Invisible disabilities and health among U.S. postsecondary students

Area of Science:

• Health behaviors
• Student health
• Invisible disabilities

Background:

• Invisible disabilities encompass conditions like autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health issues.
• Understanding the health of college students with these disabilities is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Previous research has limited focus on the specific health needs of college students with invisible disabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare health behaviors and outcomes between undergraduate students with autism, ADHD/learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and neurotypical students.
• To examine gender differences in health behaviors and outcomes among these student groups.
• To identify disparities in physical and mental health among college students with invisible disabilities.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 2,822 undergraduate students across ten postsecondary institutions in Indiana during spring 2021.
• Linear and logistic regression models were employed to analyze differences in health behaviors and outcomes based on disability status.
• Data collection focused on a range of physical and mental health indicators.

Main Results:

• Students with invisible disabilities consistently reported worse physical and mental health outcomes compared to neurotypical students.
• Students with mental health conditions exhibited the most significant disparities in health.
• Gender differences in health behaviors and outcomes were minimal across the studied groups.

Conclusions:

• The findings highlight a significant need for health-related programming tailored to the unique challenges faced by college students with invisible disabilities.
• Institutions should proactively develop and implement support systems to address the specific health needs of this growing student population.
• Further research is warranted to explore effective interventions for improving the health and well-being of students with invisible disabilities in higher education settings.