Measuring Food Security in University Students: A Comparison of the USDA 10-Item and Six-Item Food Security Survey Modules

Abstract

ABSTRACT We examined discordant food security (FS) status classification between the USDA 10-item and six-item FS Survey Modules (FSSMs) among students at a U.S. university. A random sample reflecting the University’s sociodemographic composition was recruited by e-mail in 2020. Respondents (N = 2653) completed the FSSMs. FS status (binary: food secure/insecure; four-category: high/marginal/low/very low) was determined using the 10-item and six-item FSSMs. Seventy (2.6%) students were discordantly classified on binary FS and 238 (9%) on four-category FS. American Indian students, international students, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants, and students with child dependents or housing insecurity had higher odds of discordant classification.