Abstract
An increasing number of university students are earning their degrees online. Thus far, the determinants of health among online
university students have not been studied. The purpose of this cross-sectional internet survey was to test the association
between behavioral risk factors and self-rated health in a diverse sample of online university students. Cigarette smoking
was associated with lower odds of good self-rated health (OR = 0.27, P < 0.01). Compared to having zero days of mental distress, 14 or more days of mental distress was associated with lower odds
of good self-rated health (OR = 0.08, P < 0.05). White students had lower odds of reporting good self-rated health compared to African-American students (OR = 0.35,
P < 0.05). Health education, screening and health promotion programs should be developed for online students.
university students have not been studied. The purpose of this cross-sectional internet survey was to test the association
between behavioral risk factors and self-rated health in a diverse sample of online university students. Cigarette smoking
was associated with lower odds of good self-rated health (OR = 0.27, P < 0.01). Compared to having zero days of mental distress, 14 or more days of mental distress was associated with lower odds
of good self-rated health (OR = 0.08, P < 0.05). White students had lower odds of reporting good self-rated health compared to African-American students (OR = 0.35,
P < 0.05). Health education, screening and health promotion programs should be developed for online students.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Brief Communication
- Pages 1-4
- DOI 10.1007/s10903-011-9564-4
- Authors
- James E. Rohrer, Department of Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA
- LaKeisha J. Cole, 302 Palm Drive, Warner Robins, GA 31088, USA
- Frederick W. Schulze, Department of Health Science, Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, PA 17745, USA
- Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
- Online ISSN 1557-1920
- Print ISSN 1557-1912