Examining the association of food insecurity with mental health and academic performance among Latinx immigration-impacted students.

Abstract

Background: Immigration impacted students face structural inequities that increase their risk to food insecurity and restrict their access to resources. Objective: To examine how food insecurity is related to mental health and academic outcomes among Latinx immigration impacted students. Method: This cross-sectional study utilized data with 1861 Latinx immigration impacted students; undocumented (n = 592), U.S. citizens with at least one undocumented parent (n = 634), and U.S. citizen students with lawfully present parents (n = 635). Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between food insecurity and mental health and academic achievement; and moderation analysis was used to examine differences by self/parental immigration status and access to food pantry on campus resources. Results: Food insecurity was prevalent among immigration impacted students (75-58%). Food insecurity was associated with higher levels of psychological distress, anxiety, and a decline in academic achievement. Self/parental immigration status and use of food pantry resources were not statistically significant moderators in the relationship between food insecurity and mental health outcomes or academic achievement. Conclusion: These findings point to the need for urgent long-term sustainable policy and practice changes to achieve justice for this vulnerable population.