Health Behaviour and Self-reported Academic Performance among University Students: An International Study

Karl Peltzer,Supa Pengpid

doi:10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p998

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate health correlates of academic performance among university students from 26 low and middle income and emerging economy countries. Using anonymous questionnaires, data were collected from 20222 university students, 41.5% men and 58.5% women, with a mean age of 20.8 years (SD=2.8), from 26 countries across Africa, Asia and Americas. Overall, 28.4% reported excellent or very good, 65.5% good or satisfactory and 6.2% not satisfactory academic performance. Multivariate linear regression found that that sociodemographic factors (younger age, coming from a wealthier family background, lack of social support and high intrinsic religiosity), health behaviours (trying to eat fibre, avoiding fat and cholesterol, high levels of physical activity, no illicit drug use, not drinking and driving), and better mental health (no severe sleep problem and no moderate or severe depression) were associated self-reported academic performance. Several clustering health behaviours were identified which can be utilized in public health interventions. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p998

Highlights

High academic performance of university students can be important for a better career success (Bretz Jr, 1989; Deliens, Clarys, De Bourdeaudhuij & Deforche, 2013)
Different sociodemographic factors have been found to be associated with academic performance
It was found that sociodemographic factors, health behaviours, and better mental health were found to be associated self-reported academic performance

Summary

Introduction

High academic performance of university students can be important for a better career success (Bretz Jr, 1989; Deliens, Clarys, De Bourdeaudhuij & Deforche, 2013). These include healthy dietary behaviours (Bradley & Greene, 2013), good diet quality (Florence, Asbridge & Veugelers, 2008), adequate fruit and vegetable intake (Wald, Muennig, O'Connell & Garber, 2014), not being on a diet (Deliens et al, 2013), moderate-vigorous physical activity (Bradley & Greene, 2013; Wald et al, 2014), no or infrequent alcohol use (Aertgeerts & Buntinx, 2002; Bradley & Greene, 2013; Deliens et al, 2013); no tobacco use (Bradley & Greene, 2013), no other drug use (Bradley & Greene, 2013), no violent behaviour (Bradley & Greene, 2013), adequate sleep duration (Wald et al, 2014), good sleep quality (Gomes, Tavares & de Azevedo, 2011), earlier bedtimes and wake times (Eliasson, Lettieri & Eliasson, 2010; Trockel et al, 2000), and less risky sexual behaviour such as consistent condom use (Bradley & Greene, 2013; Mehra, Kyagaba, Ostergren & Agardh, 2014).

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Conclusion