must prioritise mitigating food insecurity on the college campus. Higher education institutions could benefit from adopting comprehensive and individualised approaches to promoting food security for marginalised students in order to facilitate equal opportunity for optimal scholastic achievement among students of all socio-demographic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateja R Savoie-Roskos
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Sciences, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Lanae B Hood
- Department of Nutrition, Health and Human Performance, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Landry
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Megan M Patton-López
- School of Public Health and Health Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Rickelle Richards
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Jody L Vogelzang
- School of Interdisciplinary Health, Allied Health Sciences, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Zubaida Qamar
- Family, Interiors, Nutrition and Apparel (FINA), San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kendra OoNorasak
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Georgianna Mann
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
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Jangjou E. Staying Home, Staying Alive: Campus Food Pantry Student Clients' Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCE 2022; 16:31-43. [PMID: 38603034 PMCID: PMC8358185 DOI: 10.1177/19367244211035671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In response to students' food insecurity, a number of colleges and universities have taken action and established campus food pantries as part of their intervention plans. However, many of these pantries ceased operation due to COVID-19 campus shutdowns. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the short-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on postsecondary students, who use a university-provided food pantry. Drawing from semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, the thematic analysis explored the initial coping strategies these students used to endure the pandemic. Findings revealed that many students experienced the immediate effects of the pandemic in the form of income loss, self-isolation, anxiety, and appetite change. Although the pandemic interrupted these students' journeys to continue their studies and become independent in various ways, the affected students implemented various coping strategies, including seeking help from family or friends, using available resources, cooking at home, and even trying to save money. However, considering that the targeted population in this study was already at risk because of their basic needs insecurity, these postsecondary students require extra attention from their higher education institutions in the case of emergencies, such as a global pandemic. In addition to its timely and relevant findings, this study provides important avenues for future research and intervention efforts.
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11
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Amin N, Akbari H, Jafarnejad S. Food security, mental health, and socioeconomic status: A cross-sectional study among medical college students in central part of Iran, Kashan. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e476. [PMID: 35036577 PMCID: PMC8753500 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Food security is a complex and multidimensional issue that has been recognized as a serious public health problem all over the world for the past two decades. The present study was designed and conducted to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among college students at the Kashan University of Medical Sciences and some related factors including socioeconomic and mental health determinants. Methods The present study is a cross‐sectional study conducted on 358 students who were currently studying at the Kashan University of Medical Sciences. The students who were pregnant or had a special diet to follow were excluded. Samples were selected by the systematic method. Food security was measured using United States Department of Agriculture. Food Frequency Questionnaire, 21‐items Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and Socioeconomic Questionnaire were used to investigate the nutrients intake, depression/anxiety status, and socioeconomic factors, respectively. Chi‐square, independent t‐test, and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results Based on the findings of the present study, 16.8% of students experienced different levels of food insecurity, and 83.2% of participants were categorized as food secure. Gender, financial assistance, health insurance, depression, and students' occupation are associated with food insecurity (P < .05). Additionally, the results of the logistic regression analysis showed that depression (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01‐1.07), and students' jobs (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23‐0.80) have the greatest impact on students' food insecurity. Conclusion The findings of the present study show that economic factors and gender have a significant impact on students' food security. Moreover, the association of food insecurity with mental disorders such as depression was demonstrated in the current study. However, we could not detect any significant association between daily energy intake and macronutrients which indicates the requirement for more detailed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Amin
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases Kashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
| | - Hossein Akbari
- Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology School of Public Health, Kashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
| | - Sadegh Jafarnejad
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases Kashan University of Medical Sciences Kashan Iran
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12
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DeBate R, Himmelgreen D, Gupton J, Heuer JN. Food Insecurity, Well-being, and Academic Success among College Students: Implications for Post COVID-19 Pandemic Programming. Ecol Food Nutr 2021; 60:564-579. [PMID: 34617865 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2021.1954511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
