Are Health Behaviors Associated with Mental Health among Tertiary Education Students? A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Are Health Behaviors Associated with Mental Health among Tertiary Education Students? A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies
Language: English
Authors: Melinda Hutchesson (ORCID 0000-0002-1851-0661), Megan Whatnall, Sasha Fenton, Lee Ashton, Amanda Patterson, Jordan Smith (ORCID 0000-0003-4640-8645), Mitch J. Duncan, Frances Kay-Lambkin, Tracy Burrows
Source: Journal of American College Health. 2025 73(1):111-123.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: College Students, Mental Health, Health Behavior, Eating Habits, Physical Activity Level, Life Style, Drinking, Sleep, Smoking, Drug Use, Intervention, Student Characteristics, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: United States, Canada, China, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Finland, Brazil, India, Germany
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2201865
ISSN: 0744-8481
1940-3208
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the association between health behaviors with mental health among tertiary education students. Methods: Six databases were searched until September 2021 for prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between health behavior(s) (dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, alcohol intake, sleep, smoking or illicit drug use) and mental health. Two independent reviewers screened records for inclusion, extracted data and completed risk of bias assessments. Results: 33 studies were included (14 assessed sleep, 14 alcohol intake, 13 physical activity, 8 smoking, 6 sedentary behavior, 4 diet, 1 illicit drug use). A consistent association between poor sleep, and physical inactivity with increased risk of poor psychological wellbeing, and between poor sleep and increased mental ill-health related outcomes was demonstrated. Conclusion: Findings suggest interventions to address poor sleep and physical inactivity among students may positively impact mental health. Further research of other health behaviors, and their association with mental health, is required.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1456873
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:Objective: To evaluate the association between health behaviors with mental health among tertiary education students. Methods: Six databases were searched until September 2021 for prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between health behavior(s) (dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, alcohol intake, sleep, smoking or illicit drug use) and mental health. Two independent reviewers screened records for inclusion, extracted data and completed risk of bias assessments. Results: 33 studies were included (14 assessed sleep, 14 alcohol intake, 13 physical activity, 8 smoking, 6 sedentary behavior, 4 diet, 1 illicit drug use). A consistent association between poor sleep, and physical inactivity with increased risk of poor psychological wellbeing, and between poor sleep and increased mental ill-health related outcomes was demonstrated. Conclusion: Findings suggest interventions to address poor sleep and physical inactivity among students may positively impact mental health. Further research of other health behaviors, and their association with mental health, is required.
ISSN:0744-8481
1940-3208
DOI:10.1080/07448481.2023.2201865