S815 University Students Are Vulnerable to Food Insecurity and Social Determinants of Health Among Patients With Gastrointestinal Disease

Introduction: Social determinants of health (SDOH) significantly impact patients with gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, influencing outcomes and healthcare utilization. Food insecurity limits options and can worsen GI disorder symptoms by hindering nutritional therapy. This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of food insecurity and other SDOH among GI patients at a large academic medical center affiliated with a public university in an affluent neighborhood. Methods: From August to November 2024, patients at a tertiary-care gastroenterology clinic were invited to complete a survey on food security and SDOH. Validated instruments were used, including the American Academy of Family Physicians SDOH Screening Tool, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Six-Item Short Form Food Security Survey Module, and the Malnutrition Screening Tool. Demographic data, including employment and student status, were collected from electronic medical records. Descriptive analyses assessed the prevalence of food insecurity and related SDOH risks. Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounders identified risk factors for food insecurity. Results: This study included 118 GI patients (mean age 45.1 ± 17.6, 64.2% women, 77.6% White, 52.2% married, 76.9% with a college degree, and 7.8% students). Low or very low food security affected 11.1% of students and 7.4% of non-students. A quarter of students indicated “sometimes” or “often” being “…worried that your food would run out before you got money to buy more” and “...the food you bought just didn’t last, and you didn’t have money to get more.” Malnutrition risk was more prevalent among students than non-students (44.4% vs 18.3%, P = 0.06). In multivariable models, being a student was associated with a significantly higher food insecurity score (+1.77, 95% confidence interval 0.54-2.99, P < 0.01). Further examination of other SDOH variables showed students had a significantly higher prevalence of household utility insecurity risk (P < 0.001) and risks to personal safety (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Food insecurity was low among GI patients at our medical center. However, students experienced higher levels of food insecurity, limited access to utilities, and greater risks to personal safety compared to non-students. Even in affluent neighborhoods, university students are a vulnerable population in terms of food insecurity, malnutrition, and safety. Recognizing and addressing these disparities can lead to improved clinical outcomes for this group.