Prevalence of food insecurity and associated factors among Cairo University students | ||
| Journal of the Arab Society for Medical Research | ||
| Volume 17, Issue 1, January 2022, Pages 1-9 PDF (187.79 K) | ||
| DOI: 10.4103/jasmr.jasmr_5_21 | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background/aim Food insecurity (FI) is a major public health issue. The susceptibility to FI varies along life course; however, university is a potential period of particular vulnerability. The figures of food-security status among Egyptian university students are scarce. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of FI among Cairo University students, identify the associated sociodemographic factors, and determine its relation with the students’ health status. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study included (=500) 241 female and 259 male students. They were interviewed using a questionnaire consisting of demographic variables, the US Adulthood Food Security Survey Module. The 19-item Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, 14-item Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Results The mean age of the students was 23.78±4.3 years old. Sixty-six percent of the students were food-insecure, while 25% with very low food security. Significant relationships were identified between FI with sex, residence, parents’ education, working beside studying, family head, family size, and average monthly income (<0.01). FI was associated with poor sleep quality and stress (<0.01). Conclusions FI is a significant problem with high prevalence among Cairo University students and has negative implication on mental health. It is recommended to screen for FI and implement policy and program initiatives, as well as addressing solutions for FI among university students. | ||
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