title: Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among students attending a midsize rural university in Oregon.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the prevalence and identify correlates of food insecurity among students attending a rural university in Oregon.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional nonprobability survey of 354 students attending a midsize rural university in Oregon during May, 2011. The main outcome was food insecurity measured using the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module: 6-Item Short Form. Socioeconomic and demographic variables were included in multivariate logistic regression models.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over half of students (59%) were food insecure at some point during the previous year. Having fair/poor health (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-4.63), being employed (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.04-2.88), and having an income < $15,000/y (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.07-4.63) were associated with food insecurity. In turn, good academic performance (grade point average of ≥ 3.1) was inversely associated with food insecurity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Food insecurity seems to be a significant issue for college students. It is necessary to expand research on different campus settings and further strengthen support systems to increase access to nutritious foods for this population.
authors.affiliation: Benton County Health Services, Corvallis, OR. Electronic address: Megan.Patton-Lopez@co.benton.or.us.
authors.forename: Megan M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Patton-López
authors.affiliation: Center for Latino/a Studies and Engagement, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR.
authors.forename: Daniel F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: López-Cevallos
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR.
authors.forename: Doris I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Cancel-Tirado
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR.
authors.forename: Leticia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vazquez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009922:Oregon / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Oregon; college students; food insecurity; rural