Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among students attending a midsize rural university in Oregon

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence and identify correlates of food insecurity among students attending a rural university in Oregon. Methods: Cross-sectional non-probability survey of 354 students attending a midsize rural university in Oregon during May 2011. Main outcome was food insecurity measured using the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module: Six-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 (OR: 2.08, 95%CI: 1.07 – 4.63), being employed (OR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.04 – 2.88) and with incomes below $15,000 per year (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.07 – 4.63) was associated with food insecurity. In turn, good academic performance (GPA 3.1 or higher) 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.This is the author's peer-reviewed accepted manuscript. The version of record is copyrighted by Elsevier and can be found at: http://www.jneb.org/home.Keywords: Food insecurity, Oregon, Rural, College student