College students experience food insecurity at higher rates than the general population, which has been found to be directly and indirectly associated with poor mental and physical health in addition to academic success. Since the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting evidence has demonstrated an increase in food insecurity rates in the U.S. The current study assessed food insecurity and its associated impacts on health and academic success among college students at a large urban university (n = 1743). Results revealed 46.8% of students as food insecure with statistically significant differences in race/ethnicity, GPA, and hours worked per week. Students who were observed with any level of food insecurity were more likely to also experience challenges with academics, careers, procrastination, and faculty as compared to their food secure counterparts. Analysis of differences in well-being indicators by food insecurity status revealed that students with any level of food insecurity were observed with statistically significantly higher mean scores for psychological distress, loneliness, and suicide behavior, with reduced scores for flourishing and resiliency as compared to their food secure counterparts. Implications for post-COVID-19 programming to mitigate food insecurity and associated public health issues associated with the COVID-19 and future pandemics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita DeBate
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - David Himmelgreen
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jarett Gupton
- Department of Leadership, Counseling, Adult, Career, and Higher Education, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jacquelyn N Heuer
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Center for the Advancement of Food Security and Healthy Communities, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Income-related health inequalities associated with the coronavirus pandemic in South Africa: A decomposition analysis. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:21. [PMID: 33413442 PMCID: PMC7790046 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01361-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in an enormous dislocation of society especially in South Africa. The South African government has imposed a number of measures aimed at controlling the pandemic, chief being a nationwide lockdown. This has resulted in income loss for individuals and firms, with vulnerable populations (low earners, those in informal and precarious employment, etc.) more likely to be adversely affected through job losses and the resulting income loss. Income loss will likely result in reduced ability to access healthcare and a nutritious diet, thus adversely affecting health outcomes. Given the foregoing, we hypothesize that the economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus will disproportionately affect the health of the poor. METHODS Using the fifth wave of the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) dataset conducted in 2017 and the first wave of the NIDS-Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) dataset conducted in May/June 2020, this paper estimated income-related health inequalities in South Africa before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health was a dichotomized self-assessed health measure, with fair and poor health categorized as "poor" health, while excellent, very good and good health were categorized as "better" health. Household per capita income was used as the ranking variable. Concentration curves and indices were used to depict the income-related health inequalities. Furthermore, we decomposed the COVID-19 era income-related health inequality in order to ascertain the significant predictors of such inequality. RESULTS The results indicate that poor health was pro-poor in the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 periods, with the latter six times the value of the former. Being African (relative to white), per capita household income and household experience of hunger significantly predicted income-related health inequalities in the COVID-19 era (contributing 130%, 46% and 9% respectively to the inequalities), while being in paid employment had a nontrivial but statistically insignificant contribution (13%) to health inequality. CONCLUSIONS Given the significance and magnitude of race, hunger, income and employment in determining socioeconomic inequalities in poor health, addressing racial disparities and hunger, income inequality and unemployment will likely mitigate income-related health inequalities in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Bydalek K, Williams SG, Fruh SM, Sims BM, McCardle J, Minchew LA, Graves RJ, Elkins JC, Jones L, Sittig S. Food insecurity among nursing students: A mixed methods study. Nurs Forum 2020; 55:547-552. [PMID: 32446290 PMCID: PMC8060019 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND College students are among 48.1 table million Americans who experience food insecurity, affecting aspects of daily living, health, and academic performance. This study sought to assess food security in nursing students to determine the prevalence and significance of this issue. METHODS A mixed-methods descriptive design was utilized to collect and analyze data through an online survey of junior and senior undergraduate nursing students. Both qualitative and quantitative questions were related to personal experience with food insecurity. RESULTS Approximately 40% of students responded that they were Sometimes/Often worried that food would run out before the next income arrived. In addition, 52% of the participants Sometimes/Often could not afford an adequate amount of food, and 35% reported having a shortage of food. CONCLUSION University leadership, College of Nursing administrators, and nursing faculty should be aware of food insecurity among their students and identify strategies to assess and decrease this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katheryn Bydalek
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Susan G Williams
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Sharon M Fruh
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Brook M Sims
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Jillian McCardle
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Leigh A Minchew
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Rebecca J Graves
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | | | - Loretta Jones
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Scott Sittig
- College of Nursing, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
