Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

School of Nutrition and Food Sciences

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Food insecurity (FI) has become extremely common on college campuses across the United States (U.S.). However, information on rates or management of FI among graduate students is limited. This dissertation aimed to quantify, characterize and chronicle the reach of FI and the experiences among graduate students dealing with FI, and to explore potential solutions for improving campus food resources. Using a mixed-methods approach, a systematic review, an online survey of graduate students, and semi-structured interviews with graduate students and administrative stakeholders were conducted at LSU.

The systematic review was structured to investigate types of coping strategies (CSs) used by college students to manage FI. Based on 25 studies, on-campus FI prevalence ranged from 21.5 to 88.4%. CSs were categorized within the Socioecological Model context; intrapersonal CSs, such as skipping meals, were common, whereas policy-level CSs, like enrolling in WIC or SNAP, were rarely used. However, variations in CSs across academic levels and FI severity remained unclear.

The quantitative, cross-sectional online survey, completed by 502 graduate students, was developed to further explore CSs utilized by graduate students at varying degrees of FI. Among the 49.0% of participants experiencing FI, use of CSs, types and frequency, varied by FI level, but financial constraints presented challenges common across the FI spectrum. Additionally, 29.1% of student participants were found to have marginal food security (MFS) associated with financial stress and frequent compromises in meal quality and size, increasing vulnerability to more intensive FI. This finding suggested that MFS is distinct from food security (FS).

The qualitative study, semi-structured interviews with 18 graduate students and 5 stakeholders, was conducted to examine how FI is perceived and addressed by graduate students and academic stakeholders. Using two-cycle coding methodology, promising areas for intervention were identified: improving food resource accessibility, promoting campus food programs, and encouraging a stronger food-support community.

This research highlights the high prevalence of FI among graduate students and key factors influencing their food access and management. Addressing FI should consider strategies for different FI levels and the specific needs of graduate students. Findings may inform campus initiatives to reduce FI and enhance FS support.

Date

3-6-2025

Committee Chair

Gollub, Elizabeth

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