Intersectionality of Self-Reported Food Insecurity and Perceived Stress of College Students at a Land-Grant Southeastern Higher Education Institution during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Kendra OoNorasak, University of KentuckyFollow
Makenzie Barr, University of KentuckyFollow
Michael Pennell, University of KentuckyFollow
Dylan Hardesty, University of KentuckyFollow
Kotomi Yokokura, University of KentuckyFollow
Samantha Udarbe, University of KentuckyFollow
Tammy Stephenson, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

College food insecurity (FI) and poor psychosocial health are prevalent public health issues in the U.S., yet often overlooked. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, repercussions on these critical inequity issues remain unclear. During the summer months of 2020, this cross-sectional survey examined associations between students’ self-reported FI and perceived stress (PSS-10), one aspect of poor psychosocial health. An anonymous online survey was distributed to a convenience sample of college students at a land grant institution of higher education in the southeastern U.S., and $10 e-gift card was provided to survey respondents. The survey response rate was 26.2% (n=235) and participants were predominantly female, White, and from upper-division including junior and senior students. Among respondents, 31.3% were food insecure and 37.8% were laid off or temporarily furloughed. Students who worked before the pandemic were 3.49 times more likely to continue working despite the pandemic; however, employment status was not significantly associated with since-PSS-10 scores or FI. In multiple linear regression models, pre-PSS-10 scores, age, and lower division were significant predictors of since-PSS-10 scores. Additionally, students experiencing FI and having higher pre-PSS-10 scores were predicted of having higher since-PSS-10 scores. This study adds important findings about college FI and perceived stress to the limited literature regarding college student health during the pandemic. A more rigorous study design with a larger, nationally or regionally representative sample is recommended for future studies. To address both complex issues of college FI and poor psychosocial health, a multi-faceted interdisciplinary approach, well-supported by college administrators, would be warranted.

First Page

25

Last Page

46

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

OoNorasak, K., Barr, M., Pennell, M., Hardesty, D., Yokokura, K., Udarbe, S., & Stephenson, T. (2023). Intersectionality of self-reported food insecurity and perceived stress of college students at a land-grant southeastern higher education institution during the covid-19 pandemic. Georgia Journal of College Student Affairs, 39(1), 25-46. https://doi.org/10.20429/gcpa.2023.390102