American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment Spring 2008 Reference Group Data Report (Abridged): The American College Health Association

TLDR

The American College Health Association–National College Health Assessment is a survey created in 1998 to help higher‑education institutions promote healthy campus communities. The study aims to assess and understand college students’ health needs and capacities to inform campus health initiatives. The 2008 reference group survey, comprising about 300 questions, collected data from 80,121 students at 106 institutions via institutional officials administering the questionnaire to all, randomly selected, or classroom‑selected students between January and May 2008. The 2008 reference group results, presented for 80,121 students, broaden the knowledge of college students’ health needs and capacities.

Abstract

Objective: Assessing and understanding the health needs and capacities of college students is paramount to creating healthy campus communities. The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) is a survey that ACHA developed in 1998 to assist institutions of higher education in achieving this goal. The ACHA-NCHA contains approximately 300 questions assessing student health status and health problems, risk and protective behaviors, and impediments to academic performance. Participants: The spring 2008 reference group includes ACHA-NCHA data from 80,121 students at 106 institutions of higher education. Methods: Officials at participating institutions administered the ACHA-NCHA to all students, randomly selected students, or students in randomly selected classrooms. ACHA collected data between January and May 2008. Results: Results from the spring 2008 reference group (N = 80,121) are presented. Conclusions: These data expand the understanding of the health needs and capacities of college students.