University Students In South Africa Research Articles

Prevalence and factors associated with substance use among university students in South Africa: implications for prevention

BackgroundSubstance use is an important public health concern in many countries across the globe. Among the general public, institutions of higher learning have developed a reputation for inducing new substance use among students. In addition to socio-demographic factors, substance use and abuse among university students often appear to be related to psychological stressors typically related to the demand to adapt to the new environment and the pressures associated with academia. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of, and factors associated with substance use among university students.MethodsThis quantitative study employed convenience sampling to recruit university students who were 18 years and older from a university in the Western Cape. The study made use of self-administered online questionnaires, which participants completed via SurveyMonkey. The sample consisted of 2915 students. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and provide the prevalence and overview of the demographic characteristics of the respondents. Associations between variables were explored using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests.ResultsThe main findings revealed a substance use prevalence rate of 62.7%. The most prominent substances used by students were alcohol (80.6%), cannabis (46%), and ecstasy (5.3%). The study further revealed clear associations between students’ substance use and mental health. Students who reported substance use at university reported higher depression and anxiety scores than those who did not. However, findings reveal no significant association (p = 0.233) between being a substance user and a nonsubstance user and students' respective self-perceived stress scores.ConclusionResults show the majority of sampled students had started using substances (both alcohol and other substances) only after entering university. The results call into question seminal findings relating to substance use and the university environment. The novel findings of this study could serve as a baseline input to inform policymakers, programme developers, service providers, parents, and other stakeholders who are involved in the design and implementation of more effective awareness, prevention and, needs-based intervention services.

The mental health of university students in South Africa: Results of the national student survey

BackgroundWe estimate 30-day prevalence of 11 common mental disorders among a representative sample of university students in South Africa and explore disparities in student mental health across historically segregated institutions and marginalised groups. MethodsCross-sectional data collected in self-report surveys of students (n = 28,268) from 17 universities were weighted to adjust for differences in survey responses. Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs). ResultsPrevalence estimates were highest (21.0–24.5 %) for two anxiety disorders (social anxiety disorder, PTSD) and two disruptive behavior disorders (eating disorder, ADHD). Prevalence estimates were higher for any anxiety disorder (37.1 %) and any disruptive behavior disorder (38.7 %) than for any mood disorder (16.3 %) or any substance use disorder (6.6 %). Prevalence estimates varied significantly by historical segregation status of institutions (F3 = 221.6, p < .001), with prevalence consistently highest in Historically White Institutions (HWIs). Across all institutions, risk of any disorder was lower among oldest than younger students (RR = 0.7, 95%CI = 0.7–0.8), and elevated among gender non-conforming (RR = 1.3, 95%CI = 1.1–1.4), female (RR = 1.2, 95%CI = 1.1–1.2), and sexual minority (RR = 1.2, 95%CI = 1.2–1.3) students. Black students attending HWIs had elevated risk of any disorder relative to White students. LimitationsReliance on self-report measures together with relatively low and variable response rates across institutions limit generalizability of results. ConclusionsModest risks associated with sociodemographic factors suggest a need to focus on mental health of female, gender nonconforming and sexual minority students at all universities along with Black students attending HWIs.

Sex Differences in Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: Measurement Invariance, Prevalence, and Symptom Heterogeneity Among University Students in South Africa.

Adequate measurement is an essential component of the assessment of mental health disorders and symptoms such as depression and anxiety. The present study investigated sex-specific differences in the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). This comprehensive cross-sectional design study pursued four objectives: measurement invariance of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 between male and female; depression and anxiety prevalence differences; cross-sex differences in the relationship between depression and anxiety; and a comparison of symptom heterogeneity. A sample of 1966 (male = 592; female = 1374; mean age = 21 years) students from South Africa completed the PHQ-9 and the GAD-7. Data analyses for measurement invariance, latent class analysis, inter-variable correlations and group comparisons were conducted in Mplus. The two-dimensional PHQ-9 achieved scalar invariance, while the GAD-7 yielded metric invariance. The somatic and non-somatic latent dimensions of depression were compared and showed no significant difference between male and female groups. The positive relationship between depression and anxiety was also not significantly different between the two groups. While the PHQ-9 symptoms formed three classes in the male group, and four classes in the female group, the GAD-7 had the same number of classes (three) and a similar pattern between the two groups. These findings hold implications for the measurement, assessment and understanding of symptom manifestation and distribution, as well as the treatment of depression and anxiety in South Africa.

