Medical needs of performing arts students

A questionnaire was administered to 71 college students enrolled in dance, drama, and musical theater programs to assess health care problems, injuries, risk-taking behaviors, and sources of care. Many desired help with depression, fatigue, and chronic bone or joint pain, although 37% identified no regular physician. Thirty-nine students reported 87 injuries involving the back, foot, ankle, and knee; 12% sustained injuries at least monthly; and 72% of injuries occurred in class. The incidence of eating disorders appears to be low, as assessed by indirect measures such as body weight, oligomenorrhea, diet pill or laxative use, and scores on a body image index. The 30-day prevalence of tobacco use was 26%; marijuana, 11%; and alcohol, 71%. This survey suggests that performing arts students have important unmet health care needs.