Abstract
Objective
To examine the prevalence and identify correlates of food insecurity among students
attending a rural university in Oregon.
Methods
Cross-sectional nonprobability survey of 354 students attending a midsize rural university
in Oregon during May, 2011. The main outcome was food insecurity measured using the
US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module: 6-Item Short Form.
Socioeconomic and demographic variables were included in multivariate logistic regression
models.
Results
Over half of students (59%) were food insecure at some point during the previous year.
Having fair/poor health (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–4.63),
being employed (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.04–2.88), and having an income < $15,000/y (OR,
2.23; 95% CI, 1.07–4.63) were associated with food insecurity. In turn, good academic
performance (grade point average of ≥ 3.1) was inversely associated with food insecurity.
Conclusions
Food insecurity seems to be a significant issue for college students. It is necessary
to expand research on different campus settings and further strengthen support systems
to increase access to nutritious foods for this population.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 09, 2014
Accepted:
October 29,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2014 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
