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

Rachel A. Ryan, Bridget Murphy, Andrea L. Deierlein, Supriya Lal, Niyati Parekh, Jessica D. Bihuniak

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)269-275
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Volume54
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2022
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • college students
  • dietary intake
  • food insecurity
  • health behaviors

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