(P02-019-25) A Validation Study of the College Student Food and Nutrition Security Survey (CS-FNSS)

Objectives: To determine the concurrent validity of the college student food and nutrition security survey (CS-FNSS).

Methods: A food and nutrition security survey was developed from the validated 10-item USDA FSSM and other surveys. A three-part survey instrument (food security, nutrition security and demographics) was distributed in a cross-sectional study to US college students via email. The relationship between the CS-FNSS was compared with the validated USDA 2- item food sufficiency screener.

Results: Data were collected from 953 college students who attended four years institution in the United States. The Spearman's rank correlation between the CS-FNSS and the 2-item food sufficiency screener was 0.52 with a p-value of  < 0.01, supporting evidence for concurrent validity. The prevalence of combined food and nutrition insecurity was higher in comparison to the USDA 2-item food sufficiency screener.

Conclusions: The developed survey was found to be correlated with the USDA instrument but may be more sensitive for college students. The CS-FNSS is a novel instrument that can evaluate food and nutrition security. Addressing both food and nutritional quality is crucial for promoting the overall health and well-being of college students.

Funding Sources: N/A