Comparison of Health Status of International and American University Students: Implications for Health Education

1989 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Adeyanju ◽  
Ray Tricker ◽  
Rita Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Status ◽  
International Students ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
University Students ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
International Student ◽  
Health Locus Of Control ◽  
Student Health ◽  
American University

The study examined the differences between a sample of 311 international and 251 American university students relative to their self-perceived health status, health attitudes, behaviors, and locus of control using the International Student Health Inventory (ISHI). More specifically, the study compared demographics, current health history, health care obtained by students within the university milieu, health locus of control, wellness attitudes and behaviors. The study addressed the rationale for student health care professionals to improve health services for the international students. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that sociocultural (external) and self-perceived (internal) stressors may influence both groups' health status and care. American students experienced more common minor stress-related illnesses/ailments than international students. Both groups indicated they functioned more from an internal health locus of control. Healthiest and poorest wellness attitudes were reported by the international male and American male students respectively. No observed differences were noticed on the groups' wellness behaviors.

Picture This: A Photovoice Study Of International Students’ Food Experience in Canada

2014 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Amos ◽  
Daphne Lordly
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
University Students ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
International Student ◽  
Culture Shock ◽  
Traditional Foods ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Canadian Universities ◽  
Food Experience ◽  
International University

Purpose: International student enrolment in Canadian universities is increasing. As international university students acculturate, they experience a culture shock in which food plays a major role. International university students’ Canadian food experiences therefore were explored. Methods: A Photovoice methodology was used with 15 international undergraduate and graduate university students, who were recruited to take pictures of their food experiences. They also participated in two focus group discussions that included an analysis of their photos. Results: Seven themes related to the significance of food in acculturation were revealed: the paradox of Canadian convenience, the equation of traditional foods with health, traditional food quality and accessibility, support networks, food consumption for comfort, ethnic restaurants, and the exploration of non-traditional foods. Maintaining cultural identity with traditional foods was an overarching theme related to acculturation. Conclusions: International students acculturating to Canada have emotional and physical needs, which can be met through food. Opportunities exist to improve their acculturation experiences. Canadian universities can incorporate food acculturation strategies into campus events and menus. Nutrition professionals on campus can facilitate a positive food environment and nurture culture identity formation.

Provision of Feedback on Perceived Health Status to Health Care Professionals

Medical Care ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 878-879
Author(s):  
Jose María Valderas ◽  
Mireia Espallargues ◽  
Jordi Alonso
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
Perceived Health Status

scholarly journals Involvement in Health Behavior After Heart Transplantation: The Role of Personal Resources and Health Status. Single-Center Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Mierzyńska ◽  
Andrzej Kokoszka ◽  
Grażyna Jerzak-Wodzyńska ◽  
Małgorzata Sobieszczańska-Małek ◽  
Tomasz Zieliński ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Locus Of Control ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Heart Transplantation ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Heart Transplant ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Health Locus Of Control ◽  
Transplant Patients ◽  
High Level

Introduction: Heart transplantation affects all spheres of the patients’ functioning - their physical well-being and coping with everyday situations, as well as their identity and social functioning. Its long-term effects depend on the effective cooperation with the transplant team. Post-transplant patients are expected to be committed to adherence to recommendations. Patients’ subjective characteristics could increase the risk of difficulties during treatment or might have a protective effect. The major aim of the study was to evaluate the level of engagement in health behavior in heart transplant recipients in relation to their personal resources, such as personality traits, and their health status.Material and Method: The observational ex post facto model was proposed. Participants completed a set of psychological questionnaires. In the study, there were used questionnaires regarding health behavior (HBI), personality traits (NEO-FFI), health locus of control (MHLC), self-efficacy (GSES) and health status (GHQ-28). The group included in the analyses consisted of 107 heart transplant patients. They ranged in age from 19 to 75 years; 10.3% of them were women.Results: According to norms, 71% patients reported high level of engagement in health behavior. There were significant differences in the level of dietary habits and other types of health behaviors. The best predictors of overall health behavior were conscientiousness (β = 0.20, p < 0.05) and health locus of control (Powerful Others) (β = 0.25, p < 0.05). The prophylaxis behavior was related significantly to the level of conscientiousness (p < 0.05) and health locus of control (Internal and Powerful Others) (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). The level of positive mental attitude was related significantly to agreeableness (p < 0.05), health locus of control (Powerful Others) (p < 0.01), and self-efficacy (p < 0.01). Everyday healthy practices were related significantly to openness to experience (p < 0.01) and health locus of control (all categories: Internal, Powerful Others and Chance) (p < 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.05, respectively).Conclusion: Majority of heart transplant patients is engaged in high level of health behavior. Among the various forms of health-relevant habits, heart transplant patients adhere significantly less frequently to a healthy diet. Among examined resources, the best predictors of caring about health are generalized self-efficacy and age at the time of HTx.

scholarly journals Tobacco use among black South African university students: attitudes, risk awareness and health locus of control

Curationis ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Peltzer
Keyword(s):  
Locus Of Control ◽  
University Students ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Health Locus Of Control ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Subjective Health Status ◽  
Black South African

Objectives: To provide data on African/black South African university students’ tobacco use status, belief in the benefits to health of not smoking, risk awareness in terms of knowledge of the links between smoking and disease, health locus of control, value for health, subjective health status and well-being. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: University of the North Subjects: 793 Black University students from non-health courses chosen by random sampling, of these 370 (46.7%) were males and 423 (53.3%) were females in the age range of 18 to 25 years (M age 21.0 years, SD=3.48). Main Outcome Measures: A measure of smoking, the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Health as a Value Scale, and a measure for subjective health and subjective well-being. Results: The average prevalence of current tobacco use was 15% in men and 1% in women. The proportion of tobacco users who were classified as light users (1-10 per day) averaged 10% in men and 1% in women. Age and being male were significantly positively associated with status and frequency of tobacco use. Awareness of the link between smoking and lung cancer was high (93%), but awareness of the role of smoking in heart disease was very low (16%). The importance to health of not smoking was associated with smoking status (non-smoking versus smoking). Overall, 75% of the current smokers stated that they would like to reduce the amount they smoked. Poor subjective health status and low subjective well-being was associated with smoking status. No significant differences were found among non-tobacco users and tobacco users in relation to the three subscales of the Health Locus of Control (Internal, Chance, and Powerful others) and Value for health. Conclusion: For about 9% of the male students investigated, a high risk exists to become regular tobacco users for the next 30 years.

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