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College health is a desired outcome created by a constellation of services, programs and policies directed at advancing the
health Health, according to the World Health Organization, is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity".World Health Organization. (2006)''Constitution of the World Health Organiza ...
and wellbeing of individuals enrolled in an institution of
higher education Higher education is tertiary education leading to award of an academic degree. Higher education, also called post-secondary education, third-level or tertiary education, is an optional final stage of formal learning that occurs after completi ...
, while also addressing and improving both population health and community health. Many colleges and universities worldwide apply both health promotion and health care as processes to achieve
key performance indicators A performance indicator or key performance indicator (KPI) is a type of performance measurement. KPIs evaluate the success of an organization or of a particular activity (such as projects, programs, products and other initiatives) in which it en ...
in college health. The variety of healthcare services provided by any one institution range from
first aid station An aid station is a temporary facility (often a tent, table, or general rest area) established to provide supplies to endurance event participants or medical first aid and provisions during major events, disaster response situations, or military ...
s employing a single nurse to large, accredited, multi-specialty ambulatory healthcare clinics with hundreds of employees. These services, programs and policies require a multidisciplinary team, the healthcare services alone include
physicians A physician (American English), medical practitioner (Commonwealth English), medical doctor, or simply doctor, is a health professional who practices medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring health through th ...
,
physician assistants A physician assistant or physician associate (PA) is a type of mid-level health care provider. In North America PAs may diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and may serve as a principal healthcare prov ...
,
administrators Administrator or admin may refer to: Job roles Computing and internet * Database administrator, a person who is responsible for the environmental aspects of a database * Forum administrator, one who oversees discussions on an Internet forum * N ...
,
nurses Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses may be differentiated from other health ca ...
,
nurse practitioners A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse and a type of mid-level practitioner. NPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, formulate and prescribe m ...
,
mental health professionals A mental health professional is a health care practitioner or social and human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental disorders. This broad category was developed as a ...
, health educators,
athletic trainer Athletic training is an allied health care profession recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA)"What is an Athletic Trainer?". The Board of Certification Website. 2003. Athletic training is also recognized by the Health Resources Serv ...
s,
dietitian A dietitian, medical dietitian, or dietician is an expert in identifying and treating disease-related malnutrition and in conducting medical nutrition therapy, for example designing an enteral tube feeding regimen or mitigating the effects of ca ...
s and
nutritionist A nutritionist is a person who advises others on matters of food and nutrition and their impacts on health. Some people specialize in particular areas, such as sports nutrition, public health, or animal nutrition, among other disciplines. In many c ...
s, and
pharmacists A pharmacist, also known as a chemist (Commonwealth English) or a druggist (North American and, archaically, Commonwealth English), is a healthcare professional who prepares, controls and distributes medicines and provides advice and instructi ...
. Some of the healthcare services extend to include massage therapists and other holistic health care professionals. While currently changing, the vast majority of college health services are set up as cost centers or service units rather than as parts of academic departments or health care delivery enterprises. To continually achieve college health, many institutions engage in both the process of healthcare and the process of
health promotion Health promotion is, as stated in the 1986 World Health Organization (WHO) Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, the "process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve their health." Scope The WHO's 1986 Ottawa Charter for Healt ...
. The advancement of student health through educational, political, regulatory and organizational supports is referred to as
Health Promotion in Higher Education In the higher education setting, the process of health promotion is applied within a post-secondary academic environments to increase health and wellbeing. The process needs professionals to engage in all five WHO Ottawa Charter Health Promotion A ...
. As the current era of public health, health promotion goes beyond bio-behavioral influences using a settings approach, with the settings including: school health, institution/community health, and work sites. The
American College Health Association The American College Health Association (ACHA) is a Silver Spring, Maryland-based organization of college health professionals throughout the United States. It was founded in 1920 as the American Student Health Association (ASHA), obtaining its c ...
is one national body in The States that provides measurable guidelines for enhancing the quality of services, programs and policies. Another national body in the field of college health is the
National Collegiate EMS Foundation The National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation (NCEMSF) is a non-profit organization founded to promote and advocate for campus-based emergency medical services. The organization was founded in 1993 with the goal of facilitating the e ...
(NCEMSF), which is dedicated to the promotion and support of
emergency medical services Emergency medical services (EMS), also known as ambulance services or paramedic services, are emergency services that provide urgent pre-hospital treatment and stabilisation for serious illness and injuries and transport to definitive care. ...
on college and university campuses. Other national and international associations include
National Association of Student Personnel Administrators The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) is a U.S.-based student affairs organization boasting more than 13,000 members at 1,400 campuses and 25 countries. Founded in 1919 at the University of Wisconsin, NASPA is one ...
(NASPA) and National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA). Ever increasing levels of college health often requires comprehensive environmental management, the coordination of resources, and institutional accountability for addressing the negative health impacts from alcohol use disorder and other substance abuse, mental illnesses such as depression and general anxiety disorders, sexual assault and discrimination among others. The creation of innovative strategies to address the behavioral determinants of health among post-secondary students continues to pose challenges for institutions worldwide.


