Evaluation of the effect of food insecurity on quality of life in Pamukkale University students

University education is an important period in which students develop their knowledge and skills. However, many students also struggle with economic difficulties during this period. Food insecurity is one of the important problems faced by university students. It is important to determine the effect of food insecurity on students' quality of life and to take measures in this regard. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of food insecurity on the quality of life of university students and to provide evidence for policies that can be implemented in this regard. For the sample size calculation, the minimum sample size was determined as 1302 people using the effect size 𝑑=0.2, 95% confidence level (𝛼=0.05) and 95% statistical power (1-𝛽=0.95). Considering the potential non-response situations, an increase of 15% was applied and the targeted sample size was calculated as 1495 people. In the study, convenience sampling method was used. A 45-question questionnaire was used as a data collection tool. Quality of life was measured using the SF-12 Scale. Ethics committee permission and necessary institutional permissions were obtained before the research. SPSS 23.0 programme was used for data analysis. Mann Whitney U or Kruskall Wallis Tests were used to compare measurable variables, and multiple linear regression (backward) analysis was used to evaluate factors related to quality of life. Approximately half of the participants experience food insecurity. According to the regression analysis; men (B = 1,936, p<0,001), singles (B = 4,012, p = 0,006). Physical component scores were found to be higher in those living in nuclear families (B = 1,568, p = 0,010), those with good income (B = 1,858, p < 0,001), those whose mother's education level was high school and above (B = 1,129, p = 0,003), those without chronic diseases (B = 4,150, p < 0,001) and those with food security (B = 0,234, p < 0,001). The mental component score was higher in males (B = 2,553, p<0,001), first year students (B = 1,171, p = 0,042), those with good income (B = 2,853, p<0,001), non-smokers and quitters (B = 2,078, p = 0,001), those with good academic achievement (B = 1,763, p = 0,001) and those with food security (B = 0,243, p<0,001). As a result, food insecurity negatively affects students' quality of life. Given the negative effects of food insecurity on university students' quality of life, evidence-based and sustainable intervention programmes need to be developed. Key words: food insecurity, quality of life, university students, mental health and health inequality