The Role of Food Security as a Social Determinant of Mental Health in College Students.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the prevalence of food insecurity and its association with anxiety and depression among students at Delaware State University (DSU).

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 117 students via classroom distribution, social media, campus events, and within the campus food pantry. Food insecurity was assessed using the USDA Six-Item Short Form, anxiety levels were determined using the GAD-7 survey tool, and depression scored with the PHQ-9 survey tool. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population and the chi square test to analyze relationships between food security status and mental health outcomes.

RESULTS

Among respondents (n = 117), 97% were classified as food insecure (n = 113), and of those, 17% (n = 20) reported moderate-to-severe anxiety and 32% (n = 37) reporting moderate-to-severe depression. Only 37% (n = 43) of the students surveyed (n = 117) accessed mental health services within the past year and only 6% (n = 7) participated in food assistance programs. Although notable proportions of students experiencing food insecurity presented with elevated mental health symptoms, there was no statistically significant association between food security status and levels of depression or anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of statistical significance does not rule out a meaningful relationship between food and psychological distress. Larger sample sizes, longitudinal studies, and the inclusion of impacting variables such as financial supports are warranted to get an accurate assessment of our current student needs. Developing targeted interventions addressing both nutrition and mental health are essential to improve student well-being at a critical "gateway" period-habits and health challenges that emerge in this life stage often influence lifelong health trajectories.