Abstract
Introduction: Food insecurity is associated with many negative effects such as increased stress and reduced well-being. Food insecurity among college students is a growing area of research as students often leave school due to financial concerns, mental health struggles, and illness. This study was conducted to assess student food insecurity in the hopes of learning how to better assist students' wellbeing and success.
Methods: Using both standardized assessments and researcher-developed questions, an online survey was created to examine food insecurity, sleep, mental and physical health, ability to focus on academics, and awareness and usage of food resources. Participants were recruited from Winona State University (N = 155).
Results: Of participants surveyed, 21% reported low to very low food security. Among the participants that responded to food resource usage, only 4% reported using any food resources. Correlational analyses found that food insecurity was associated with greater symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additional correlational analyses found relationships between food insecurity and poor sleep quality, reduced ability to focus on classes, and lower physical health.
Discussion: Findings highlight potential consequences of food insecurity, including concerns for students' wellbeing and academic success. Negative impacts of food insecurity may extend to students' completion, graduation, and retention rates. Therefore, compelling evidence supports the necessity of additional intervention at the university, state, and federal levels.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Psychology
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Trisha Karr
Start Date
4-19-2023 2:00 PM
End Date
4-19-2023 3:00 PM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
2b=2pm-3pm
Poster Number
18
Included in
Food Insecurity Among College Students: Implication for Wellbeing and Academic Success
Introduction: Food insecurity is associated with many negative effects such as increased stress and reduced well-being. Food insecurity among college students is a growing area of research as students often leave school due to financial concerns, mental health struggles, and illness. This study was conducted to assess student food insecurity in the hopes of learning how to better assist students' wellbeing and success.
Methods: Using both standardized assessments and researcher-developed questions, an online survey was created to examine food insecurity, sleep, mental and physical health, ability to focus on academics, and awareness and usage of food resources. Participants were recruited from Winona State University (N = 155).
Results: Of participants surveyed, 21% reported low to very low food security. Among the participants that responded to food resource usage, only 4% reported using any food resources. Correlational analyses found that food insecurity was associated with greater symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Additional correlational analyses found relationships between food insecurity and poor sleep quality, reduced ability to focus on classes, and lower physical health.
Discussion: Findings highlight potential consequences of food insecurity, including concerns for students' wellbeing and academic success. Negative impacts of food insecurity may extend to students' completion, graduation, and retention rates. Therefore, compelling evidence supports the necessity of additional intervention at the university, state, and federal levels.
