Prevalence and factors affecting food insecurity among university students in Pahang, Malaysia
- Author:
Wan Azdie Mohd Abu Bakar
1
;
Shahidah Ismail smail
;
Suriati Sidek
;
Rozlin Abdul Rahman
Author Information
1. Department of Nutrition Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Pahang, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Food insecurity;
students;
food security status
- From:
Malaysian Journal of Nutrition
2019;25(1):59-67
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Food insecurity exists whenever people are unable to access sufficient food at all times for an active and healthy life. University students are a potentially vulnerable group of people to face food insecurity. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of food insecurity among a population of university students in Kuantan, in the state of Pahang.
Methods: Food security status was identified using the United States Adult Food Security Survey Module (USAFSSM). Factors, which include demographic background, spending expenditure pattern and time constraints, were assessed. A total of 316 students were selected through stratified random sampling throughout six faculties of the International Islamic University Malaysia, of whom 307 successfully completed the survey.
Results: The result shows that 54.4% of the students were experiencing food insecurity, from which 32.9% were sub-categorised as low food security and 21.5% as very low food security. Food insecurity was found to be significantly associated with time constraints (p<0.05), spending on books (p<0.05), miscellaneous items (p<0.05), parents’ income (p<0.001) and scholarship type (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Apart from the high incidence of food insecurity among the students, time and financial affordability appeared to be critical concerns in this study. Since food insecurity has become a significant issue with university students, it should be addressed and prioritised by the relevant authorities.
- Full text:4.2019my0435.pdf
