Psychological Distress among College Students: Role of Food Insecurity and Other Social Determinants of Mental Health (International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health)

​Summary: Food insecurity is a major social determinant of health and an assessment of how it may impact college students’ mental health is imperative, as well as differential associations by self-identified gender. California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) data from 2018 were briefly referenced. A cross-sectional survey was used among college students of a mid-size minority-serving institution with a final sample size of 302 participants aged 18 years or older. 

Findings: Among those with food insecurity, the odds of reporting psychological distress and an average to very poor self-perceived mental health status were higher compared to their food-secure counterparts, with the results consistent in a gender-specific analysis as well. Compared to men, however, women had higher odds of psychological distress, as well as reporting average to very poor self-perceived mental health statuses. Among women, any alcohol use in the past 12 months and a low self-perceived physical health status were associated with an average to very poor self-perceived mental health status. Among men, a low perceived physical health status was associated with higher odds of psychological distress. Food insecurity should be considered a social determinant of mental health wellbeing. In addition, gender-specific trends in mental health highlight the need for targeted interventions for prevention and treatment. 

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• Journal Article: Psychological Distress among College Students: Role of Food Insecurity and Other Social Determinants of Mental Health