Peer Support and Food Security in Deaf College Students

Author

Brianna Celeste Keogh, Gallaudet University

Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2018

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Poorna Kushalnagar

Second Advisor

Alina Engelman

Abstract

Objective: This paper investigates the role of peer support in food security among deaf college students. Participants: The sample included 166 college students who took the survey between May and October 2017. Methods: Participants completed a bilingual online survey in ASL and English. This survey included questions about peer support, the USDA’s 6-item food security module, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Out of 166 students (mean age=23; SD=6), 60.7% were food secure. About 26.4% (n= 43) were at-risk for food insecurity and another 12.9% (n=21) had very low food security. The sample included respondents who identified as people of color (54%) and women (52%). Binary logistic regression revealed that compared to people who reported always receiving peer support, people who never received peer support were significantly more likely to experience food insecurity. Conclusions: This study demonstrates a strong relationship between peer support and deaf college students’ food security experiences. This connection calls for a greater emphasis on the importance friends have in deaf people’s lives.

Recommended Citation

Keogh, Brianna Celeste, "Peer Support and Food Security in Deaf College Students" (2018). Undergraduate University Honors Capstones. 59.
https://ida.gallaudet.edu/honors_capstones/59