Publication Date

10-2024

Document Type

Abstract

Exhibition/Performance Dates

October 8, 2024

Publication Title

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Conference Location

Mineapolis, MN

Volume

124

Issue

10

DOI

10.1016/j.jand.2024.06.220

Abstract

Food allergies are associated with stress and anxiety in college students. This research study aims to explore the findings of students with known food allergies and their perspectives on how one large urban university campus dining service accommodates their dietary needs. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, and a non-probability, purposive sampling was used for a campus-wide online self-reported survey from August to October 2023. The survey included twenty close-ended and open-ended questions about the student’s food allergy attitudes, self-management, and barriers to on-campus dining services. Participants were students who self-identified with a medically diagnosed food allergy or intolerance and purchased food through the university dining service. Out of the twenty-four participants, nineteen students provided substantial responses, generating a response rate of 79%. Over half of the participants were first-year students residing in one of the dorms on campus. Approximately 74% of the participants admitted that they felt they might have a serious reaction or die from an allergic reaction if they ate the food on campus. One participant reported being allergic to five recognized food allergens and had to be hospitalized due to unknown allergic reactions after eating mislabeled campus food. Around 45% of the participants reported having had an allergic reaction to a food item while dining on campus, specifically within the buffet-style dining hall, due to food mislabeling. Results will be shared with the university food service and used to establish best practices for food allergy management and improve dining services on campus.

Comments

Poster presentation abstract at the 2024 Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo

Department

Nutrition, Food Science and Packaging

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