Peer support and food security in deaf college students

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• Food security is a critical determinant of student well-being and academic success.
• Deaf college students may face unique challenges impacting their access to resources, including food.
• Existing research on food insecurity among deaf college students is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the predictive role of peer support and demographic factors on food security status among deaf college students.
• To identify specific risk factors for food insecurity within this population.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions and support services.

Main Methods:

• A bilingual online survey was administered to 166 deaf college students at Gallaudet University.
• The survey incorporated the USDA's 6-item food security survey instrument.
• Data collected included peer support levels and socio-demographic characteristics.

Main Results:

• Over 39% of deaf college students reported being at-risk for or experiencing food insecurity.
• Students who never received peer support were 16.3 times more likely to be food insecure compared to those always receiving support.
• The sample comprised a significant proportion of students of color (54%) and women (52%).

Conclusions:

• Peer support is a strong predictor of food security among deaf college students.
• Interventions aimed at enhancing peer support networks could mitigate food insecurity in this population.
• Further research is warranted to explore other contributing factors and develop comprehensive support strategies.