Common health concerns of college and university students


Distress

A common college health key performance indicator relates to levels and the management of stress. Distress is the a negative result from the body's adaptation to change. A post-secondary education contains both distress and
eustress Eustress means beneficial stress—either psychological, physical (e.g., exercise), or biochemical/radiological (hormesis). The term was coined by endocrinologist Hans Selye, consisting of the Greek prefix ''eu-'' meaning "good", and ''stress'', ...
. Many institutions of higher education have a reputation for being high-stress environments. Throughout college or university, students often experience increased academic-related expectations, as well as a heightened level of overall responsibility that can adversely affects a student's wellbeing. Likewise, students in post-secondary are often expected to balance social, financial, personal and professional responsibilities, while maintaining a strong academic performance. As a result, students in post-secondary often experience an increase in their overall
stress Stress may refer to: Science and medicine * Stress (biology), an organism's response to a stressor such as an environmental condition * Stress (linguistics), relative emphasis or prominence given to a syllable in a word, or to a word in a phrase ...
level, compounded by a decreased perception of their own quality of life. With stress being a common aspect of students’ academic experiences, the correlation between stress and compromised quality of life has become an area of increasing concern in post-secondary. 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. 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.


Academic

Post-secondary students experience stress from a variety of sources in their daily life, including academics. In a 2017
American College Health Association The American College Health Association (ACHA) is a Silver Spring, Maryland-based organization of college health professionals throughout the United States. It was founded in 1920 as the American Student Health Association (ASHA), obtaining its c ...
report, 47.5% of post-secondary students claimed that they considered their academic stress to be 'traumatic or very difficult to handle.’ Disturbed sleep patterns, social problems, and homesickness are all major factors that can increase a student's perceived level of stress, including academic stress. Academic competition is another major source of stress in post-secondary students' lives. High levels of colleague competitiveness has been reported to have a positive correlation with depression and anxiety in post-secondary students. Furthermore, while competition in academic environments can often be a perceived as a strong motivator to students, overall evidence suggests that it can also contribute to unhealthy levels of stress in an individual. Learning how to develop effective strategies to manage personal stress in an academic setting can therefore help protect one against the risk of developing health complications in post-secondary. Yoga, breathing-techniques, and mindfulness interventions are all practices that have been proven to reduce stress among college students. Specifically,
cortisol Cortisol is a steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones. When used as a medication, it is known as hydrocortisone. It is produced in many animals, mainly by the ''zona fasciculata'' of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal gland ...
in students who engage in cognitive- and behavioral-based techniques has been proven to decrease post-intervention. Furthermore, studies suggest exercise and physical activity may have a protective effect against stress in post-secondary students.


