The Health of Longwood Students Findings from the Spring 2008 National College Health Assessment Student Health and Wellness Center

What is the National College Health Assessment ? This is a comprehensive survey of college student behavior related to a number of different health issues (ranging from alcohol and other drugs to exercise and stress) This is a comprehensive survey of college student behavior related to a number of different health issues (ranging from alcohol and other drugs to exercise and stress) This instrument was developed by the American College Health Association This instrument was developed by the American College Health Association

Sample The sample consisted of 459 students The sample consisted of 459 students (Respondents included: 64% 1 st Yr.,16.4% 2 nd Yr., 8.1 % 3 rd Yr., and 11.4% 4 th Yr. and above) (Respondents included: 64% 1 st Yr.,16.4% 2 nd Yr., 8.1 % 3 rd Yr., and 11.4% 4 th Yr. and above) All students registered in 29 sections of a required General Education Class All students registered in 29 sections of a required General Education Class

How did students rate their general health?

In Reality! RatingMaleFemaleTotal Excellent13%8%9.8% Very Good 45%37%40.2% Good31%40%36.0% Fair11%13%12.4% Poor1%2%1.3%

What are some of the health problems faced by Longwood Students?

Reported Health Problems Allergy problems45.2% Allergy problems45.2% Sinus Infection37.4% Sinus Infection37.4% Back Pain39.0% Back Pain39.0% Strep Throat19.3% Strep Throat19.3% Depression15.8% Depression15.8% Asthma 15.7% Asthma 15.7% Anxiety disorder11.6% Anxiety disorder11.6% Substance Abuse4.0% Substance Abuse4.0%

The Real Facts 65.2% of Longwood students have never smoked a cigarette; the perception is that 7.0% have never smoked a cigarette 65.2% of Longwood students have never smoked a cigarette; the perception is that 7.0% have never smoked a cigarette 17.9% of students reported never using alcohol, another 30.6% less than monthly or 1-2 times in the last 30 days; 0.2% actually drink daily (the perception is 52.0% drink daily) 17.9% of students reported never using alcohol, another 30.6% less than monthly or 1-2 times in the last 30 days; 0.2% actually drink daily (the perception is 52.0% drink daily) 50.2% of students reported drinking less than 5 drinks or not at all (21.9%) the last time they partied or socialized 50.2% of students reported drinking less than 5 drinks or not at all (21.9%) the last time they partied or socialized

What are some consequences of drinking?

What students said (within the past year) 46.7% of students reported doing something they later regretted 46.7% of students reported doing something they later regretted 44.3% reported forgetting where they were or what they had done 44.3% reported forgetting where they were or what they had done 27.1% reported being physically injured 27.1% reported being physically injured 18.7% reported having unprotected sex 18.7% reported having unprotected sex

What can you do when you party? 82.8% reported using a designated driver 82.8% reported using a designated driver 61.1% reported keeping track of how many drinks being consumed 61.1% reported keeping track of how many drinks being consumed 42.0% report determining in advance how many drinks to have and not exceeding that number 42.0% report determining in advance how many drinks to have and not exceeding that number

What about sex? 26.2% of students reported not having a sexual partner in the past year 26.2% of students reported not having a sexual partner in the past year 39.4% reported having one partner in the past year 39.4% reported having one partner in the past year 9.7% reported having 4 or more partners 9.7% reported having 4 or more partners *** Perception of sexual behaviors are 3-4 times higher than what they actually are***

Nutrition/Exercise 71.3% of Longwood students participated in exercise 2 or more days per week either to stay fit or to strengthen their muscles 71.3% of Longwood students participated in exercise 2 or more days per week either to stay fit or to strengthen their muscles 49% of Longwood students reported getting enough sleep to feel rested 3-5 days out of seven 49% of Longwood students reported getting enough sleep to feel rested 3-5 days out of seven

What about Weight? 54.6% of the students surveyed reported that they are currently trying to lose weight 54.6% of the students surveyed reported that they are currently trying to lose weight 31.5% of the students described themselves as overweight 31.5% of the students described themselves as overweight How are they losing this weight? How are they losing this weight? –63.2% report exercising to lose weight –36.6% report dieting to lose weight

STRESS!!!! In the past year: In the past year: –68.5% reported feeling overwhelmed 1-10 times –23.9% reported feeling overwhelmed 11 or more times –69.8% reported feeling exhausted 1-10 times –44.5 % reported feeling hopeless 1-10 times –34.2% reported feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function 1-10 times

Prevention Most students reported taking preventative actions to help maintain their health (BP, Cholesterol, Vaccination, Dental Exam) Most students reported taking preventative actions to help maintain their health (BP, Cholesterol, Vaccination, Dental Exam) 92.1% mostly or always used a safety belt 92.1% mostly or always used a safety belt The one thing that had a low percentage (18.3%) was the use of sunscreen The one thing that had a low percentage (18.3%) was the use of sunscreen

Within the past year what are some health related factors that impacted your academic performance ?

Academic Impacts Stress Stress Sleep difficulties Sleep difficulties Cold/Flu/Sore Throat Cold/Flu/Sore Throat Alcohol use Alcohol use Internet use/Computer use Internet use/Computer use Concern for a troubled friend or family member Concern for a troubled friend or family member Relationship difficulty Relationship difficulty Depression/Anxiety/Seasonal affective disorder Depression/Anxiety/Seasonal affective disorder Sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, strep throat Sinus infection, ear infection, bronchitis, strep throat Death of a friend or family member Death of a friend or family member

What Are Some Resources Available to You? Student Health and Wellness Center Student Health and Wellness Center –Offers clinical assistance and health education programming Counseling Center Counseling Center –Offers counseling for students with depression and other problems, group programs Campus Recreation Campus Recreation –Offers intramural sports, group exercise, fitness equipment,indoor walking track, and personal training