Health assessment reveals top worries for UMBC students

In spring of 2011, the National College Health Assessment was sent to a random sample of UMBC undergraduate students. The findings suggested that although UMBC students are generally healthy, they do have some major areas of concern.

The study, which is circulated every other year, revealed that the top seven factors negatively influencing students' academic performance at UMBC are, in the order of magnitude, stress, sleep difficulties, anxiety, internet use/computer games, cold/flu/sore throat, work and depression.

The study not only accesses students' health behaviors and beliefs, but also measures students' perceptions. The assessment found that most students think their peers practice risky behaviors more than they actually do. UMBC students perceived that about 92 percent of the UMBC student population drinks alcohol while only 52.4 percent actually drinks. As for cigarettes, the assessment found that UMBC students perceive that about 82.8 percent of students smoke while only 12.6 percent smokes.

The assessment is used by the Office of Health Education, which is part of the University Health Services, and allows them "to be purposeful with campus programs and outreach," says Alison H. Rorbach, the Assistant Director of Health Education.

Last year, in an effort to alleviate sleep difficulties, one of the top issues at UMBC, the Office of Health Education spearheaded a sleep campaign with ResLife. They also hold various other campus- wide events and programs pertaining to topics such as alcohol and other drugs, healthy relationships, stress management and relaxation, nutrition and exercise, safe sex habits, eating disorders and sexual assault. Furthermore, they employ the use of Peer Health Educators, who are trained undergrads, that go to residential halls and classrooms and carry out health education presentations.

The assessment also brought to light that UMBC students have higher stress than their reference groups, which are the various other colleges that also distributed the survey.
"However," says Rorbach, "our levels for alcohol and marijuana usage are much lower than the reference groups which is a good thing."

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, the Office of Health Education will be hosting an event on Commons Main Street called Luvapalooza. The event will take place on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Students will be able to learn about healthy relationships, safe dating, and safe sex, and other aspects of relationship awareness. Students will also be able to take part in fun activities, games and craft making.

The Office of Health Education is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and is available to all UMBC students, faculty, and staff by appointment or walk-in. Those interested in becoming a peer health educator or simply learning about the countless services that they provide can contact Pritma (Mickey) Arora, the Health Education Coordinator.