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Fortin K, Harvey S, Swearingen White S. Hidden Hunger: Understanding the Complexity of Food Insecurity Among College Students. J Am Coll Nutr 2020; 40:242-252. [PMID: 33048013 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2020.1754304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was to explore the complexity of college student food insecurity through eating patterns, food assistance, and health of food-insecure university students. METHODS A mixed-methods approach utilizing qualitative focus groups and individual interview data and survey quantitative data was used. All data collection took place on campus at a large Midwestern university in the Spring semester of 2018. Participants were Midwestern university students (n = 30), freshman to graduate level classified, with very low food security (USDA-Six Item Short Form). RESULTS Seven percent (n = 2) were currently enrolled in food assistance programming (SNAP), and 30% (n = 9) reported family enrollment growing up (WIC and SNAP). Seven major themes emerged highlighting nutritional habits, food adaptations, health and well-being impacts, and additional campus programming addressing food assistance. Data triangulation informed a complexity diagram with the major categories of student characteristics of food insecurity, campus resource barriers, additional student needs, health and well-being impacts, and student adaptations and coping influencing the complexity surrounding student food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS College student food insecurity is multifaceted and complex. Common themes emerged among both individual-level factors and university structures, providing a deeper understanding of both the complexity and contributors to the college student experience. Further research and intervention are needed to explore this phenomenon and address student needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Fortin
- Health Sport and Exercise Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
| | - Susan Harvey
- Health Sport and Exercise Science, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA
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Hagedorn RL, McArthur LH, Hood LB, Berner M, Anderson Steeves ET, Connell CL, Wall-Bassett E, Spence M, Babatunde OT, Kelly EB, Waity JF, Lillis JP, Olfert MD. Expenditure, Coping, and Academic Behaviors among Food-Insecure College Students at 10 Higher Education Institutes in the Appalachian and Southeastern Regions. Curr Dev Nutr 2019; 3:nzz058. [PMID: 31149651 PMCID: PMC6536735 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzz058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies have measured college student food insecurity prevalence higher than the national average; however, no multicampus regional study among students at 4-y institutions has been undertaken in the Appalachian and Southeast regions of the United States. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of food insecurity among college students in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, and to determine the association between food-insecurity status and money expenditures, coping strategies, and academic performance among a regional sample of college students. METHODS This regional, cross-sectional, online survey study included 13,642 college students at 10 public universities. Food-insecurity status was measured through the use of the USDA Adult Food Security Survey. The outcomes were associations between food insecurity and behaviors determined with the use of the money expenditure scale (MES), the coping strategy scale (CSS), and the academic progress scale (APS). A forward-selection logistic regression model was used with all variables significant from individual Pearson chi-square and Wilcoxon analyses. The significance criterion α for all tests was 0.05. RESULTS The prevalence of food insecurity at the universities ranged from 22.4% to 51.8% with an average prevalence of 30.5% for the full sample. From the forward-selection logistic regression model, MES (OR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.40, 1.55), CSS (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.21), and APS (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.91, 0.99) scores remained significant predictors of food insecurity. Grade point average, academic year, health, race/ethnicity, financial aid, cooking frequency, and health insurance also remained significant predictors of food security status. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity prevalence was higher than the national average. Food-insecure college students were more likely to display high money expenditures and exhibit coping behaviors, and to have poor academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Hagedorn
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Laura H McArthur
- Department of Nutrition and Health Care Management, Appalachian State University, Leon Levine School of Health Sciences, Boone, NC 28607, USA
| | - Lanae B Hood
- Department of Nutrition, Health, and Human Performance, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Maureen Berner
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Government, USA
| | | | - Carol L Connell
- College of Education and Human Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wall-Bassett
- School of Health Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics Program, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA
| | - Marsha Spence
- Department of Nutrition, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | | | - E Brooke Kelly
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC 28372, USA
| | - Julia F Waity
- Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
| | - J Porter Lillis
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Pembroke, NC 28372, USA
| | - Melissa D Olfert
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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Food Insecure College Students and Objective Measurements of Their Unused Meal Plans. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11040904. [PMID: 31018554 PMCID: PMC6521619 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some researchers have proposed the prevalence of food insecurity among college students is high due to students' meal plans providing insufficient meals. The association between college students' food security status and their meal plans have not yet been examined. In this study, United States (US) first year college students (N = 534) self-reported their food security status in the Fall 2015 and/or Spring 2016 semester(s). Objective measures of students' meal plans were obtained from the university. Logistic generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to determine if students' meal plan, and meal plan use, predicted food insecurity. Linear GEEs were used to examine several potential reasons for lower meal plan use. We found that students did not use all of their available meals. Compared to students on the most expensive (unlimited) meal plan, students on the cheapest (8 meals/week) meal plan were the most likely to report food insecurity (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.2, 4.1). However, in the Fall semester, 26% of students on unlimited meal plans also reported food insecurity. For students on the 180 meals/semester meal plan, food insecurity was associated with using fewer meals (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.8, 1.0). Students who worked tended to use their meal plan less (β = -1.3, 95% CI = -2.3, -0.3). Students are reporting food insecurity while having meals left in their meal plan.
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