Food Deserts and Food Insecurity in Indian Medical Colleges: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring Myths and Realities
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Introduction
Lack of consistent access to sufficient, nutritious food is a pressing issue globally. Resilient food systems amalgamating multiple sectors like agriculture, animal husbandry, healthcare, and education are essential to resolve food insecurity. College students, particularly in medical colleges, are vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited access to healthy food, lack of resources (time, money, and knowledge), resulting in unhealthy eating habits. This study aims to investigate the presence of food deserts within medical colleges in Kerala, analyze factors influencing student food preferences, and explore the consequences of food insecurity on their health and academic performance.
Methods and Analysis
A cross-sectional study will be conducted at a private medical college in Central Kerala over 8 months. Food outlets within a one-mile radius of the campus will be identified and assessed for affordability, variety, and nutritional quality. Data will be collected from medical students (medical, dental, nursing, laboratory) throughout all years using structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews with food outlet operators. Stratified random sampling will ensure representation across different academic years, and disciplines. Observations of food outlets will evaluate food variety, pricing, and hygiene standards. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data will be thematically analyzed to gain deeper insights.
Ethics and Dissemination
Ethical approval has been obtained, and informed consent will be collected from participants. Data confidentiality will be strictly maintained. Findings will be disseminated through academic conferences, publications, and policy briefs using de-identified data to advocate for healthier food environments on campuses.
Key Messages
Food insecurity among medical college students is a relatively under-researched issue, particularly in India, with limited studies on food deserts in such settings.
This study identifies food deserts around a private medical college in Kerala and examines how limited access to nutritious food affects students’ health and academic performance.
Through a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative focus group discussions, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the food environment, including the affordability and quality of food outlets.
The findings highlight the need for policy interventions to improve food access and quality on campuses and suggest this research could guide future studies and influence public health and campus food policies.
