The aim of this cross-sectional study is to measure food insecurity levels in college-aged women attending a public university in South Florida and explore their role in exacerbating mental health issues, as well as the ability to afford sanitary products and medical treatments as needed. Bivariate analysis using Pearson’s χ2 and one-way analysis of variance assessed the relationship between demographic variables and each of the three food insecurity indicators were calculated. Binary logistic regressions assessed the relationship between the three food insecurity indicators and each of depression severity levels and menstrual health and access to healthcare services indicators, controlling for sociodemographic variables. Bivariate analysis showed significance between type of degree and each of three food insecurity indicators with undergraduate students reporting higher prevalence than graduate students for cutting meals (p<0.05). Similarly, household income level (p=0.003) and insurance coverage (p=0.016) was significantly associated with cutting meals. All three food insecurity indicators were strongly associated with period poverty in both unadjusted and adjusted models (p<0.05). Not receiving needed care because of imposed costs remained significantly associated with the third indicator of feeling hunger because of inability to afford food after controlling for sociodemographic variables (p=0.011). The findings of our study will inform innovative approaches to address food insecurity issues, with an overall aim to prevent food insecurity’s worsening impact on comorbidities such as mental health disorders, period poverty, and limited access to quality care. • Food insecurity has been disproportionately affecting US college students • Food insecurity showed strong links with period poverty • Results show that it is also significantly associated with delayed healthcare • Innovative approaches to address food insecurity issues are needed in US colleges
Sacca et al. (Sun,) studied this question.