Personal

Intra-personal distresses, including perceived concerns relating to body-image and self-esteem, are common in adolescence. Furthermore, unhealthy body-image has been associated with a number of negative health complications, notably depression and disordered eating behaviors. 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. Financial stress is also a major burden on students’ health and wellbeing, as the academic term employs the expenditure of one's financial resources “without guarantees of a satisfactory return." In a 2019 report by
The College Board The College Board is an American nonprofit organization that was formed in December 1899 as the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) to expand access to higher education. While the College Board is not an association of colleges, it runs a ...
on "Trends in College Pricing," the average tuition for full-time students attending a four-year-long post-secondary institution in the 2019–2020 academic year was about $12,700. With the costs of post-secondary education growing significantly over the last decade, many students are choosing to take out student loans to support their education. As a significant source of stress,
student debt Student debt is a form of debt that is owed by an attending, formerly withdrawn, or graduated student to a lending institution, or to a financial institution. The amount that is loaned, often referred to as a ''student loan'' or the debts may be ...
and financial instability have been linked to poorer general health outcomes and higher rates of depressive symptoms in young adults. Personal debt has also been associated with increased drug and alcohol use.


Adverse effects on health

The mental health of students can sometimes decline when attending college. Therefore, this increased stress has highlighted the need for mental health and counseling services available to students on campus. According to the
American Psychological Association The American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States, with over 133,000 members, including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants, and students. It ha ...
(APA), there was a 30% rise in students seeking psychological healthcare services on American campuses between the 2009-2010 and 2014–2015 academic year, with 61% of these students seeking counselling for anxiety, 49% seeking counselling for depression, 45% seeking counselling for stress, and 28% seeking counselling for concerns regarding academic performance.


Mental illness

Late adolescents and early adulthood is a window of onset for many psycho-social-behavioral illnesses. Therefore,
mental health disorders The ''Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition'' (DSM-5), is the 2013 update to the '' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders'', the taxonomic and diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatri ...
are often first diagnosed in college students. In a survey of 14,000 college students from 8 different countries, researchers found that approximately 35% of students had an undiagnosed mental health illness. An estimated 75% of all lifetime mental disorders are developed by the age of 24. Common mental health problems among college students include anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, and suicide.


Depression

Major Depressive Disorder Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, is a mental disorder characterized by at least two weeks of pervasive low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. Introdu ...
affects more than 16.1 million Americans over the age of 18 in a given year. Mental health issues can hinder student success in college. However, oftentimes college students experiencing depression have not been diagnosed. Demographically, upperclassmen, college students, and those living off campus are considered more likely to be depressed. Common concerns that lead to depression among college students include pressure to perform well academically, worries about success, and thoughts about post-graduation plans. The American College Health Association has been established for students with depression to provide resources, programs, and guidelines and promote mental health services.


Anxiety disorders

College students can experience significant stress and anxiety from having to balance a multitude of responsibilities such as managing rigorous coursework, participating in extracurricular activities, maintaining relationships, working, and managing finances. Anxiety or excessive worry can cause significant impairment in general functioning. Symptoms of
general anxiety disorder Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder, mental and Abnormal behavior, behavioral disease#Disorder, disorder, specifically an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about events or a ...
include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, fatigue and sleep disturbances. In a 2018 survey, the American College Health Association reported that 63.4% of college students experienced overwhelming anxiety and 22.1% were diagnosed or professionally treated within the last 12 months. Students may also experience
social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by sentiments of fear and anxiety in social situations, causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function in at least some aspects ...
which is characterized by significant anxiety or fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations such as meeting or conversing with new people, public speaking, and attending parties or social gatherings. As with depression, students with social anxiety disorder are more likely to have lower attendance and participation rates. Students that have experienced significant traumatic events such as sexual assault may develop
post-traumatic stress disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental and behavioral disorder that can develop because of exposure to a traumatic event, such as sexual assault, warfare, traffic collisions, child abuse, domestic violence, or other threats on ...
. In 2015, Association of American Universities conducted a survey on sexual assault misconduct in colleges. 11.7% of students reported to have experienced nonconsensual penetration or sexual touch by physical force or incapacitation while in college. Students with untreated anxiety disorders are at greater risk for drug and alcohol abuse.


