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

Overview

Journal J Hunger Environ Nutr

Date 2024 Dec 30

PMID 39735215

Authors

Christine C Call

Cassandra L Boness

Sarita Cargas

Kathryn E Coakley

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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 email in 2020. Respondents (=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.

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