Rationale, Design, and Baseline Characteristics of Participants in the Health@NUS mHealth Augmented Cohort Study...

Area of Science:

• Digital health
• Longitudinal cohort studies
• Young adult health

Background:

• Mobile health data collection offers deeper insights into health and lifestyle patterns compared to traditional methods.
• Understanding the student-to-work life transition is crucial as adaptation challenges impact young adults' mental well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the Health@NUS study methodology.
• To examine health behaviors, physical health, and well-being trajectories during the student-to-work transition.
• To identify diverse determinants influencing young adults' health during this life stage.

Main Methods:

• Recruited university students in Singapore (August 2020 - June 2022).
• Collected biometric and questionnaire data at baseline, 12, and 24 months.
• Utilized Fitbit smartwatches and a smartphone app for continuous data on physical activity, sleep, and diet, supplemented by ecological momentary surveys.

Main Results:

• Enrolled 776 participants (56.8% female, 92% Chinese, 97.8% undergraduate).
• Mean age 22.7 years, mean BMI 21.9 kg/m²; 26.1% overweight, 5.4% obese.
• 37.7% reported poor mental well-being (WHO-5 ≤50), 14.1% at high risk for psychological distress (Kessler ≥13).

Conclusions:

• The Health@NUS study provides detailed insights into health behaviors, health, and well-being.
• Identifies determinants and trajectories during the critical student-to-work life transition for young adults.