Modeling Extracurricular Activity Participation with Physical and Mental Health in College Students Over Time
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2023
Source: J Am Coll Health. 71(4):1232-1240
Details:
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Alternative Title:J Am Coll Health
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Personal Author:
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Description:Objective:
To describe extracurricular activity participation and explore its relationship with college students’ health.
Participants:
159 college students majoring in dental hygiene or occupational therapy.
Methods:
Data were collected prospectively at baseline, one- and two-year follow-ups. Self-reported participation in extracurricular activities over the past six months was grouped into eight categories: Fitness, Sports, Creative arts, Leisure, Social, Work, Caregiving, and Animal care. Physical and mental health were measured using SF-36, a valid tool measuring general health.
Results:
Participation in fitness, sports, creative arts, and work significantly decreased at one-year and two-year follow-ups (p<0.01). Work/volunteer activity participation was associated with poorer physical health (β=−1.4, 95% CI: (−2.2, −0.5), p<0.01), but a change from non-participation to some participation in work/volunteer activity was associated with better mental health (β=2.6, 95% CI (0.3, 4.9), p=0.04).
Conclusions:
Educators should consider the potential impact of maintaining extracurricular activities on college students’ health when designing academic courses.
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Keywords:
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Pubmed ID:34242536
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC8742832
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Supporting Files:No Additional Files
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