Psychological capital and orientation to happiness as protective factors for coping among first year university students in South Africa

ABSTRACT First-year students experience various stressors in their attempt to adapt to their new academic environment, which undoubtedly require them to employ effective coping styles. This study was conducted to examine psychological capital (PsyCap) and happiness as predictors of coping among university students. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were collected using standardised questionnaires from 207 students in a public university in South Africa. Data analysed using both simple and standard multiple regression showed that optimism, hope and resilience were associated with productive coping. The study also found that pleasure and meaningful engagement were significantly related to productive coping. The findings of this study underscore the need for interventions that focus on developing constructive psychological resources that will result in the use of more constructive coping strategies when faced with stressors.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON RURAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND UGANDA

The outbreak of COVID-19 significantly caused shifts in higher education’s environment and operational norms. This has propelled new educational strategies, models and frameworks. Globally, COVID-19 wreaked havoc on institutions of higher learning, such as universities. This was a qualitative comparative and phenomenological study aimed at exploring the impact and implications of COVID-19 on rural university students in South Africa and Uganda. The services offered to rural communities have a bearing on educational institutions in those environments. The study further suggested possible contingency plans to counter the negative impacts caused by such pandemics on rural students in universities. The findings, through a thematic analysis, revealed that rural university students in the two countries were affected by COVID-19 instructional, psychological and social ways. In conclusion, rural university students have peculiar challenges due to their unique but disadvantaged settings. The study recommends that online teaching and learning be prioritized to benefit rural students, preceded by adequate training in Ed Tech skills for both lecturers and students. There is need for guidance and counselling psycho-social interventions for rural university students to address the related challenges.

Pentecostalism, ontological (in)security and the everyday lives of international university students in South Africa

ABSTRACT The experience and lives of international university students studying and living in Cape Town, South Africa demonstrate the centrality of religiosity, in their case Pentecostalism in adapting to and grappling with existential perturbations wrought in a xenophobic and hostile environment. This article explores the everyday appropriation of Pentecostal religiosity and rituals by international students in navigating uncertainties and everyday anxieties and struggles of studying and living in a foreign and alienating space. Studying the mundane forms of the everyday has gained traction since Michel de Certeau’s pioneering works on the practice of everyday life. This article is based on an ethnographic study conducted with international university students to understand how Pentecostalism mediates their daily life and experiences and what it means to live and study at a foreign university. I show how Pentecostal Charismatic Churhces (PCCs) not only cater for the existential material needs of migrant students on campus, but also provide space for integration and forging convivial relationships and belonging. I argue that a Pentecostal identity and being connects and creates a sense of ontological security that pervades Pentecostal students’ everyday life.

Stress and coping among unmarried pregnant university students in South Africa

BackgroundThe improvement of maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes is an important part of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). MCH remains an important issue globally as the SDGs have not yet been achieved in most countries. Young women in universities are likely to experience unintended pregnancy due to risky sexual behaviors in tertiary institutions which is characterized by lack of condom and/or contraceptive use and coercion. Pregnant young women in an academic environment are susceptible to stressors associated with unintended pregnancy and academic demands of universities. However, very little is known about the stress and coping among young people in tertiary institutions who get pregnant during the course of their studies and choose to keep the pregnancy.MethodsParticipants were purposively selected among pregnant students and those in the puerperal period at the time of the study. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken to explore the experiences of pregnancy and early motherhood, with particular focus on the various stressors experienced and possible coping strategies employed by students. The data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, then analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe findings show that pregnancy and early motherhood was an experience that came with a lot of stress emanating from fear of parents’ reactions, academic pressure, financial constraints, relationship problems with male partners and experiences of social stigma. Participants used emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies to deal with the stressors confronting them during and after their pregnancy.ConclusionThe experiences of pregnant students are multifaceted and generally characterised by financial crisis, academic challenges, shame, strenuous relationships and transitioning into a new identity. A multipronged approach to healthcare for pregnant students that focus on comprehensive antenatal services, health education, health promotion, psychosocial interventions including academic counselling will have positive outcomes for young mothers and their children.

