Prevalence and Predictors of Food Insecurity Among Medical Students During Clinical Training: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Nutrition Security

Background:

• Food insecurity is an increasing concern in higher education, potentially impacting medical students' academic performance and well-being.
• Limited data exist on the prevalence and contributing factors of food insecurity specifically within medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of food insecurity among medical students during clinical rotations.
• To identify demographic and institutional factors associated with increased risk of food insecurity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study surveyed 75 third- and fourth-year medical students from two US institutions using the USDA Adult Food Security Survey Module.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression to identify predictors of food insecurity.

Main Results:

• The mean food insecurity score was over three times the US national average.
• Students from Institution A reported significantly higher food insecurity than Institution B (p < 0.0001).
• Medical school attended was the only significant predictor in multivariate regression, with Institution A students scoring higher (p = 0.0125).

Conclusions:

• Food insecurity is more prevalent in medical students than the general population, posing a challenge during clinical training.
• Institutional differences suggest environmental factors contribute to disparities, highlighting the need for institution-specific support.
• Further research is needed to develop interventions promoting food access and medical student well-being.