Roxanna Topete, who is studying Spanish and comparative literature, is among the undergraduates who carry a heavy load in their backpack. (Cara Allen/UC Davis)
Results of the most recent National College Health Assessment are in and the survey says … UC Davis students overall are a pretty healthy bunch.
While about 90 percent of UC Davis students who answered the survey reported themselves to be in good to excellent health, the two most common health problems experienced in the past year were allergies and back pain.
Michelle Johnston, health education supervisor at the Cowell Student Health Center, said the survey provides a good measurement for the general health of the campus. More than 1,300 UC Davis students participated in the spring 2007 survey.
Almost half of the UC Davis students reported experiencing allergies, and one in four reported back pain.
"With so many students now using laptops, back pain is an issue due to the difficulty in achieving a proper ergonomic setup with laptops," said Johnston, adding that back pain can also result from carrying overloaded backpacks.
She urges students who regularly experience allergies to see their health care provider before the allergy season starts. Early intervention is important to keep allergy symptoms from kicking into overdrive, she said.
Beyond physical health
The survey, conducted every two years by the American College Health Association, also revealed the top issues that negatively impact a student's academic performance. At UC Davis, the number one complaint was stress (39 percent); followed by an illness of cold, sore throat or flu (31 percent); sleep difficulties (27 percent); concern for friend/family (22 percent); and anxiety (21 percent). (Students could choose more than one factor.)
"A lot of times, people focus on physical health issues for students," Johnston said. "But it is also important to assist with these other issues that may have a negative impact on academics for a greater number of students."
When asked which topics they would like to receive more information on from their school, students selected stress reduction, nutrition, physical activity, how to help others in distress, sleep difficulties and depression/anxiety.
Johnston said the survey helps the campus determine where to put our resources to the best use for students. The student health center also uses the results in presentations to parents during orientation and makes the information available to students who may be doing class projects on health issues.
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