Food Insecurity, Associated Health Behaviors, and Academic Performance Among Urban University Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Objective: To explore associations between food insecurity, health behaviors, and academic performance among undergraduates at a private, urban US university.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted among a convenience sample of New York University undergraduates. Multivariable logistic regression estimated associations of food security (using the 6-item US Household Food Security Survey Module) and health behaviors (fruit/vegetable, beverage and alcohol intakes, and sleep), self-rated health, and academic performance.

Results: Of the 257 students who completed the survey, 41% reported food insecurity. Food insecurity was associated with approximately 2-fold higher odds of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (adjusted odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.41) and fair/poor health (adjusted odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-4.25).

Conclusions and implications: Increased awareness of food insecurity and associated health behaviors among students has implications for higher education's provision of on-campus food support programs.

Keywords: college students; dietary intake; food insecurity; health behaviors.