South African Generation Y students’ intention towards ecopreneurship

Orientation: It has been argued that the solution to the deteriorating state of the natural environment should not simply be one of regulation but rather of innovation. As such, entrepreneurship or, more specifically, ecopreneurship has been identified as a possible solution.Research purpose: This study’s primary objective was to determine Generation Y students’ intention towards becoming ecopreneurs within the context of South Africa.Motivation of study: Research regarding ecopreneurship is still scarce within academic literature both globally and in South Africa. This study aims to address this research gap.Research design, approach and method: A quantitative research approach was followed using a descriptive, cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 522 students across three Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. The statistical analysis used to analyse the collected data included exploratory factor analysis, descriptive analysis, and correlation analysis.Main findings: This study’s findings indicate that university students belonging to the Generation Y cohort in South Africa display positive intentions towards becoming ecopreneurs. The students’ intentions were, however, lower than their reported knowledge and concern for the environment. All constructs used yielded positive results, albeit to varying degrees and a positive correlation between them were noted.Practical/managerial implications: Generation Y university students in South Africa display positive intentions towards becoming ecopreneurs. Thus, support to assist them in starting such ventures should be prioritised by incubation programmes and governments funding opportunities.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the existing literature on entrepreneurship, ecopreneurship, environmentalism and Generation Y students in the South African context.

Managing the Culture of COVID-19 "New Normal" as a Motivation for University Students in South Africa

The advent of COVID-19 and its implication on university education has been the bone of contention in recent times. The COVID-19 emergency has led to a change in knowledge inputs, processes, and outputs. This trajectory has demotivated student approaches to their learning. In response to this revolution, this study provides motivational strategies through students' perspectives to respond to the underside of new normal among South African university students. Ubuntu underpins the study within the Transformative Paradigm lens and Participatory Research as a research design. Ten students of a particular module in a selected university in South Africa were chosen to participate in the study. They were selected using the snowballing sampling technique because the participants were under level 3 lockdown with little or no access to campus at the time of the study. Online interview via phone calls, email and WhatsApp, was conducted with the students, and the data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. The study revealed a lack of visualised physical engagement between students and their lecturers and unstable internet access and lack of the internet as the major challenges. The study, therefore, recommends solutions that there should be adequate provision of effective online audio-visual sessions with enough space for student-lecturer’s interactions and low-tech online sessions and content deliveries.

How university students in South Africa perceive their fathers’ roles in their educational development

The larger study that has influenced this article was designed to explore what influenced rural men’s capabilities to actively participate in children’s early social development and its impact on transition to adulthood among their university-going children. Studies have established an increase in the level at which fathers in South Africa have been found wanting in terms of supporting their children’s development at early stages in their lives. It has been reported that this unacceptable behaviour can be transmitted or carried over from one generation to the next. There is the belief that the majority of the young male children who experienced non-supportive fathers will grow up repeating this behaviour with their children. This calls for a study on the perceptions of young people about what fatherhood is all about, hence this study. This study used a descriptive survey with a sample size of 300 students studying education in one university in the Eastern Cape Province. A 25-item questionnaire titled Perception of Fatherhood by University Students (α = 0.75) was used to collect data that were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The participants perceived that the experience and level of education influence men’s perception of fatherhood positively. Extra‑curricular programmes for proper fatherhood transition of young boys are recommended, commencing from Grade 1 through to Grade 12, to expose them to the kinds of dispositions that will enable them to be responsible fathers. There is also a need for compulsory empowerment programmes such as for designers, artists and sportsmen and other semi-skilled professions for male children who cannot acquire higher education to strengthen them socio-economically to provide education for their children.

A Comparative Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviors, Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge of Symptoms and Partner Notification Practices among Male and Female University Students in Pretoria, South Africa.

