Health and Well-Being of International University Students, and Comparison with Domestic Students, in Tasmania, Australia.

Sarah Skromanis,Heather Bridgman,Nick Cooling,Frances Fan,Jonathan Mond,Jonathan Mond,Jennifer Presser,Bryan Rodgers,Keith Harris,Terry Purton

doi:10.3390/ijerph15061147

Abstract

International students comprise an increasingly larger proportion of higher education students globally. Empirical evidence about the health and well-being of these students is, however, limited. We sought to examine the health and well-being of international students, primarily from Asian countries, attending the University of Tasmania, Australia, using domestic students as a comparison group. Ethics approval was given to invite (via email) all currently enrolled students to participate in the study by completing a pilot-tested, online survey. The survey was completed by 382 international students (response rate = 8.9%) and 1013 domestic students (9.2%). Independent samples t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were used for bivariate comparisons between international and domestic students, and between subgroups of international students. Regression models were used to examine the associations between student status (international vs. domestic) and health outcomes, controlling for demographic and enrolment variables. International students, particularly male students, were found to be at increased risk of several adverse health outcomes while also being less likely to seek help for mental health and related problems. The findings indicate the need for accessible, targeted, culturally-sensitive health promotion and early intervention programs.

Highlights

The proportion of international students enrolling in Australian universities has increased considerably in recent years, such that these students comprise some 30 percent of the nation’s higher education population [1]
It was hypothesised that international students would have poorer health and well-being, including more frequent engagement in health compromising behaviours, than domestic students
International students reported poorer global life satisfaction, poorer perceived social support, greater dissatisfaction with their environmental circumstances, higher levels of smoking and illicit drug use, and higher levels of problem gambling behaviours, than domestic students. Notwithstanding these differences, international students were less likely than domestic students to seek help for mental health and related problems

Summary

Introduction

The proportion of international students enrolling in Australian universities has increased considerably in recent years, such that these students comprise some 30 percent of the nation’s higher education population [1] This trend has prompted an increased appreciation for, and awareness of, the challenges and varying needs of international students. The commencement of tertiary studies is often associated with both personal (e.g., gaining greater social, emotional and financial independence) and structural (e.g., adapting to a new educational environment) challenges [2]. These challenges may, be common, and difficult to manage, for international students [3,4]. Public Health 2018, 15, 1147; doi:10.3390/ijerph15061147 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph

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