(P19-014-24) The Effect of Rising Food Prices on the Dietary Diversity of Meals and Consumption Patterns: A Case Study of the Students of Dhaka University in Bangladesh

Objectives: The research aims to investigate the effect of the increasing food prices on the dietary diversity of meals and consumption patterns of Dhaka University students for accessibility of students to adequate food.

Methods: Dhaka University's canteen was selected for its huge student population utilizing a qualitative case study design, the research employed (KII) interviews, focus group discussions, and observations to gain insights into students' experiences and coping strategies of increasing food costs. Purposive sampling, employing the snowball method, involved for selecting students for gender balance. Triangulating data from 22 respondents enhanced research validity. Primary data included semi-structured interviews with 20 students,2 key informants—the canteen manager and a university lecturer. Observations estimated food availability& food consumption score (FCS) that assessed food accessibility, offering insights into quantity and quality.

Results: The major research findings highlight multifaceted challenges in students' dietary patterns due to rising food prices including political, economic factors- market competition, inflation, and global food prices. Challenges faced by students encompass increasing food costs, declining quality, financial constraints, organizational issues, and lack of awareness. The variety of available foods is limited, leading to shifts in dietary choices and consumption patterns. Students resort to cost-cutting measures, such as reducing portion sizes and relying on snacks due to financial constraints impacting students' monthly budgets, limiting dietary diversity.

Conclusions: The study uncovers the impact of soaring food prices on Dhaka University students' dietary diversity. Economic, along with an inadequate distribution system, contribute to high meal costs. Students face challenges in maintaining a balanced diet due to financial constraints, organizational complexities is influenced by student politics, restricts access to inexpensive food by setting high prices push students towards less nutritious, hindering their dietary choices.

Funding Sources: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, a leading non-profit, organization aims in transforming food systems found interest in gaining insight into this and this research is funded by the organization.