Sleep disorders

Sleep is important for a person's physical and mental wellbeing, and the average college student is typically not getting the recommended amount of sleep. Not only are parents not around anymore to enforce bedtime but there are also a plethora of classes, parties, extracurriculars, and other events that cause each day to look different from the next. Due to the varying schedules, it is difficult for a college student to establish a routine for sleep, and can increase their risk of developing a sleeping disorder. A sleeping disorder is a disorder that causes a person to have an abnormal sleep pattern. It can progress into other health problems if not treated. Some common sleep disorders are insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. Some of these conditions can be due to underlying health problems such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. Common symptoms include excessive daytime sleepiness, having trouble falling asleep, waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling or staying asleep.


ADHD

ADHD is prevalent in around 2-8% of students in the United States, and 25% of students with disabilities. Several studies state higher incidence of alcohol and substance use in students with ADHD. Of note, students with ADHD who took stimulant medications were found to have more problematic drinking habits than those who did not take stimulant medications. There is a wide prevalence of prescription stimulant misuse among college campuses in the United States. The use of stimulants are increasing in students without ADHD, primarily for cognitive and academic improvements. There are numerous misconceptions that entice students to use
Adderall Adderall and Mydayis are trade names for a combination drug called mixed amphetamine salts containing four salts of amphetamine. The mixture is composed of equal parts racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which produces a (3:1) ratio bet ...
as "performance enhancers", however scientific evidence illustrates a negative association between stimulant use and academic performance. There are potentially negative health effects that unprescribed stimulants may cause, such as elevated blood pressure, paranoia, serious cardiovascular adverse effects and sudden death which are warranted with a black box warning on amphetamine medications.


Eating disorders

Eating disorders are psychological conditions characterized by abnormal and hazardous eating habits. There exist several types, the most common being
anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa, often referred to simply as anorexia, is an eating disorder characterized by low weight, food restriction, body image disturbance, fear of gaining weight, and an overpowering desire to be thin. ''Anorexia'' is a term of Gr ...
,
bulimia nervosa Bulimia nervosa, also known as simply bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging or fasting, and excessive concern with body shape and weight. The aim of this activity is to expel the body of calories eate ...
, and
binge-eating disorder Binge eating disorder (BED) is an eating disorder characterized by frequent and recurrent binge eating episodes with associated negative psychological and social problems, but without the compensatory behaviors common to bulimia nervosa, OSFED, o ...
. Anorexia nervosa occurs when individuals consider themselves as overweight despite being concerningly underweight. Individuals will monitor their weight by restricting consumption of calories and certain foods, and develop an obsession with their body image. 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. 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. Although eating disorders affect individuals of all genders, ethnicities, and races, many studies show a disproportionately increased risk among post-secondary students, with majority indicating a higher prevalence rate compared to the general population. This trend can be attributed to the unique challenges faced by college students as they attempt to navigate through and adapt to post-secondary life. 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. 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. Many students entering post-secondary institutions will already be experimenting with safe dieting methods; however, 35% will progress to pathological dieting, and of those, 20-25% develop partial or full-syndrome eating disorders. Cases of partial-eating disorders may become spontaneously remised, while a subset transition into a full disorder. According to a report by the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders typically occur between the ages of 18–21, with 10-20% and 4-10% of American college women and men being affected, respectively. Students experiencing symptoms of eating disorders are also more likely to experience psychiatric comorbidity. Members of certain groups within college are more likely to report and experience symptoms of eating disorders, including athletes and transgender students. The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associating Disorders states that 16% of American transgender students reported having an eating disorder. Another report published by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse found that 35% of female and 10% of male athletes were at risk for anorexia nervosa, while 58% of female and 38% of male athletes were at risk for bulimia nervosa.


