What is it about?
This paper shows that students are now pursuing physically healthier lifestyles. Concerns about student mental health are now high on the agenda; however, when it comes to physical health, a more positive picture emerged from the research with 84% of student respondents reporting that they made changes to become healthier while at university. The research indicates that universities have a significant opportunity to turn the concept of a healthy university into a reality, building on a more health conscious cohort of students.
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Why is it important?
Previous studies have reported a range of unhealthy behaviours among university students freed from the constraints of family and school. However, this new study suggests a different picture. Reported levels of smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly lower than in previous studies, while a majority of respondents reported seeking to eat healthier food and exercise more while at university.
Perspectives
As co-authors, we recognise that the focus on physical health limits this research with growing concerns about student mental health, which may also impact physical health. We therefore see this research as a start to further exploration of holistic health behaviour change.
Julia Haas
King's College London
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Changes in student physical health behaviour: an opportunity to turn the concept of a Healthy University into a reality, Perspectives in Public Health, August 2018, SAGE Publications,
DOI: 10.1177/1757913918792580.
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