Citation

Simons-Morton B, Haynie D, O'Brien F, Lipsky L, Bible J, Liu D. J. Am. Coll. Health 2016; 65(1): 58-66.

Affiliation

Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Branch, Division of Intramural Population Health Research , 6100 Executive Blvd 7B13, Bethesda , MD 20892-7510.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2016.1238384

PMID

27661849

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine changes in health behaviors among U.S. emerging adults one year after high school. PARTICIPANTS: The national sample of participants (n = 1927), including those attending 4-year college/university (n = 884), 2-year colleges/technical schools (n = 588), and no college (n = 455), participated in annual spring surveys 2013-2014.

METHODS: Health behaviors were assessed the last year of high school and first year of college; differences by college status controlling for previous-year values were estimated using regression analyses.

RESULTS: Relative to 4-year college attendees, those attending technical school/community college were less likely to binge drink (OR =.57, CI = /38-.86), but more likely to speed (OR = 1.26; CI = 1.0-2.84), consume sodas (OR = 1.57, CI = 1.0-2.47), and report lower family satisfaction (p<0.01), with marginally more physical and depressive symptoms. College non-attendees reported more DWI (OR = 1.60, CI = 1.05-2.47), soda drinking (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.76-3.59), over-sleeping (OR = 4.78, CI = 3.65-8.63), and less family satisfaction (p<0.04).

CONCLUSIONS: Health risk behaviors among emerging adults varied by college status.

Language: en