Prevalence and Correlates of Food Insecurity Among Bangladeshi University Students: Associations with Psychological Distress and Academic Performance-A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Food insecurity among university students is a growing public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings like Bangladesh, where its links to psychological distress and academic performance remain underexplored. This study investigates these associations among Bangladeshi university students. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 397 students at Noakhali Science and Technology University from December 2024 to January 2025. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and measures of academic challenges. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 27 to identify associations and predictors, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Food insecurity was prevalent, affecting 65.5% of participants. It was significantly associated with psychological distress, including depression (χ²=5.359, p=0.021), anxiety (χ²=22.811, p<0.001), and stress (χ²=26.447, p<0.001). Anxiety (AOR=9.298, p<0.001) and stress (AOR=2.260, p=0.040) were strong predictors of food insecurity. Food insecurity was also linked to academic challenges, such as financial difficulties (AOR=16.289, p<0.001), lower grades (AOR=4.365, p=0.026), and social stressors like bullying (χ²=23.457, p<0.001) and sexual harassment (χ²=10.726, p=0.001). Conclusions: The high prevalence of food insecurity among Bangladeshi university students is strongly associated with psychological distress and academic challenges, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Campus-based food assistance programs, financial aid, and accessible mental health services could mitigate these issues, enhancing student well-being and academic success.