College health
[6] In recent studies, stress has been shown to contribute to the formation of maladaptive coping strategies in post-secondary students, which can subsequently increase one's risk for developing adverse health complications throughout college or university, including depression.
[6] Additionally, factors such as physical and mental exhaustion, along with decreased sleep performance as a result of stress at university or college can be a major detriment to a student's perceived life satisfaction.
[18] Post-secondary institutions have therefore become widely recognized as ideal grounds for implementing evidence-based health interventions that provide students the opportunity to manage and improve their overall self-image.
[20] As a significant source of stress, student debt and financial instability have been linked to poorer general health outcomes and higher rates of depressive symptoms in young adults.
Common concerns that lead to depression among college students include pressure to perform well academically, worries about success, and thoughts about post-graduation plans.
[45] Bulimia nervosa is characterized by reoccurring binge-eating episodes following by radical compensatory behaviours including fasting, self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives and diuretics, and/or excessive physical exercise.
[46] Similar to bulimia nervosa, individuals with binge-eating disorder will consume large portions of food in a short amount of time, but will not engage in compensatory behaviours.
[46] Although eating disorders affect individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and races,[47][48] many studies show a disproportionately increased risk among post-secondary students, with majority indicating a higher prevalence rate compared to the general population.
[51] Such difficulties include increased stressors and pressure, a lack of academic, social and/or financial structure, and fear of gaining excessive weight, which can exacerbate underlying mental health issues or, in some cases, create new ones.
[49][47][51] Additionally, eating disorders have more recently been attributed in part to body image issues stemming from the unrealistic portrayal of men and women on social media and on television.
[54] Given that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, early detection, prevention and treatment is of utmost importance when discussing effective recovery.
[61][62][63] Therefore, post-secondary institutions have a responsibility to reach out to students, provide tailored feedback on potential symptoms, aid in creating suggestions for future goals, and facilitate the recovery process.
[65] It subsequently offers suitable evidence-based online interventions or a referral to a specialized physician in order to address risks and clinical status.
[65] Educational campaigns intended to deliver factual knowledge regarding eating disorders and helpful resources have proven to be most successful when targeting students.
[47] Although many colleges in the United States offer annual or bi-annual education programs, very few do so on a monthly or weekly basis, which can impact students’ ability to access proper services.
[70] Although there are a number of helpful online and in-person detection services offered by post-secondary institutions, there is still a significant gap in regards to treatment of eating disorders on campuses.
[79] It has been found that increased marketing of alcoholic products is positively correlated with consumption by youth, a problem which has been exacerbated in recent years through the growing popularity of social media advertisements.
[85] In North America, the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) for spring 2019 reported that 6.4% of students used cigarettes within the last 30 days, 12.6% used e-cigarettes, and 2.1% used water pipes (also known as shisha or hookah).
[89] Data has shown that the proportion of young individuals who perceive marijuana as dangerous is decreasing, which may hinder prevention efforts, such as those against the emerging and popular administration route of vaping.
[104] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that youth aged 15–24 account for the highest incidence of combined total cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis in 2015.
[107] Given college students fall within the age range of 15–24, and are more inclined to engage in casual sexual encounters without proper protection,[107] post-secondary institutions hold a responsibility to ensure adequate STI screening and education prevention.
One study investigated the prevalence of chlamydia among college students in the United States, and found that routine screening is not available, or easily accessible, at most post-secondary institutions.
[116] Moreover, the use of internet-based technology typically involves cognitive behavioural therapy, one of the most commonly employed mediums targeting depression and anxiety among the student population.
[117] For instance, E-health interventions linking traditionally under represented students with culturally connected providers is a potential service that academic institutions could consider implementing.
[118] Many counseling centers are reorienting towards prevention and providing opportunities for personal skills development that are unique and separate from traditional methods of talk therapies.
[119] Each 8-week long program consisted of eight 30- to 45-minute sessions involving didactic readings, experiential learning (e.g. guided meditation) and daily life applications (e.g. developing self-awareness).
[123] College represents a key period to engage and influence numerous health behaviors among young adults, including promoting physical activity.
[124] Seminars and counselor-led workshops dealing with recommendations and strategies to maintaining an active lifestyle appear to be effective means of preserving or enhancing healthy behaviours during the transition into university life.
[130] On the other hand, factors such as individual knowledge and awareness as well as parental support are cited as having a positive influence in promoting healthy eating among students.
[131] Ensuring easy availability of fruits and vegetables on-campus through farmers' markets or the cafeteria consistently providing healthier alternatives are potential strategies.
