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Food Insecurity in Undergraduates During and After Remote Learning: A Brazilian Multicenter Study

Author

Listed:
  • Liana Galvão

    (Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

  • Luana Ataliba

    (Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

  • Jussara Oliveira

    (Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

  • Doroteia Höfelmann

    (Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

  • Sandra Crispim

    (Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil)

  • Alanderson Ramalho

    (Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco 69920-900, Brazil)

  • Fernanda Martins

    (Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Acre, Rio Branco 69920-900, Brazil)

  • Bartira Gorgulho

    (Department of Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, Brazil)

  • Paulo Rodrigues

    (Department of Food and Nutrition, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá 78060-900, Brazil)

  • Clélia Lyra

    (Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

  • Betzabeth Slater

    (Department of Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil)

  • Dirce Marchioni

    (Department of Nutrition, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil)

  • Bruna Maciel

    (Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil
    Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59078-970, Brazil)

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate food insecurity and associated factors during and after remote learning among undergraduates at Brazilian public universities. Methods: This is a comparative study of two cross-sectional studies; the first had its data collection from August 2020 to February 2021, and the second from May 2023 to December 2023. The questionnaire contained socio-economic variables, the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, the Diet Quality Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. Results: In total, 4799 undergraduates of Brazilian public universities responded in the first study, and 2897 responded in the second. Food insecurity was present in 36.5% of the students in 2020/2021 and 35.9% of the students in 2023. In the correspondence analysis, low income, poor health, stress and poor diet were associated with food insecurity in 2020/2021. Low income, reduced income, poor health, stress and diet quality were associated with food insecurity in 2023. Logistic regressions demonstrated that the year of collection, whether during or after remote learning, did not significantly contribute to food insecurity. However, students from low-income families had the highest AOR for food insecurity; no change in income or weight and lower perceptions of stress were associated with a lower AOR for food insecurity.

Suggested Citation

  • Liana Galvão & Luana Ataliba & Jussara Oliveira & Doroteia Höfelmann & Sandra Crispim & Alanderson Ramalho & Fernanda Martins & Bartira Gorgulho & Paulo Rodrigues & Clélia Lyra & Betzabeth Slater & Di, 2025. "Food Insecurity in Undergraduates During and After Remote Learning: A Brazilian Multicenter Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(10), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:10:p:1508-:d:1762309
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Weaver, Lesley Jo & Owens, Caroline & Tessema, Fasil & Kebede, Ayantu & Hadley, Craig, 2021. "Unpacking the “black box” of global food insecurity and mental health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    2. Nor Syaza Sofiah Ahmad & Norhasmah Sulaiman & Mohamad Fazli Sabri, 2021. "Food Insecurity: Is It a Threat to University Students’ Well-Being and Success?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Pedro G. Guzman & James E. Lange & Amanda C. McClain, 2022. "The Association between Food Security Status and Psychological Distress and Loneliness among Full-Time Undergraduate Students at a Minority-Serving Institution," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
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