Health-Related Behaviors and Academic Achievement Among College Students
Alyssa M Lederer1, Sara B Oswalt2, Mary T Hoban3
1Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA.
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|May 23, 2024
Summary
College students' academic achievement is linked to numerous health behaviors. Promoting healthy habits can support both student well-being and academic success.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Higher Education Research
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- College students' academic achievement is critical for future success.
- Student health is a potential determinant of academic performance, but requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between various health behaviors and academic achievement in college students.
- To identify specific health behaviors associated with different levels of academic performance.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III (ACHA-NCHA III) dataset (N=39,146).
- Examined self-reported grade point average (GPA) and 33 health behaviors across multiple categories.
- Utilized weighted cross-tabulations and multinomial logistic regressions to assess associations and predictive relationships.
Main Results:
- Significant gradient trends were observed between GPA categories and 18 health behaviors (P < .001).
- Most health behaviors predicted GPA differences (P < .001), with protective behaviors correlating with higher GPAs and risk behaviors with lower GPAs.
- The highest GPA group (A) differed significantly from the lowest (D/F) in 27 behaviors (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- A clear association exists between numerous health behaviors and college students' academic performance.
- Strategies integrating health promotion and academic support are recommended for stakeholders to enhance student well-being and success.
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