College Campus Food Insecurity and Body Mass Index, Financial Assistance, and Ethnicity (P04-042-19)

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the prevalence of hunger among college students attending Louisiana Tech University located in Louisiana. Hypothesis 1: There will be no significant difference in BMI between those that are considered food insecure versus those that consider themselves food secure. Hypothesis 2: There will be no significant difference in ethnicity between those that are food insecure versus those that are food secure. Hypothesis 3: There will be no significant difference between degree of food security and whether or not financial assistance is received. Degree of food insecurity includes either being food secure or being food insecure. Methods Outcomes compared included BMI, ethnicity, and financial assistance in relation to food secure and food insecure participants. Students participated in an online survey distributed through the school email system. Survey questions were adapted from the USDA food security survey. Results Food insecure participants had an average BMI of 27.6 + 7.4, suggesting a link between food insecurity and having a greater body mass index. No association between food insecurity and financial assistance but 89% of those who identified as food insecure receiving financial aid. Further, the number of those who were food insecure and white was greater than those who were food insure and black, indicating that food insecurity does not discriminate. Conclusions Research is needed to explore circumstances contributing to food insecurity among college students. Funding Sources N/A.