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Predictors of Food Insecurity among Australian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

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  • Megan C. Whatnall

    (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
    Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia)

  • Melinda J. Hutchesson

    (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
    Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia)

  • Amanda J. Patterson

    (School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia
    Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, NSW, Australia)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Megan C. Whatnall & Melinda J. Hutchesson & Amanda J. Patterson, 2019. "Predictors of Food Insecurity among Australian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2019:i:1:p:60-:d:300031
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Coleman-Jensen, Alisha & Rabbitt, Matthew P. & Gregory, Christian A. & Singh, Anita, 2018. "Statistical Supplement to Household Food Security in the United States in 2017," Administrative Publications 292096, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Fiona H. McKay & Bronte C. Haines & Matthew Dunn, 2019. "Measuring and Understanding Food Insecurity in Australia: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-27, February.
    3. Coleman-Jensen, Alisha & Rabbitt, Matthew P. & Gregory, Christian A. & Singh, Anita, 2018. "Household Food Security in the United States in 2017," Economic Research Report 291966, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
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    Cited by:

    1. Seema Mihrshahi & Putu Novi Arfirsta Dharmayani & Janaki Amin & Alexandra Bhatti & Josephine Y. Chau & Rimante Ronto & Diana Turnip & Melanie Taylor, 2022. "Higher Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Psychological Distress among International University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Australian Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, October.

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