(P30-044-24) Unraveling the Complexity of Food and Nutrition Security for College Students in the United States: A Qualitative Community-Based System Dynamics Modeling Protocol

Objectives: This study describes a protocol for developing a qualitative community-based system dynamics model (CBSDM) of food and nutrition security for college students in the United States. The specific objectives are to: 1) map the determinants and outcomes of food insecurity, 2) identify leverage points and potential intervention strategies, 3) visualize the consequences of intervening.

Methods: This study will use a group model building (GMB) approach with diverse stakeholders (college students, university staff, community advocates, local food retailers, local decision makers) to co-create a qualitative CBSDM of food and nutrition security for college students. Three in-person GMB sessions (3 hours each) will be conducted using validated scripts to guide stakeholders through activities like identifying key variables, visualizing connections, developing intervention ideas, and defining agent behaviors. Student assistants will document GMB outputs. The core modeling team will analyze data, extract key themes, and construct the qualitative CBSDM, which will be shared with stakeholders for feedback. Finally, the model will be translated into a computational model for future testing and refinement.

Results: N/A

Conclusions: This study will contribute to the development of more effective and comprehensive interventions to address food and nutrition security among college students in the US. The qualitative CBSDM can be adapted for other complex social issues, offering valuable insights for policy and program development.

Funding Sources: N/A