Associations between healthy lifestyle behaviors and academic performance in U.S. undergraduates: a secondary analysis of the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment II.
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between academic performance and moderate-vigorous physical activity, strength training, fruit and vegetable intake, and sleep.


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study.


METHODS
Forty U.S. colleges and universities participating in the Fall 2008 National College Health Assessment-II (NCHA-II) (median response, 27%).


METHODS
A total of 16,095 undergraduate students (18-24 years; 70.3% female).


METHODS
Self-reported lifestyle variables from the NCHA-II questions were dichotomized as meeting or not meeting public health recommendations. Grade average ranged from 1.00 to 4.00 points.


METHODS
Linear regression, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related variables.


RESULTS
The prevalence of meeting public health recommendations was as follows: moderate-vigorous physical activity, 41.9%; strength training, 32.4%; fruit and vegetable intake, 4.6%; and sleep, 23.6 %. Grade average was higher in students meeting moderate-vigorous physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and sleep recommendations (p ≤ .019). If moderate-vigorous physical activity was met, grade average was higher by .03 points, .15 points higher when meeting fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, and .06 points higher for sleep. There was no significant change in grade average in those meeting strength-training recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
College students who adhere to public health recommendations for lifestyle behaviors have modestly higher grade averages after adjusting for sociodemographic and negative health behaviors.
Adrienne
A
Wald
Peter A
PA
Muennig
Kathleen A
KA
O'Connell
Carol Ewing
CE
Garber
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult