Prevalence and Socioeconomic Determinants of Food Insecurity Among Undergraduate Students in Indonesia: A Multi-Institutional Cross-Sectional Study

Netta Meridianti Putri; Resti Kurnia Triastanti; Rizka Qurrota  A'yun

doi:10.37899/journallamedihealtico.v7i4.3383

Netta Meridianti Putri Program Studi Gizi, Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Tidar, Magelang, Indonesia
Resti Kurnia Triastanti Program Studi Gizi, Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Tidar, Magelang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3190-9025
Rizka Qurrota A'yun Program Studi Gizi, Fakultas Pertanian, Universitas Tidar, Magelang, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37899/journallamedihealtico.v7i4.3383

Keywords: Food Insecurity, Undergraduate Students, Indonesia, Socioeconomic Determinants, Food Security

Abstract

Food insecurity among university students has become an important public-health issue, but evidence from Indonesia is lacking. This study estimated the prevalence and identified socioeconomic determinants of food insecurity among undergraduate students in Indonesia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in November 2024 of 635 undergraduate students recruited from several higher-education institutions in Indonesia, mostly Universitas Tidar. Food insecurity was measured using the validated ten-item United States Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey Module; raw scores ranged from 0–10 and were categorised into food secure, low, or very low food security, then dichotomised into food insecure (score ≥3) versus food secure. Sociodemographic and economic characteristics were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, and body-mass index was classified using Asia-Pacific cut-offs. Associations were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. The internal consistency of the food security module was good (Cronbach's α = 0.80). Overall, 43.3% of students were food insecure (95% CI 39.5–47.2), comprising 28.7% with low and 14.6% with very low food security. In the adjusted model, students living independently in boarding houses had markedly higher odds of food insecurity than those living with parents (adjusted odds ratio 4.91; 95% CI 3.27–7.38), and a clear dose–response gradient was observed for monthly allowance, with the lowest-allowance group at greatest risk (adjusted odds ratio 4.99; 95% CI 2.82–8.83). Sex, parental education, and smoking status were not significant after adjustment.

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