Comparison of Subjective Health Complaints between Chinese and German University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Janet Chu,Heiko Jahn,Mobarak Khan,Alexander Kraemer

doi:10.3390/ijerph121215019

Janet Chu, Heiko Jahn + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph121215019

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Abstract

High rates of health complaints (HCs) with substantial variation are reported in different university populations, which can be linked to socio-demographic, lifestyle-related factors, and cultural differences. HCs can be categorized into distinct components. This study aimed to identify and compare underlying dimensions of HCs (HC components); to access and compare HC prevalence, and the associations between HC components, socio-demographic, lifestyle-related factors, and perceived stress in German and Chinese university students. Two health surveys were conducted among 5159 university students (1853 Chinese, 3306 German). Factor analysis and logistic regression were applied. The prevalence of HC ranged from 4.6% to 40.2% over the two countries. Germans reported at least three HCs more often (47.2% vs. 35.8%). Chinese students more often reported gastrointestinal complaints. Perceived stress was positively associated with all three HC components in both countries (OR = 1.03–1.50) with stronger associations among Germans. Women more often reported HCs (OR = 1.32–2.43) with stronger associations among the Germans. Having a father with a low educational level was associated with high psychological symptoms among the Chinese (OR = 1.51), but with low gastrointestinal complaints among the Germans (OR = 0.79). The high prevalence of HCs in students requires country-specific interventions.

Highlights

Despite the relatively young age and high educational level of university students, a high rate of health complaints (HCs) has been documented in this population [1,2]
In agreement with a study conducted among university students from Germany, Spain and Lithuania [2], our HC scale was categorized into three components: psychological symptoms; gastrointestinal complaints; and pain/aches
We identified same factor with different associations in two groups, such as a higher BMI was related to less psychological symptoms among the Germans, but less gastrointestinal complaints among the Chinese; while having a father with a low educational level was related to more psychological symptoms in the Chinese students but less gastrointestinal complaints in the German students

Summary

Introduction

Despite the relatively young age and high educational level of university students, a high rate of health complaints (HCs) has been documented in this population [1,2]. A study conducted among 54,111 university students in the USA found a 16% depression/anxiety rate in that sample [5]. After entering university, students face new surroundings and new responsibilities. They are responsible for handling new freedoms and opportunities. Some students have to cope with financial difficulties [6]. All these factors may adversely affect both physical and psychological health. The deterioration of students’ health may affect learning ability, academic performance, goal achievement, and personal development [7]

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