Association Between Food Insecurity and Mental Health Among College Students in the Bronx, New York (NY)

TL;DR

This study finds a strong link between food insecurity and poor mental health among college students in the Bronx.

Contribution

The study reveals a reciprocal relationship between food insecurity and mental health outcomes among college students.

Findings

53% of students were food insecure, with high rates of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Food insecurity was linked to higher stress and depression, and stress increased the likelihood of food insecurity.

Black students and those with lower income were more likely to experience food insecurity.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Food insecurity and mental health are two important issues affecting college students, and their incidence have increased since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study was to examine the association between food insecurity and the mental health outcomes among college students in the Bronx, NY. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design. Data were collected from 710 undergraduate students, using a self-administered survey with a quick response (QR) code. The survey consisted of sociodemographic questions, the US Household Food Security Survey Module (ten-item questionnaire), and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 29. Results: Results of the study indicated that 53% of the participants were food insecure, 47.4% had high depressive symptoms, 46.2% had high anxiety, and 50.6% had high stress levels. Multiple logistic regression revealed the reciprocal association between food insecurity and mental health. Students who were stressed (p = 0.022) were likely to experience food insecurity, while those who were food insecure were more likely to experience stress (p = 0.007) and depression (p < 0.021). Students who identified as Black (p = 0.021) and had lower income (p = 0.031) were more likely to be food insecure. Conclusions: This research shows that food insecurity worsens mental health, and mental health worsens food insecurity. However, it was not possible for us to establish causality between the two variables.