Predictors of Food Insecurity among Australian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Food insecurity is much higher among university students than the general population, and is linked with poorer mental health, diet and academic achievement. The aim of this study was to explore the level of food insecurity among a sample of Australian university students and determine which socio-demographic and student characteristics predict food insecurity. An online cross-sectional survey with students from the University of Newcastle, Australia was conducted in 2017-2018. Food insecurity was assessed using the 6-item US Department of Agriculture Food Security Survey Module, and socio-demographic (e.g., age, living situation) and student characteristics (e.g., undergraduate/postgraduate student) were captured. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the odds of food insecurity for each of the socio-demographic and student characteristics, and included characteristics of significance in bivariate analyses as potential confounders. Data for 366 students were analysed (mean age 27.3 ± 10.4 years, 27.3% male). Forty-eight percent of participants were food insecure. The odds of food insecurity were higher among students living in rental accommodation compared with their parents' home (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.41, 4.06), and undergraduate compared with postgraduate students (OR = 3.50, 95% CI 1.83, 6.69). Commencing university and moving away from parents may be key times for intervention. Strategies that can provide longstanding benefit are needed to address the high level of food insecurity among university students.
['Whatnall|Megan C|MC|', 'Hutchesson|Melinda J|MJ|', 'Patterson|Amanda J|AJ|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D001315:Australia D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005260:Female D005523:Food Supply D006801:Humans D016015:Logistic Models D008297:Male D012959:Socioeconomic Factors D013334:Students D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014495:Universities D055815:Young Adult
food insecurity university students food security college students