= Effective interventions

= 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. Research shows that receipt of treatment for eating disorders is globally very low, creating a gap wherein individuals in need of care are not receiving proper treatment. Several studies investigating eating disorder prevalence on college campuses in the United States found that less than 20% of students who screened positive for an eating disorder received treatment for their diagnosis. Another study found that 30-70% of North American students seeking treatment for an eating disorder receive medical intervention for a perceived weight problem as opposed to a mental health problem. This is not ideal, as early detection and subsequent management significantly increases the chances of full recovery. It has been found that seeking help is disincentivized when students are not aware of the options available. 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. Post-secondary campuses in North America already provide accessibility to some programs that are both feasible to deliver and facilitate comprehensive screening. The Healthy Body Image Program is an online platform intended to screen and deliver tailored interventions to students on campuses. The program labels students as low- or high-risk, or identifies those with a possible clinical/subclinical eating disorder. It subsequently offers suitable evidence-based online interventions or a referral to a specialized physician in order to address risks and clinical status. Educational campaigns intended to deliver factual knowledge regarding eating disorders and helpful resources have proven to be most successful when targeting students. 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. Efficacy of treatments are also reported when there is an emphasis on holistic health and interactive components. Increasing media literacy, specifically concerning distorted media representation of body image, and promoting body satisfaction can improve management skills and encourage positive relationship building. Interventions that aid students in recognizing risk factors, such as sociocultural pressure for certain body types, body dissatisfaction, poor self esteem, and challenges with weight management deliver improvements in regards to body satisfaction. Additionally, interventions that promote weight control through healthy dietary techniques, utilize persuasion principles (e.g. foot-in-the-door method), and include motivational enhancement exercises have been reported to improve weight gain and functional impairment.


= Treatment gaps

= 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. The National Eating Disorder Association found that therapeutic and counseling services were reported to be of highest importance; however, availability is scarce among staff who are specifically trained in counseling and nutritional services. Furthermore, there exists a lack of detection and treatment options to match the unique needs of sexual minority students, racial minority students, and college athletes, who appear to be at higher risk for eating disorders or related behaviours. As such, it is imperative for personnel to be properly trained in order to provide culturally and socially tailored help.


Alcohol and other drug use

The most common college health key performance indicator relates to levels and the management of alcohol and other drug (AOD) misuse and abuse. Substance abuse has been shown to peak in early adulthood. In college and university students, substance use is predicted by many factors including sensation seeking behavioural tendencies, perceived use of substances by peers, biological markers, and habits prior to post-secondary education. In North America, alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are the most frequently used and misused substances.


Alcohol

Alcohol Alcohol most commonly refers to: * Alcohol (chemistry), an organic compound in which a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom * Alcohol (drug), an intoxicant found in alcoholic drinks Alcohol may also refer to: Chemicals * Ethanol, one of sev ...
is the most heavily-consumed substance globally, accounting for 4.6% of the global burden of disease with young adults disproportionately affected. According to the 2018 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) administered to college and university students in North America, 60.6% of males and 62.5% of females reported consuming alcohol within the last 30 days. Student perceptions about the frequency of alcohol use by their peers proved to be higher than reality, with NCHA results indicating that students perceived 93.2% of their peers to have consumed alcohol within 30 days. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests that around 1,400 college students between the ages of 18-24 die annually as a result of alcohol consumption, and around half a million students sustain injuries under the influence of alcohol. According to Alan Dennington, a researcher on the topic of mental health on college campuses, 1 in 4 college students experience a decline in their academics due to the use of alcohol. Many post-secondary institutions have introduced harm reduction programs with the goal of reducing problematic alcohol consumption habits among students. As of 2010, 98% of colleges in the United States used programming in order to reduce the risk of student drinking. In 2002, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Task Force on College Drinking published a set of recommendations for colleges and universities to reduce dangerous drinking behaviours. These guidelines included both individual-level and population-level strategies, including restricting alcohol consumption on campus, campaigns addressing social norms, and targeted educational initiatives. However, research suggests that these recommendations are not followed properly in American colleges, and updated approaches may be required. Some emerging strategies focus on the role of social media in propagating alcohol culture on post-secondary campuses. 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.


