Examining the association of student mental health and food security with college GPA

Abstract

Background Low food security and poor mental health are a persistent concern for college students. Objective Examine how food security and mental health are associated with college student’s grade point average (GPA). Methods American College Health Association (ACHA)-National College Health Assessment III survey data Spring 2020 of students from 75 US universities (n = 48,103) were utilized to examine relationships among mental health, food security and academic performance (GPA). Results The majority of the population self-reported high food security (58.3%) and moderate psychological distress (50.8%). Very low food security (B = −.523, OR = .59, p < .001) and moderate psychological distress (B = −0.19, OR = .83, p < .001) were inversely associated with high GPA. Reduced food security was associated with worse mental health measures. Conclusions Food security and mental health are negatively associated with GPA. To improve student success, universities must enhance services that address food insecurity and mental health.