The surge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people is of public health importance, and the notification and treatment of sex partners after the diagnosis of an STI is a public health approach to prevent and reduce further transmissions. There are limited studies that investigate partner notification among young people in general, and university students in South Africa in particular. We investigated self-reported STIs and partner notification practice, intentions, and preferences among university students. We also assessed their STI knowledge and risky sexual behaviour in relation to STIs. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used multistage sampling to select 918 students across the five schools of a health sciences university in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 16. More males (54.1%) than females were currently in a sexual relationship (47.3%), more males reported multiple sexual partners (n = 114, 46%), engaged in transactional sex (n = 13, 5.3%), and had one-night stands (n = 68, 28.1%) in the past 12 months (p = 0.001). Moreover, half (55.9%) had poor knowledge of STIs with an overall mean knowledge score of 2.9 ± 2.0, and the majority (85.8%) perceived themselves to be at low risk of acquiring STIs. The odds of intentions to disclose an STI infection to a sexual partner and delivering a partner notification slip to ex-sexual partners were not statistically significant (p = 0.95; p = 0.10), with the likelihood of disclosure being 1.3 times for female students compared to males. Female students were 1.5 times as likely to prefer a doctor to send an SMS notification to their sexual partners (p = 0.02) compared to their male counterparts, while the preference of an SMS notification was 41% (p = 0.03) among female students. Students engaged in risky behaviours but had a low perception of the risks of acquiring STIs. Although they had preferences of different methods of partner notification, both male and female students preferred SMS partner notifications from a doctor, even though women were in the majority. Health care providers should put in place interventions so that young people can safely inform their partners about STIs.

Risk factors for hazardous drinking in university students from South Africa and Belgium: a cross-cultural comparison study.

Previous studies have associated certain risk factors with hazardous drinking in students. However, big cultural and geographical differences exist regarding alcohol use. To determine whether or not there was a difference in hazardous drinking between Belgian and South African university students and to establish the risk factors that contribute to hazardous drinking in university students (calculated using the AUDIT-C) from a developing country (South Africa) and a developed country (Belgium). An online survey assessing hazardous drinking among university students in South Africa (University of KwaZulu-Natal, UKZN) and Belgium (University of Antwerp, UoA) was conducted, using the shortened version of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C). Risk factors in males and females for hazardous drinking were explored using multivariate logistic regression analysis. In total, 499 students were included in the study (250 UoA and 249 UKZN students). A significant higher amount of male (94.8%) as well as female (92.4%) UoA students drank alcohol in the last year compared to the male (66.2%) and female (67.8%) UKZN students (p<0.001). Additionally, a significant higher amount of UoA students were hazardous drinkers, compared to the UKZN students (p<0.001). Multivaiate analysis showed that male UoA students were almost 6 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers than male UKZN students (OR=5.611, p=0.005). Female UoA students were more than twice as likely to be hazardous drinkers than female UKZN students (OR=2.371, p=0.016). This study found a significant difference in hazardous drinking between Belgian and South African university students.

Maltreatment during childhood and risk for common mental disorders among first year university students in South Africa

PurposeChildhood maltreatment elevates risk for common mental disorders (CMDs) during late adolescence and adulthood. Although CMDs are highly prevalent among university students, few studies have examined the relationship between childhood maltreatment and 12 month CMDs in a low- to middle-income countries. This paper describes the prevalence of maltreatment and the relationship between type, number and patterns of maltreatment exposure and 12 month CMDs among first-year university students in South Africa.MethodsMaltreatment and CMD data were collected via well-validated self-report scales (corresponding with DSM-IV diagnoses) in a web-based survey of first-year students from two large urban universities (n = 1290) in South Africa. Various multivariate modelling approaches (additive, restrictive interactive and latent class) were used to examine the relationship between maltreatment and CMDs.ResultsOverall, 48.4% of participants reported childhood maltreatment, the most common type being emotional abuse (26.7%). Regardless of the modelling approach used, emotional abuse was the only type of maltreatment independently associated with 12-month diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) or drug use disorder (DUD) even after adjusting for types and number of types of maltreatment. Similarly, students in the latent class reflecting histories of emotional abuse (either alone or combined with physical abuse) were more likely to meet criteria for 12-month MDD, GAD or DUD.ConclusionFindings confirm the high prevalence of childhood maltreatment among South African students. As this exposure elevates risk for MDD, GAD and DUD, interventions aimed at preventing and treating CMDs among first-year students should address experiences of childhood maltreatment.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00127-020-01992-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Procedural justice, police legitimacy, and performance: Perspectives of South African students

