312183
Health indicators and academic achievement: Implications for colleges and universities
Methods – 1,348 students were invited and 529 (39.2%) completed the 102-item, on-line college health survey. Independent variable groupings for overall mental and physical health, physical health, sleep, stressors, substance use, and mental health were created by combining several survey items under each of these broad categories. General linear regression was used to determine how much GPA could be predicted by the various health categories.
Results – Several health-factor groupings significantly predicted GPA including mental and physical health accounting for 2.8% of the variance in GPA (p<.01), substance use 5% (p<.001), physical health 12.1% (p<.001), and stressors 25.6% (p<.001).
Discussion – Health-related factors have a significant and substantial bearing on GPA of college students. These findings compel those working in institutions of higher education to develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services for students to improve academic success by addressing health factors related to GPA.
Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health educationAssessment of individual and community needs for health education
Other professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Identify health-related factors associated with academic performance among college and university students.
Discuss implications for student health programs and services for college and university campuses to improve student academic success.
Explain how multiple regression analysis of student health data enriches understanding and potential utilization of information for program development to improve student success.
Keyword(s): College Students, Methodology
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have 14 years experience in leadership roles within 5 colleges/universities in the areas of student wellness and health promotion, college alcohol and other drug education, and first-year student programs and retention services. Additionally, I taught several courses in wellness, health promotion, public health, and liberal studies. In my current role as assistant professor I am responsible for teaching for the MPH program in health promotion and conducting research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.