Assessing Basic Needs Insecurity Prevalence and Associated Factors among College Students Enrolled at a Large, Public University in the Southeastern U.S.

Abstract

Background: Basic needs insecurity (BNI), defined as having both food and housing insecurity, is an emerging issue on college campuses. Students experiencing basic needs insecurity may be more likely to have poorer academic performance, as well as poorer physical and mental health compared to other students. This research assesses the prevalence of food, housing, and basic needs insecurity among college students enrolled at a large, public university and identifies factors associated with experiencing food, housing, and basic needs insecurity.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted at a large, public university in the Southeast U.S. Eligible, enrolled students (n=23,444) were asked to complete an online survey, 2,634 responded (11.2% response rate). Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of food, housing, and basic need insecurity and to identify sample characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between demographic and financial factors and the outcomes of interest (basic needs insecurity, food insecurity, and housing insecurity).

Results:High rates of food insecurity (48.5%), housing insecurity (66.1%), and basic needs insecurity (37.1%) were identified. After controlling for confounders, factors that were significantly associated with increased odds of students having BNI included previous food insecurity (P

Conclusions: This research identifies high rates of basic needs insecurity and related factors among college students enrolled at a large public university. Strategies to support students experiencing BNI are needed, such as systematic monitoring of BNI rates and prioritization of funding for programs to support to these students and increase graduation rates and retention among students experiencing BNI.