This study explored notions of procedural justice and police legitimacy among university students in South Africa. We surveyed 482 South African university students (female =77.6%; black = 91.7%; mean age = 23.0 years, SD = 1.05 years) on the effect of procedural justice and other factors on their perception of police legitimacy. Following hierarchical regression analysis, we found that those who held the view that the police are effective in crime control regarded the police as legitimate. On the contrary, those who believed that there is inequality and discrimination in the country were less likely to view the police as legitimate. Moreover, perceived police effectiveness predicted police legitimacy more so than procedural justice policing.

Deconstructing the Challenges of COVID-19 on First-Year Rural University Students in South Africa

Assumptions and facts exist about the various challenges rural learners face when transitioning into university education in South Africa due to the pedagogical differences between secondary and university education. However, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic compounded the transitioning challenges of students because most of the universities, especially the selected university, utilise online learning, which is alien to first-year students who are transitioning from rural high schools to the university. This study explores the challenges and solutions associated with first-year students transitioning to a new level of education during the COVID-19 pandemic. An asset-based approach was used to theorise the study within the Transformative Paradigm (TP), while Participatory Research (PR) was used to design the study. These are relevant because both TP and PR are targeted towards transforming people’s predicaments. The participants consisted of ten first-year students selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using electronic interviews such as email, WhatsApp messages, and phone calls. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that first-year rural university students’ inability to use online learning tools effectively and unstable internet connections in the rural community are major challenges. The study, therefore, concludes that the provision of internet access and students’ readiness for adaptability are the possible solutions.

Analysis of HIV/AIDS Integration into the Academic Curriculum at a Selected University in South Africa

Background:Although there is evidence that education is a social weapon in the fight against HIV/AIDS, there is also evidence that, to date, HIV/AIDS is not fully integrated into all the disciplines in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Therefore, most of the university students in South Africa are not well prepared to be HIV/AIDS-competent graduates who can live and work in a society ravaged by AIDS.Objective:This study sought to analyse the extent of HIV/AIDS integration into the curricula in various departments at a selected university in the Limpopo Province, South Africa.Materials and Methods:The study used quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyse the extent of HIV/AIDS integration into the curricula. The curriculum calendars were retrieved from the university website. An audit tool guided retrieval of HIV/AIDS content and was analysed using SPSS V 25. The qualitative content analysis was used to describe the nature of HIV/AIDS content.Results:Out of eight schools, about 68 modules had HIV/AIDS content. The majority of the modules (53; 78%) were offered at the undergraduate level. Furthermore, the majority of the HIV/AIDS content (62; 91%) was integrated into undergraduate compulsory modules. Most (34; 51%) of the HIV/AIDS content were located in health sciences disciplines. HIV/AIDS content was mostly integrated into existing carrier modules. Time allocation for the teaching of HIV/AIDS was not indicated. Most of the modules did have information about teaching and assessment strategies.Conclusion:It is recommended that discipline-specific HIV/AIDS content be integrated into all disciplines.

Determinants of Sustainability-Oriented Entrepreneurial Intentions of University Students

Entrepreneurship is no longer about only economic growth but also about social and environmental performance. This has led to the development of sustainable entrepreneurship as a field in entrepreneurship research. The study discussed in this article investigated the determinants of sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial intentions (SOEI) of university students by extending the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Four personality traits were added to the TPB to develop a predictive model of SOEI. The moderating effect of gender in the relationships between the determinants and SOEI was also examined. The study adopted a quantitative research design. The cross-sectional survey method was used for data collection from final year business management students in three South African universities. Structural equation modelling (PLS SEM) was used for data analysis. The findings indicated significant positive relationships between attitude; perceived behavioural control; internal locus of control; perceived creativity; proactive personality, and SOEI. Overall, 55.9% of the variance in SOEI was explained by the expanded TPB model. The moderating effect of gender was not found to be significant. Theoretically, the study used personality traits to extend the TPB in order to develop a unique model of the antecedents of SOEI. Practically, recommendations to promote the SOEI of university students are suggested. The study contributes towards the understanding of SOEI of university students in South Africa. While the conventional entrepreneurial intention of university students has stimulated many studies, research on SOEI is sparse. Based on the TPB, the study developed and tested a unique multi-dimensional model that incorporates personality traits as antecedents of SOEI.

