Using Student Health Data to Understand and Promote Academic Success in Higher Education Settings

Project Innovation, Inc. P.O. Box 8508 Spring Hill Station, Mobile, AL 36689-0508. Tel: 251-343-1878; Fax: 251-343-1878; Web site: http://www.projectinnovation.biz/csj.html

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College Students; Mental Health; Physical Health; Grade Point Average; Academic Achievement; Higher Education; Case Studies; Correlation; Student Surveys; Multiple Regression Analysis; Stress Variables; Prediction; Student Attitudes

0146-3934

The Problem: Institutions of higher education are interested in students' academic success as measured by GPA. Health is related to GPA and many institutions collect health data; however, this data is underutilized. This study used several health-related variables to examine relationships between health and GPA. Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey of 526 students from a 4-year post-secondary institution. Stepwise, forward multiple regression analysis was used to determine which health variables best predicted GPA. Variables related to stressors, physical health, substance use, mental health, and subjective reports of physical and mental health were considered in the analysis. Results: Variables selected accounted for 21.8% of the variance in GPA. The stressors grouping had the highest proportion of variables remaining in the regression model after stepwise selection. Conclusions: Health factors are significantly related to students' ability to succeed. It is critical to understand the connections between student health and academic performance and fully utilize health data to promote student success.

As Provided

39

2016

EJ1121548