Work

Combined effects of food and housing insecurity on academic attrition: Findings from a population-representative survey of urban Public University students

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the joint effects of food insecurity and housing instability on academic attrition among college students. PARTICIPANTS: A representative sample of 3,160 matriculated students from the City University of New York (CUNY). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Fall 2023. Food insecurity was assessed using USDA's Six-Item Food Security Module; Housing instability included inability to pay rent/mortgage or utilities. Academic attrition was defined as college withdrawal or academic probation. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using log-binomial regression. Additive interaction was assessed using relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). RESULTS: Students experiencing both insecurities had over twice the risk of attrition (aPR 2.16, 95%CI: 1.83-2.20). Housing instability posed a greater risk than food insecurity alone (aPR 1.55 vs. 1.30). RERI indicated a synergistic effect (RERI = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.08-0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Addressing both food and housing insecurity may reduce academic attrition and support student success.

Source: Journal of American College Health

DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2025.2573109

Authors: Jenna Sanborn, Amanda Sisselman-Borgia, Heidi E. Jones, Tara Twiste, Nick Freudenberg

Institutions: The Graduate Center, CUNY, City University of New York, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Lehman College

Language: English

Topic: Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation