scholarly journals Student health behavior and academic performance

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11107
Author(s):  
Peter R. Reuter ◽  
Bridget L. Forster
Keyword(s):  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Hours

Objective To explore the association between health behaviors and habits of university students and academic achievement. Participants Six hundred fourteen undergraduate students at a state university in the United States. Methods Students were invited over a 2-year period to participate in an anonymous online survey that asked questions concerning a wide range of health behaviors and habits; participants were asked to report their current grade point average (GPA). Standard Least Squares Models were used to examine differences in self-reported GPA across the different health behaviors and habits, with individuals as replicates. Results The study found positive associations between breakfast consumption, physical activity, and strength training and self-reported GPA, and negative associations between the hours of sleep per night, hours worked per week, fast food and energy drinks consumption, and use of marijuana, alcohol and electronic vaping products. Conclusions While there is an association for some of the studied health behaviors and habits with self-reported GPA, the effect sizes for these health behaviors were low. The significant effect of vaping on GPA as well as the increased use reported in this study indicates that the topic should be explored further. Furthermore, students should be educated on the potential positive and negative effects of health behavior choices to help them make better choices.

Health Behaviors at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-61
Author(s):  
Raven H. Weaver ◽  
Alexandra Jackson ◽  
Jane Lanigan ◽  
Thomas G. Power ◽  
Alana Anderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Modifiable Factors

Objectives: We examined perceived behavior change since implementation of physical distancing restrictions and identified modifiable (self-rated health, resilience, depressive symptoms, social support and subjective wellbeing) and non-modifiable (demographics) risk/protective factors. Methods: A representative US sample (N = 362) completed an online survey about potential risk/protective factors and health behaviors prior to the pandemic and after implemented/recommended restrictions. We assessed change in perceived health behaviors prior to and following introduction of COVID-19. We conducted hierarchical linear regression to explore and identify risk/protective factors related to physical activity, diet quality, and social isolation. Results: There have been substantial decreases in physical activity and increases in sedentary behavior and social isolation, but no changes in diet quality since COVID-19. We identified modifiable and non-modifiable factors associated with each health behavior. Conclusions: Negative effects indicate the need for universal intervention to promote health behaviors. Inequalities in health behaviors among vulnerable populations may be exacerbated since COVID-19, suggesting need for targeted invention. Social support may be a mechanism to promote health behaviors. We suggest scaling out effective health behavior interventions with the same intensity in which physical distancing recommendations were implemented.

scholarly journals Behavioral medicine challenges in the shadow of a global pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyssa T Brooks ◽  
Hannah K Allen ◽  
Louise Thornton ◽  
Tracy Trevorrow
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Natural Experiment ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Future Data ◽  
Short And Long Term

Abstract Health behavior researchers should refocus and retool as it becomes increasingly clear that the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic surpass the direct effects of COVID-19 and include unique, drastic, and ubiquitous consequences for health behavior. The circumstances of the pandemic have created a natural experiment, allowing researchers focusing on a wide range of health behaviors and populations with the opportunity to use previously collected and future data to study: (a) changes in health behavior prepandemic and postpandemic, (b) health behavior prevalence and needs amidst the pandemic, and (c) the effects of the pandemic on short- and long-term health behavior. Our field is particularly challenged as we attempt to consider biopsychosocial, political, and environmental factors that affect health and health behavior. These realities, while daunting, should call us to action to refocus and retool our research, prevention, and intervention efforts

Abstract 04: Racial Disparities in Cardiovascular Health Behaviors are Partially Explained by Socioeconomic, Psychosocial and Environmental Factors: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Circulation ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 135 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kara M Whitaker ◽  
David R Jacobs ◽  
Kiarri N Kershaw ◽  
John N Booth ◽  
David C Goff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Health Behavior ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Socioeconomic Factors ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Race Difference ◽  
Explanatory Role

Introduction: There are known racial differences in cardiovascular health behaviors, including smoking, physical activity, and diet quality. A better understanding of factors that explain these differences may suggest novel intervention targets for reducing disparities in cardiovascular disease. Objective: To examine whether socioeconomic, psychosocial and environmental factors mediate racial differences in health behaviors. Methods: We studied 3,028 Black or White CARDIA participants who were enrolled at age 18-30 years in 1985-86 and completed the 30 year follow-up visit in 2015-2016. Health behaviors included smoking (current, former ≤ 12 months, never smoker/quit >12 months), physical activity (inactive, active but not meeting guidelines, meeting guidelines), and a surrogate for healthy eating using fast food and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (frequency per week ≥ 2, some but < 2, none). Each behavior was assigned a value of 0 for poor, 1 for intermediate or 2 for ideal and summed to calculate an overall health behavior score for each participant (range 0-6). The race difference (β) in health behavior score was estimated using linear regression. Formal mediation analyses computed the proportion of the total effect of race on health behavior score explained by socioeconomic, psychosocial, and environmental factors (see Table footnote). Results: Blacks had a lower health behavior score than Whites in crude analyses (mean difference: -1.04, p<0.001). After adjustment for sex, age and field center, socioeconomic factors mediated 50.5% of the association between race and the health behavior score, psychosocial factors 26.8% and environmental factors 9.0% (p<0.05 for all). Joint associations mediated 58.1% of the race-health behavior score association. Conclusions: Observed racial differences in the health behavior score are predominately mediated by socioeconomic factors, which appear to play a stronger explanatory role than psychosocial and environmental factors.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Television Sports Exposure and Rape Myth Acceptance: The Mediating Role of Sexism and Sexual Objectification of Women

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 813-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Custers ◽  
Jenna McNallie
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
The United States ◽  
Rape Myth Acceptance ◽  
Hostile Sexism ◽  
Rape Myth ◽  
Sexual Objectification ◽  
Sports Programming ◽  
Objectification Of Women ◽  
Myth Acceptance

Rape affects a large proportion of women in the United States but is one of the most underreported crimes. It is believed that rape myth acceptance contributes to low reporting rates. We tested whether television sports exposure was indirectly related to higher acceptance of rape myth beliefs. An online survey involving 465 undergraduate students showed that viewing TV sports was positively related to hostile sexism, benevolent sexism, and sexual objectification of women. Through these variables, TV sports was indirectly and positively associated with rape myth acceptance. These results suggest that sports programming contributes to the perpetuation of rape myths in society.

scholarly journals Using Market Research to Characterize College Students and Identify Potential Targets for Influencing Health Behaviors

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla J. Berg ◽  
Pamela M. Ling ◽  
Hongfei Guo ◽  
Michael Windle ◽  
Janet L. Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Binge Drinking ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Market Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Market Segments ◽  
Message Testing ◽  
Health Related

Marketing campaigns, such as those developed by the tobacco industry, are based on market research, which defines segments of a population by assessing psychographic characteristics (i.e., attitudes, interests). This study uses a similar approach to define market segments of college smokers, to examine differences in their health behaviors (smoking, drinking, binge drinking, exercise, diet), and to determine the validity of these segments. A total of 2,265 undergraduate students aged 18–25 years completed a 108-item online survey in fall 2008 assessing demographic, psychographic (i.e., attitudes, interests), and health-related variables. Among the 753 students reporting past 30-day smoking, cluster analysis was conducted using 21 psychographic questions and identified three market segments – Stoic Individualists, Responsible Traditionalists, and Thrill-Seeking Socializers. We found that segment membership was related to frequency of alcohol use, binge drinking, and limiting dietary fat. We then developed three messages targeting each segment and conducted message testing to validate the segments on a subset of 73 smokers representing each segment in spring 2009. As hypothesized, each segment indicated greater relevance and salience for their respective message. These findings indicate that identifying qualitatively different subgroups of young adults through market research may inform the development of engaging interventions and health campaigns targeting college students.

scholarly journals Emotional Eating in Adults: the Role of Socio-demographics, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Self-regulation- Findings From a US National Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roni Elran Barak ◽  
Kerem Shuval ◽  
Qing Li ◽  
Reid Oetjen ◽  
Jeffrey Drope ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Emotional Eating ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
The United States ◽  
Economic Factors ◽  
Eating Patterns ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

Abstract Background: Emotional eating, the tendency to overeat in response to negative emotions, has often been linked to weight gain. However, scant evidence exists examining prevalence and correlates of emotional eating among large samples of adults in the United States (US). Hence, we examine the relationship between individual and socio-economic factors, health behaviors, and self-regulation to emotional eating patterns among US adults. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of 5,863 Family Health Habits Survey participants. Multivariable ordered logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between the frequency of the desire to eat when emotionally upset (never, rarely, sometimes, often, and very often) to the independent variables. Results: Analysis reveals that 20.5% of the sample tended to emotionally eat often or very often. Being female, non-Hispanic white, and of younger age were all related to a higher likelihood of emotional eating. Additionally, inability to delay gratification (impatience) was related to an 18% increased likelihood (95%CI 1.05-1.33) for emotional eating. Finally, emotional eating was significantly related to more frequent fast food consumption, and increased alcohol intake. Conclusions: Program planners might need to develop targeted interventions aimed at enhancing emotional regulation skills while addressing these less healthful behaviors (e.g., fast-food intake) with the ultimate goal of obesity and chronic disease prevention. To examine the relationship between individual and socio-economic factors, health behaviors, and self-regulation to emotional eating patterns among adults.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional analysis of demographic and behavioral risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity among a sample of U.S. college students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sina Kianersi ◽  
Christina Ludema ◽  
Jonathan T. Macy ◽  
Edlin Garcia ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Colleges And Universities ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Drinking Alcohol ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractBackgroundColleges and universities across the United States are developing and implementing data-driven prevention and containment measures against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Identifying risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity could help to direct these efforts.ObjectiveTo estimate the associations between demographic factors and social behaviors and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and self-reported positive SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test.MethodsIn September 2020, we randomly sampled Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) undergraduate students. Participants completed a cross-sectional, online survey about demographics, SARS-CoV-2 testing history, relationship status, and risk behaviors. Additionally, during a subsequent appointment, participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a fingerstick procedure and SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG rapid assay kit. We used unadjusted modified Poisson regression models to evaluate the associations between predictors of both SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and self-reported positive SARS-CoV-2 infection history.ResultsOverall, 1,076 students were included in the serological testing analysis, and 1,239 students were included in the SARS-CoV-2 infection history analysis. Current seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 4.6% (95% CI: 3.3%, 5.8%). Prevalence of self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection history was 10.3% (95% CI: 8.6%, 12.0%). Greek membership, having multiple romantic partners, knowing someone in one’s immediate environment with SARS-CoV-2 infection, drinking alcohol more than 1 day per week, and hanging out with more than 4 people when drinking alcohol increased both the likelihood of seropositivity and SARS-CoV-2 infection history.ConclusionOur findings have implications for American colleges and universities and could be used to inform SARS-C0V-2 prevention and control strategies on such campuses.

scholarly journals Is exposure to family member incarceration during childhood linked to diabetes in adulthood? Findings from a representative community sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212090516
Author(s):  
Bradley A White ◽  
Keri J West ◽  
Esme Fuller-Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Behaviors ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Adverse Childhood Experiences ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
The United States ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adverse Childhood ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: Diabetes is a prevalent and serious public health problem, particularly among older adults. A robust literature has shown that adverse childhood experiences contribute to the development of health problems in later life, including diabetes. Family member incarceration during childhood is an under-investigated yet increasingly common adverse childhood experience in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family member incarceration during childhood and diabetes in adulthood, while considering the role of gender as well as the impact of a range of potential confounds. Methods: A large representative community sample of adults aged 40 and older (n = 8790 men, 14,255 women) was drawn from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2012 optional adverse childhood experiences module to investigate the association between family member incarceration during childhood and diabetes. For each gender, nine logistic regression analyses were conducted using distinct clusters of variables (e.g. socioeconomic status and health behaviors). Results: Among males, the odds of diabetes among those exposed to family member incarceration during childhood ranged from 2.00 to 1.59. In the fully adjusted model, they had elevated odds of 1.64 (95% confidence interval = 1.27, 2.11). Among women, the odds of diabetes was much lower, hovering around 1.00. Conclusion: Findings suggest that family member incarceration during childhood is associated with diabetes in men, even after adjusting for a wide range of potential risk factors (e.g. sociodemographics, health behaviors, healthcare access, and childhood risk factors). Future research should explore the mechanisms linking family member incarceration during childhood and long-term negative health outcomes in men.

The Moderation of Parental Support on the Relationship Between Race-Related Career Barriers and Academic Achievement

2020 ◽  
pp. 089484532093735
Author(s):  
Xu Li ◽  
Yu-Wei Wang ◽  
Young Hwa Kim
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Parental Support ◽  
The United States ◽  
Career Barriers ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
First Semester ◽  
Moderated Mediation Model ◽  
Role Of Parents ◽  
The Relationship

This study investigated the relationship between college students’ perception of race-related barriers in career and educational development and their immediate (first-semester grade point average [GPA]) and long-term academic performance (4-year cumulative GPA) and the role of parents’ instrumental and emotional support in moderating such effects. Participants were 820 undergraduate students at a Mid-Atlantic university in the United States. Path analysis of the proposed moderated mediation model indicated that (1) perception of race-related barriers was significantly and negatively correlated with students’ 4-year cumulative GPA, (2) parents’ instrumental support negatively predicted students’ 4-year GPA, whereas emotional support positively predicted students’ 4-year GPA, and (3) parental emotional support significantly buffered the negative direct effect of race-related barriers on students’ 4-year GPA. Research and practical implications were discussed.

scholarly journals Effect of Multiple Sclerosis on Daily Activities, Emotional Well-being, and Relationships

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 158-164
Author(s):  
Ann D. Bass ◽  
Bart Van Wijmeersch ◽  
Lori Mayer ◽  
Mathias Mäurer ◽  
Aaron Boster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Muscle Stiffness ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Cold Sensitivity ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: The vsMS survey was conducted to better understand the negative effects of fatigue, cognitive impairment, emotional burden, and decreased physical functioning on the personal, professional, and social lives of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: The vsMS survey was an online survey conducted in Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States that assessed the impact of MS on individuals’ daily activities, emotional well-being, relationships, and employment. Results: The survey included 1075 participants with relapsing-remitting MS. Almost 42% of participants reported that their ability to perform and manage daily activities had worsened during the previous 2 years. More than 50% reported limitations in daily activities due to fatigue, physical weakness, problems with balance/coordination, heat/cold sensitivity, memory problems, numbness/tingling, trouble concentrating, impaired movement/muscle stiffness, and impaired sleeping. Participants also reported a negative effect on emotional and social factors, including self-esteem, general outlook, well-being, maintaining/starting relationships, ability to progress in their career/keep their job, and ability to cope with life roles. Conclusions: These data highlight the importance of addressing the impact of MS and the social and emotional disease burdens on daily activities when planning the care of patients with MS.

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