Mental health and academic failure among first-year university students in South Africa

Universities in South Africa face ongoing challenges with low rates of academic attainment and high rates of attrition. Our aims were to (1) investigate the extent to which common mental disorders evaluated early in the first year predict academic failure at the end of the year, controlling for sociodemographic factors and (2) establish the potential reduction in prevalence of failure that could be achieved by effectively treating associated mental disorders. Self-report data were collected from first-year students ( n = 1402) via an online survey at the end of the first semester. Participants were assessed for six common mental disorders. Academic performance data were subsequently obtained from institutional records at the end of the year. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the best sociodemographic and mental health predictors of academic failure. Population attributable risk analysis was used to assess the potential impact of treating associated mental disorders. In multivariate logistic regression models controlling for significant sociodemographic factors, the odds of failure were elevated among students with major depressive disorder (aOR = 3.69) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (aOR = 2.05). Population attributable risk analysis suggests that providing effective treatment to students with major depressive disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could yield a 6.5% absolute reduction in prevalence of academic failure (equivalent to a 23.0% proportional reduction in prevalence of academic failure). Providing effective and accessible campus-based mental healthcare services is integral to supporting students’ academic attainment and promoting transformation at South African universities.

Perceived male partner attitudes toward the female condom predict female university students' use of the female condom.

Female and male condoms are the only methods that prevent both sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and unintended pregnancy. Despite continuing high STI rates, few studies investigate factors predicting whether women initiating female condom (FC) use sustain use. Using data from a randomized trial, we examined predictors of sustained FC use at five-month follow-up (FU2) among female university students in South Africa who participated in either a one-session, information-only, group-delivered Minimal Intervention or a two-session, group-delivered Enhanced Intervention. In the final multiple logistic regression model, believing one's partner holds positive attitudes toward the FC (aOR = 1.40; p = 0.028), and greater FC use for vaginal sex at previous assessment (aOR) = 1.19; p = 0.008) were associated with greater odds of FC use at FU2. Excluding number of FC-protected occasions at FU1 from the analysis, discussing FC use with partner (aOR = 2.89; p = 0.071) and believing one's partner holds positive attitudes toward the FC (aOR = 1.63; p < 0.001) were associated with greater odds of use at FU2. The FC empowers women to protect themselves from both STIs and unintended pregnancy, but targeted interventions are needed to address men's negative attitudes toward the device. Engaging men as FC champions to support and promote FC use, along with marketing campaigns targeted to men, may expand FC coverage and enhance uptake.

Assessing learning styles of undergraduate logistics students using Kolb's learning style inventory: A cross-sectional survey

Understanding students’ learning styles and adapting instructional strategies to the variety of student learning styles are determinants for effective learning and enhance learning performance. Using Kolb’s learning style inventory (LSI) and demographic questions, this study assesses the learning styles of undergraduate logistics university students by identifying their dominant learning style and by exploring whether students’ demographic factors influence their learning styles. To this end, a cross-sectional survey involving 429 undergraduate logistics university students in South Africa was conducted. The results show that accommodating learning style as the most predominant learning style among undergraduate logistics university students, followed by students with assimilating learning style. The combined proportion of these two groups of students represents more than two-thirds of the sampled population. The study’s findings show that gender and learning styles were significantly related. While the majority of male logistics students displayed the diverging learning style, their female counterparts exhibited the converging learning style. On the other hand, learning styles and age group; learning styles and type of high school attended; and learning styles and nationality were found not to be related. This study has implications for practice and extends the literature on learning styles and demographic factors in the unexplored logistics discipline.