Tobacco

Tobacco Tobacco is the common name of several plants in the genus '' Nicotiana'' of the family Solanaceae, and the general term for any product prepared from the cured leaves of these plants. More than 70 species of tobacco are known, but the ...
can be consumed in a variety of forms with popular options for post-secondary students including
cigarettes A cigarette is a narrow cylinder containing a combustible material, typically tobacco, that is rolled into thin paper for smoking. The cigarette is ignited at one end, causing it to smolder; the resulting smoke is orally inhaled via the oppo ...
,
e-cigarettes An electronic cigarette is an electronic device that simulates tobacco smoking. It consists of an atomizer, a power source such as a battery, and a container such as a cartridge or tank. Instead of smoke, the user inhales vapor. As such ...
, and
waterpipes Plumbing is any system that conveys fluids for a wide range of applications. Plumbing uses pipes, valves, plumbing fixtures, tanks, and other apparatuses to convey fluids. Heating and cooling (HVAC), waste removal, and potable water delivery ...
. Tobacco consumption rates in post-secondary students vary dependent on the geographical location and gender of student. 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). In each category, use of tobacco products by men was more frequent. North American college students vastly overestimate the use of tobacco products by their peers, with cigarette use estimated at 70.2%, e-cigarettes estimated at 83.1%, and water pipes estimated at 58.2%. Initially, e-cigarettes (also known as 'vapes') were viewed as a safer alternative to cigarettes, but are known to have expanded the tobacco market due to their appeal to youth. College students have been found to underestimate the dangers and addictiveness of e-cigarettes as compared to conventional cigarettes. While e-cigarettes contain lower levels of carcinogens than cigarettes, they still expose the user to ultrafine particles and other toxins that can increase risk of chronic disease. Many post-secondary institutions in North America implement anti-smoking programs, exemplified by around 2000 smoke-free college sites in the United States and at least 65 in Canada. Many of these programs are expanded to all tobacco products, and aim to reduce student exposure to second-hand smoke, discourage use of tobacco products, and eliminate litter created by cigarette butts.


Cannabis

Marijuana Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the cannabis plant. Native to Central or South Asia, the cannabis plant has been used as a drug for both recreational and entheogenic purposes and in various tra ...
is one of the most widely used drugs among young adults. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 22% of college students and young adults report consuming marijuana within the past month. 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. Frequent use of marijuana by young people may be associated with poor health outcomes.


Additional drugs include

Other substances used by post-secondary students vary by geographic location, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors. Substances used by college students include prescription opioids, amphetamines and other stimulants, hallucinogens, and sedatives.
Opioids Opioids are substances that act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia. Other medical uses include suppression of diarrhea, replacement therapy for opioid use ...
are a class of drugs that can relax the body and relieve pain. In the United States, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that misuse of prescription opioids has dropped from 5.4% of college students in 2013 to 2.7% in 2018. Examples of prescription opioids include hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®), and fentanyl. Misuse of opioids has resulted in the
opioid epidemic The opioid epidemic, also referred to as the opioid crisis, is the rapid increase in the overuse, misuse/abuse, and overdose deaths attributed either in part or in whole to the class of drugs opiates/opioids since the 1990s. It includes the sign ...
affecting primarily North American countries. Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine (Adderall) is a medication used to treat
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by excessive amounts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are pervasive, impairing in multiple contexts, and otherwise age-inap ...
(ADHD). Adderall falls under the drug class called stimulants. Over 2.5 million Americans are prescribed Adderall, and roughly 50% of college students that were prescribed this drug have been asked by their peers if they can buy some. Adderall is linked to aggression, restlessness, increased blood pressure and heart rate, paranoia,
psychosis Psychosis is a condition of the mind that results in difficulties determining what is real and what is not real. Symptoms may include delusions and hallucinations, among other features. Additional symptoms are incoherent speech and behavior ...
,
seizure An epileptic seizure, informally known as a seizure, is a period of symptoms due to abnormally excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. Outward effects vary from uncontrolled shaking movements involving much of the body with los ...
s,
heart attack A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to the coronary artery of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which may tr ...
, and stroke. Adderall is known to only improve the cognitive processing in those who have conditions such as ADHD; for individuals with no cognitive condition, the drug should have no effect and taking this drug can result in negative effects. Other prescription stimulant drugs include Concerta® and Ritalin®, which are both brand names for methylphenidate hydrochloride. Non-prescription stimulant drugs include cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as meth). The NIDA has reported that 11.4% of young adults aged 18–25 have used cocaine in their lifetime.
Hallucinogens Hallucinogens are a large, diverse class of psychoactive drugs that can produce altered states of consciousness characterized by major alterations in thought, mood, and perception as well as other changes. Most hallucinogens can be categorized ...
alter one's perceptions of reality as well as their thoughts and emotions. This class of drugs include
psilocybin Psilocybin ( , ) is a naturally occurring psychedelic prodrug compound produced by more than 200 species of fungi. The most potent are members of the genus ''Psilocybe'', such as '' P. azurescens'', '' P. semilanceata'', and '' P.&nbs ...
(commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms), D-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), salvia, and
ketamine Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used medically for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. It is also used as a recreational drug. It is one of the safest anesthetics, as, in contrast with opiates, ether, and propofol, it suppresses ne ...
. The NIDA reports that over two hundred thousand Americans over the age of 12 reported use of LSD within the past month.
Sedative drugs A sedative or tranquilliser is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement. They are CNS depressants and interact with brain activity causing its deceleration. Various kinds of sedatives can be distinguished, but th ...
, such as benzodiazepines, are often used to relieve anxiety or induce sleep. This class of drugs includes diazepam (Valium®), lorazepam (Ativan), and Alprazolam (Xanax). A 2001 study of college students from 119 American 4-year college programs found that 7.8% of students had tried benzodiazepines in their lifetime.


