Food insecurity among female collegiate athletes exists despite university assistance

• Published in: Journal of American college health Vol. 72; no. 6; p. 1904
• Main Authors: Douglas, Crystal Clark, Camel, Simone P, Mayeux, Wesley
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Adolescent; Athletes - psychology; Athletes - statistics & numerical data; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Food Insecurity; Humans; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Students - psychology; Students - statistics & numerical data; Surveys and Questionnaires; Texas; Universities - statistics & numerical data; Young Adult; Texas; health education; Administration; nutrition; gender; athletics; community health
• ISSN: 1940-3208
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2098029

To determine the prevalence and characteristics of food insecurity among female collegiate athletes. NCAA Division I female athletes attending a public university located in East Texas in 2018. A prospective cross-sectional online survey was employed to gather quantitative and qualitative data regarding food security status. Participants were instructed to complete the 26-item questionnaire, including the six-item USFSSM. Participants (N = 78) were 18-22 years of age, largely white (75%). Despite most (89.74%) receiving some form of scholarship and 80% reporting provision of some meals, 32.10% were classified as food insecure. Barriers to food intake were two-fold higher among the food insecure (88% vs 43%, p < .001); limited time (43.6%) and finances (23.1%) were the most frequently reported barriers. Despite university support, food insecurity exists in female collegiate athletes. Outcomes warrant screening for food insecurity, referral to support resources throughout matriculation, and tailored intervention programs.