Citation

Hicks T, Herndon M, Hilton A, Attoh P, Armstrong V. Coll. Q. 2013; 16(3).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Students who attend college and reside on campus often have to contend with social problems such as alcohol and drug abuse, HIV/AIDS infection, courtship, sex and marriage, home and family and other social-psychological issues while trying to maintain academically and matriculate to graduation. Earlier research from the 1995 National College Health Risk Behavior Survey [NCHRBS] suggested that many college students engage in health risk behaviors including binge drinking, cigarette smoking, drug use, and unsafe sexual practices that increase their likelihood of serious health problems (i.e., unintentional and intentional injuries, unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infection) (Douglas, Collins, Warren, Kann, Gold, Clayton, Ross & Kolbe, 1997). As a result of this dilemma, many health professionals have focused their efforts on the study of health issues and behaviors of college students (Dinger & Parsons, 1999; Page, Scanlan & Gilbert, 1999; Perkins, Meilman, Leichfiter, Cashin & Presley, 1999; Siegel, Klein & Roghmann, 1999; Wechsler & Dowdall, 1997). The purpose of this study was to conduct a baseline investigation of university students' health behaviors, self-rated health, mental health and quality of life (QOL). The authors used a quality of life questionnaire that gauged the college student's health status, lifestyle, mental health, and living conditions. The results of this questionnaire provided an important snapshot of the current lifestyles, college life stressors and health behaviors among on- and off-campus students at an institution in North Carolina.

Language: en