Number
504
Name
Understanding Student Food Insecurity: Insights from Survey Data of Medical and Health Professional Students
Date & Time
Monday, June 8, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location Name
Oglethorpe Ballroom
Speakers
Authors
Jayra Penaloza, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia
Olivia Hutter, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia
Jack Goldsmith, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia
Presentation Topic(s)
Other
Description
PURPOSE
To examine dietary habits and adherence to healthy eating guidelines among
students at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia.
METHODS
An anonymous online survey derived from the previously validated REAPS
(Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Short Version) screening tool was
offered to medical, PA, nurse anesthesia, counseling and rehabilitation,
genetics counseling, and biomedical sciences graduate students. All
recruitment and voluntary participation were in accordance with an
IRB-approved protocol.
RESULTS
A total of 104 students at the USC SoM-C completed the survey. A majority
of respondents indicated that stress impacted their eating habits. Financial
constraints were also reported by a significant number of individuals across
all programs represented. With respect to preparing healthy meals, there was
almost unanimous agreement that this was a daunting task and a large number
of respondents indicated ultra processed and unhealthy fast foods were
non-trivial components of their weekly diets due to practical considerations.
However, the concerning findings on food insecurity and choices is tempered
by the strong desire of many students, regardless of program, to see an
increase in nutrition education in their respective curricula.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight that while many USC SoM-C students face barriers
such as stress, financial limitations, and limited time that negatively
influence their dietary choices, there is a clear recognition of the
importance of nutrition and a strong interest in improving dietary behaviors.
While similar to the limited published results from other institutions, there
is a silver lining. The expressed desire for enhanced nutrition education
across programs presents an opportunity for institutional initiatives that
support healthier eating habits and address food insecurity. Such efforts
could not only improve student well-being but also strengthen future
healthcare providers’ ability to model and promote healthy lifestyles in
their professional practice.
To examine dietary habits and adherence to healthy eating guidelines among
students at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia.
METHODS
An anonymous online survey derived from the previously validated REAPS
(Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants - Short Version) screening tool was
offered to medical, PA, nurse anesthesia, counseling and rehabilitation,
genetics counseling, and biomedical sciences graduate students. All
recruitment and voluntary participation were in accordance with an
IRB-approved protocol.
RESULTS
A total of 104 students at the USC SoM-C completed the survey. A majority
of respondents indicated that stress impacted their eating habits. Financial
constraints were also reported by a significant number of individuals across
all programs represented. With respect to preparing healthy meals, there was
almost unanimous agreement that this was a daunting task and a large number
of respondents indicated ultra processed and unhealthy fast foods were
non-trivial components of their weekly diets due to practical considerations.
However, the concerning findings on food insecurity and choices is tempered
by the strong desire of many students, regardless of program, to see an
increase in nutrition education in their respective curricula.
CONCLUSION
These findings highlight that while many USC SoM-C students face barriers
such as stress, financial limitations, and limited time that negatively
influence their dietary choices, there is a clear recognition of the
importance of nutrition and a strong interest in improving dietary behaviors.
While similar to the limited published results from other institutions, there
is a silver lining. The expressed desire for enhanced nutrition education
across programs presents an opportunity for institutional initiatives that
support healthier eating habits and address food insecurity. Such efforts
could not only improve student well-being but also strengthen future
healthcare providers’ ability to model and promote healthy lifestyles in
their professional practice.
Presentation Tag(s)
Student Presentation