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Is There an Association between Health Risk Behaviours and Academic Achievement among University Students?

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  • Catriona Kar Yuen Ong

    (School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Melinda J. Hutchesson

    (School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Amanda J. Patterson

    (School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

  • Megan C. Whatnall

    (School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
    Priority Research Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia)

Abstract

University students have high rates of health risk behaviours, and these may be predictive of academic success. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between individual and multiple health risk behaviours and academic achievement in a sample of Australian university students. Data from the University of Newcastle Student Healthy Lifestyle Survey 2019 were used. Health risk behaviours (diet, physical activity, sitting time, sleep, alcohol consumption, smoking) were assessed, and total number of risk factors calculated. Academic achievement was assessed using self-reported grade point average (GPA). The association between health risk behaviours and GPA was explored using linear regression, adjusted for socio-demographic and student characteristics. The sample included 1543 students (mean age 25.0 ± 7.9 years, 70.6% female). Lower GPA was associated with not meeting fruit consumption recommendations (β = −0.203), consuming >1 cup of soft drink/week (β = −0.307), having takeaway foods ≥1 time/week (β = −0.130), not consuming breakfast daily (β = −0.261), not meeting sleep recommendations (β = −0.163), exceeding single occasion alcohol consumption risk (β = −0.277), smoking (β = −0.393), and having a higher number of risk factors (β = −0.105). This study identified modest associations between GPA and health risk behaviours, suggesting that further research is warranted into whether strategies to improve university students’ health could modestly improve their academic achievement.

Suggested Citation

  • Catriona Kar Yuen Ong & Melinda J. Hutchesson & Amanda J. Patterson & Megan C. Whatnall, 2021. "Is There an Association between Health Risk Behaviours and Academic Achievement among University Students?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-14, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8314-:d:609227
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karl Peltzer & Supa Pengpid, 2015. "Correlates of healthy fruit and vegetable diet in students in low, middle and high income countries," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 60(1), pages 79-90, January.
    2. Amy M. Wolaver, 2002. "Effects Of Heavy Drinking In College On Study Effort, Grade Point Average, And Major Choice," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 20(4), pages 415-428, October.
    3. Supa Pengpid & Karl Peltzer & Hemant Kassean & Jacques Tsala Tsala & Vanphanom Sychareun & Falk Müller-Riemenschneider, 2015. "Physical inactivity and associated factors among university students in 23 low-, middle- and high-income countries," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 60(5), pages 539-549, July.
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    1. Samer A. Kharroubi & Nayla Al-Akl & Sarah-Joe Chamate & Tarek Abou Omar & Rouba Ballout, 2024. "Assessing the Relationship between Physical Health, Mental Health and Students’ Success among Universities in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Janina Petkeviciene & Vilma Kriaucioniene & Asta Raskiliene, 2022. "Academic Achievements, Satisfaction with Studies and Risky Behaviours among First-Year Students of Kaunas (Lithuania) Universities, 2000–2017," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.

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