Document Tag: athletes

Prevalence of and Contributors to Food Insecurity Among College Athletes: A Scoping Review (2024)

Abstract: Given the financial demands of attending college, the transition to new living situations,
abrupt changes in social support, and overall lifestyle adjustments, college students are at an
increased risk of food insecurity (FI) compared to the general population. Collegiate athletes
experience an even greater risk of FI as a result of greater time commitments and energy demands
associated with their sports. This heightened vulnerability poses a tremendous threat to student athletes’ academic and athletic achievements. This study aims to address the prevalence and
primary determinants of FI among collegiate athletes while providing potential solutions to
navigate and alleviate the effects of diminished food security among this demographic. To address
these aims, a total of 18 articles were selected from both peer-reviewed and gray literature. The U.S.
Household Food Security Survey Module (US-HFSSM) survey tools were predominantly utilized
across universities throughout the United States to gather data on FI. Student-athletes reported
experiencing FI across various regions of the United States, including universities in northeastern
states (n=5), the southwest region (n=3), the southeast region (n=3), the northwest (n=1), and the
Midwest (n=1). Overall, FI prevalence rates ranged from 9.9% to 65% and the most significant
contributors included limited financial resources, time management, meal plans, and housing
location/amenities. These findings highlight a need for screening, education, and intervention to
address FI among collegiate athletes.

Food insecurity among Division I student-athletes at a California State University: A mixed methods study (2023)

According to the 2020 Hope Survey, 38% of two-year college students and 29% of four-year college students experienced food insecurity. The distinct lifestyle of student-athletes may place them at an even greater risk for experiencing food insecurity and its consequences as compared to non-student-athletes. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of food insecurity among 98 student-athletes at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and explored its impact on their athletic and academic performances and emotional well-being. The current study utilized a mixed-methods, cross-sectional design. An online survey was used to assess food security status, fruit and vegetable intake, reliance on athletic department fueling stations, and other sociodemographic variables. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the impact of food insecurity on athletic performance, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Of the 98 student-athletes, 34.7% were food insecure. Reliance on the fueling station as a primary source of food for the day and reduced fruit and vegetable intake were identified as significant predictors of food insecurity. Results from eight semi-structured interviews revealed that food intake impacts energy levels during class and athletic events, and in the overall quality of athletic performance. Additionally, unequal access to resources within the fueling station was seen as a barrier to their success. Future research should investigate the prevalence of food insecurity among student-athletes and assess the use of the athletic department fueling station as an intervention to mitigate food insecurity among this population.

Understanding food insecurity among college athletes: A qualitative study at a public university in New England (2023)

Previous research at a public university in New England, where the current study takes 5 place, has shown that approximately one-third of undergraduate students have experienced some 6 aspect of food insecurity. More recent work at this university has revealed that students who 7 were members of a sports team were four times more likely to be food insecure than their peers 8 who were not on a sports team. The estimated prevalence of student athlete food insecurity from 9 other previous research studies ranged from 14% to 32%. Objective: To understand the 10 contributing factors to food insecurity (FI) among college athletes. Design: This was a 11 qualitative study. Setting: This study took place at a public university in a New England state. 12 Patients or Other Participants: Data is presented for 10 college athletes who experienced some 13 level of FI using the USDA Six-Item Short Form. Data Collection and Analysis: Data was 14 collected using a brief demographic questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. Results: 15 Contributing factors included a lack of time, limited campus dining options, and limited access to 16 transportation or kitchens. Coping strategies included buying cheaper foods, skipping meals, and 17 managing time and resources. Food insecurity negatively impacted student’s athletic 18 performance. Study athletes struggled to balance their athletic and academic schedules and 19 obtain a diet that allowed them to meet their performance goals. Conclusions: There is a need 20 for additional and innovative programming to support food insecure student athletes.

Front Porch? What About No Porch? Exploring Housing Insecurity Among NCAA College Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2023)

This study explored housing insecurity among NCAA college athletes during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, 1,130 college athletes completed the #RealCollege Survey, a national survey examining housing and food insecurity among college students. Housing insecurity is a growing issue among general college students and the findings suggest it is also a potential issue for college athletes, particularly males, college athletes of color, and first-generation college students. Descriptive statistics examined how housing insecurity and housing insecure symptoms appeared among NCAA college athletes, Chi-squares test of independence explored the relationship between student characteristics (e.g., race, sex) and housing insecurity. Additionally, binary logistic regression models understand how COVID-19 impacted those relationships. These exploratory findings encourage more research on college athlete experiences with housing insecurity to understand better the impact housing insecurity has on college athletes.

Hungry to Win: A First Look at Food and Housing Insecurity Among Student-Athletes (2019)

Student-athletes compete in school and on the field. They are often full-time students and fulltime athletes, making it challenging to manage their time, health, and finances. Some receive financial assistance for their participation. Full scholarships are uncommon and generally awarded at Division I schools. Most student-athletes, however, receive only partial scholarships or none at all. Yet nearly all face additional rules, restrictions, and requirements based on their funding, their coaches, and the collegiate athletics association. For example, student-athletes are frequently prohibited from working while their sports are in-season. They are also unable to accept “extra benefits” from anyone to help with living costs. Former Baylor running back Silas Nacita was homeless but lost NCAA eligibility after accepting unapproved housing, while former UCLA linebacker Donnie Edwards was forced to pay restitution for accepting groceries left for him when he was food insecure.1 This is the first report to expand on media coverage documenting incidents of food and housing insecurity, even homelessness, among student-athletes. Given the limited sample size, it can be assumed that the prevalence—and the consequences—of these incidents are much more pervasive.