Too Little for Comfort: Food Insecurity among Medical Students in Sagamu, Southwest Nigeria
O O Sholeye1, O E Taiwo1, V J Animasahun1
1Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Background And Objective:
Food insecurity is an issue of public health importance all over the world. It is particularly worse in developing countries and among disadvantaged groups. Food insecurity is higher among university students, with medical students at more risk. This study therefore determined the prevalence and factors associated with food insecurity among medical students in Sagamu, Nigeria.
Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried among all the 250 clinical medical students in Sagamu southwest Nigeria in January 2020. Data were collected using a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire, containing the FANTA - developed HFIAS tool, while analysis was carried out using SPSS 21.0. Relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated, with p<0.05. Participation was fully voluntary and informed consent was obtained.
Results:
Mean age of respondents was 22.4 ± 5.2years, 46.8% were male. All respondents ate a limited variety of foods in the preceding month due to a lack of resources; 13.2% went to bed hungry because they had no food to eat. The prevalence of food insecurity was 81.2%; severe food insecurity was reported by 11.8% of participants. Food insecurity was associated with monthly income, living arrangements and parents' occupation.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of food insecurity was high among medical students in Sagamu, Nigeria, with just about one-tenth experiencing hunger. Each of monthly allowance, living arrangement was associated with food insecurity. Food assistance and other social support programs will go a long way in addressing the issue.
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