(P20-034-24) Differences in Nutrition Insecurity by Race/Ethnicity in a Large Sample of University Students, Faculty and Staff in New Mexico

Objectives: The Basic Needs Project conducted a statewide survey of basic needs insecurities among students, staff and faculty across public institutions of higher education in New Mexico (NM). This project examined differences in nutrition insecurity (NI) between racial/ethnic groups in students and faculty/staff, and adjusting for food security (FS) and eating disorder (ED) status.

Methods: An anonymous cross-sectional Qualtrics survey was distributed to currently enrolled or employed students, staff and faculty at 27 NM institutions in February-March 2023. Food insecurity (FI) was assessed using the USDA 18-item household FS survey module (FSSM). NI was assessed using a one-item nutrition security screener (NSS; “In the past 12 months, I worried that the food I was able to eat would hurt my health and well-being” where “sometimes”, “often”, and “always” indicated NI). Participants self-reported race/ethnicity [Hispanic, Native American, White, or Other (multiple/other/prefer not to say)] and living with an eating disorder (yes/no). Logistic regression was used to examine odds of NI by race/ethnicity among students and faculty/staff and adjusting for FS and ED status.

Results: 11,626 completed the FSSM, NSS and race/ethnicity and ED survey items (35% White, 28% Hispanic, 27% Other, 10% Native American; 70% students). Of those, 38% were NI and of NI participants, 76% were also FI. Eight percent (n=974) reported living with an ED. Adjusting for FS and ED status, Hispanic (aOR=0.87, 95% CI=0.77-0.99; P=0.03) and Native American (aOR=0.83, 95% CI=0.71-0.98; P=0.03) students had lower odds of NI compared to White students. These associations were not present among faculty/staff; however, faculty/staff of Other race/ethnicities had higher odds of NI compared to their White counterparts (aOR=1.27 95% CI=1.03-1.55; P=0.02). In adjusted models, FI and living with an ED also increased odds of NI in students and faculty/staff.

Conclusions: There were significant differences in NI by race/ethnicity in students and faculty/staff, even after accounting for FI and living with an ED. Given the association between NI and living with an ED, the one-item NSS may be useful for ED screening.

Funding Sources: Research was funded by the NM Higher Education Department as part of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Food Initiative.