ERIC Number: EJ1421178
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Examining the Association of Student Mental Health and Food Security with College GPA
Journal of American College Health, v72 n3 p819-825 2024
Background: Low food security and poor mental health are a persistent concern for college students. Objective: Examine how food security and mental health are associated with college student's grade point average (GPA). Methods: American College Health Association (ACHA)-National College Health Assessment III survey data Spring 2020 of students from 75 US universities (n = 48,103) were utilized to examine relationships among mental health, food security and academic performance (GPA). Results: The majority of the population self-reported high food security (58.3%) and moderate psychological distress (50.8%). Very low food security ([beta] = -0.523, OR = 0.59, p < 0.001) and moderate psychological distress ([beta] = -0.19, OR = 0.83, p < 0.001) were inversely associated with high GPA. Reduced food security was associated with worse mental health measures. Conclusions: Food security and mental health are negatively associated with GPA. To improve student success, universities must enhance services that address food insecurity and mental health.
Descriptors: Food, Hunger, Eating Habits, Mental Health, College Students, Grade Point Average, Correlation, Universities, Academic Achievement, Well Being, Student Attitudes, Psychological Patterns
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A