Food preferences, cultural beliefs and socioeconomic status influencing food insecurity

Food insecurity is a significant problem that affects health, academic performance, and overall well-being, particularly among university students from low- and middle-income households. This study investigates the relationship between food preferences, cultural beliefs, and socioeconomic status towards food insecurity among students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu Branch. A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 372 respondents. Section A collected demographic data using nominal and ordinal scales, while Sections B to D assessed the independent and dependant variables on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results revealed that all three factors significantly predicted food insecurity, with socioeconomic status emerging as the strongest predictor. The results confirmed that the model explained a substantial proportion of the variance in food insecurity. The findings underscore the multifactorial nature of food insecurity and highlight the need for targeted interventions that integrate financial assistance, culturally inclusive dietary strategies, and nutrition education. This study contributes empirical evidence to the limited body of research on Malaysian university students, highlighting the role of food insecurity in shaping health, academic performance, and overall well-being.