Sexual health


Sexually transmitted infections

College health key performance indicator relating to levels harm from sexual activity are common. Although anyone engaging in sexual activity can contract a sexually transmitted infection (STI), adolescents are particularly susceptible and account for increased prevalence rates compared to the general population. 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. This age group made up 65% of chlamydia cases, and 53% of gonorrhea cases. Additionally, a study found that 15% of respondents in a sample of 2000 current and former American college students report never using a condom, and 4% only do so when their partner asks. Given college students fall within the age range of 15–24, and are more inclined to engage in casual sexual encounters without proper protection, 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.


Common services, programs and policies included in advancing the health and wellbeing of College and University students


Psychological counseling and other mental healthcare services

Post-secondary institutions are faced with the challenge of attempting to prevent, identify and treat mental illnesses among college students. Some challenges arise from fragmented services, reactive responses, piecemeal funding and high resource needs, among other potential factors. A report by the Ontario College Health Association found that college students were more than twice as likely to report mental illness symptoms and elevated stress levels than non-college students. This growing demand for on-campus resources may be related to increased numbers of nontraditional students, such as students with disabilities. As a result, smaller institutions, which tend to have fewer mental health professionals and greater budgetary constraints, may experience enhanced resource strain and greater challenges in addressing the mental health concerns of their students. However, when looking at these services, culture needs to be taken into account, since traditionally under represented students are less likely to seek psychological counseling as opposed to their classmates. The interventions used by many of these American universities, use a more western approach to service delivery which tends to inadequately address the mental health concerns of the culturally diverse communities that make up these universities. While the goal of post-secondary institutions is not necessarily to provide psychiatric interventions, an increasing number of academic institutions strive towards establishing guidelines and developing on-campus mental healthcare services. Although elements of screening, identification, and treatment services exist across post-secondary institutions, the accessibility of and available resources is variable. The student counselling centre is most commonly identified as responsible for mental health care and support, with electronic self-referrals via online counselling centre websites becoming increasingly common. Moreover, the use of internet-based technology typically involves
cognitive behavioural therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psycho-social intervention that aims to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions, primarily depression and anxiety disorders. CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions (su ...
, one of the most commonly employed mediums targeting depression and
anxiety Anxiety is an emotion which is characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and includes feelings of dread over anticipated events. Anxiety is different than fear in that the former is defined as the anticipation of a future threat wh ...
among the student population. Associated with significant positive outcomes, this intervention appears to be promising for students in university settings. Some campuses are working towards establishing meaningful connection with Aboriginal, international and
LGBT ' is an initialism that stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. In use since the 1990s, the initialism, as well as some of its common variants, functions as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identity. The LGBT term is a ...
students to increase social and mental health support among vulnerable student populations. For instance,
E-health eHealth (also written e-health) is a relatively recent healthcare practice supported by electronic processes and communication, dating back to at least 1999. Usage of the term varies as it covers not just "Internet medicine" as it was conceived ...
interventions linking traditionally under represented students with culturally connected providers is a potential service that academic institutions could consider implementing. 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. The efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions in the college setting has been a recent topic of exploration. A randomized control trial examined the efficacy of an Internet-based mindfulness training program (iMIND) and an Internet-based cognitive-behavioral training program (iCBT) in promoting mental health outcomes among Hong-Kong college students. 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). Both programs showed potential in improving mental well-being, psychological distress and life satisfaction from pre- to post-assessment.


Physical activity, recreation, nutrition and other health-related campus services

College represents a key period to engage and influence numerous health behaviors among young adults, including promoting physical activity. Regular
physical activity Physical activity is defined as any voluntary bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health, 2009. World Health Organization. Geneva, Switzerland. Accessed 13/ ...
has been recognized as fundamental to the improvement of both physical and psychological functioning. Promoting physical activity among college and university students can provide an opportunity to encourage long-term active habits. Approximately half or more of university students in the United States, Canada, and China were categorized as insufficiently active. 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. Studies have also suggested that information about the benefits of physical activity could have a greater effect on college students’ general health,
mental health Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, influencing cognition, perception, and behavior. It likewise determines how an individual handles stress, interpersonal relationships, and decision-making. Mental health ...
, and
happiness Happiness, in the context of Mental health, mental or emotional states, is positive or Pleasure, pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy. Other forms include life satisfaction, well-being, subjective well-being, flourishin ...
when positively framed.
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comprises and supports leaders in collegiate recreation The college years are a potential period for nutrition-related interventions, as eating behaviours among college students may carry over to later life. Healthy or poor nutritional habits among college students may stem from the interplay of several components, including personal, sociocultural and economic factors. Low-intake of fruits and vegetables among students may result from relatively low amounts of these foods in traditional dishes and unfamiliarity with reading and comprehending food labels. In addition to these sociocultural and educational barriers, other factors such as such as the cost of living and food availability at college are cited as hurdles even for motivated students. 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. A variety of social change campaigns have been explored as options to promote healthy eating in the college setting. Ensuring easy availability of fruits and vegetables on-campus through
farmers' market A farmers' market (or farmers market according to the AP stylebook, also farmer's market in the Cambridge Dictionary) is a physical retail marketplace intended to sell foods directly by farmers to consumers. Farmers' markets may be indoors or o ...
s or the cafeteria consistently providing healthier alternatives are potential strategies. Utilizing promotional point-of-purchase messages in the cafeteria is another method that may encourage students to make healthier choices.National Association of College and University Food Services
(NACUFS) can be significant partners in achieving key performance indicators in college health.


Relationship to adolescent medicine

In the United States, the subspecialty of college health is closely affiliated with adolescent medicine. Many adolescent medicine fellowships include rotations in college-based student health clinics and many adolescent medicine physicians work in college health clinics. College students are generally at the latter edge of the age range of pediatrics in the United States.


See also

* Cigarette smoking among college students *
Mental health in education Mental health in education is the impact that mental health (including emotional, psychological, and social well-being) has on educational performance. Mental health often viewed as an adult issue, but in fact, almost half of adolescents in the Uni ...
*
School nursing School nursing, a specialized practice of public health nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates normal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, bridge the gap b ...


References


Further reading

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External links


College Health Info

Journal of American College Health

National Collegiate Emergency Medical Services Foundation

The American College Health Association
{{Webarchive, url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807074731/https://www.acha.org// , date=2019-08-07 Health Student culture Adolescent medicine Higher education