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Assessing the Relationship between Physical Health, Mental Health and Students’ Success among Universities in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study

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  • Samer A. Kharroubi

    (Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
    Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon)

  • Nayla Al-Akl

    (Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
    Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon)

  • Sarah-Joe Chamate

    (Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon)

  • Tarek Abou Omar

    (Office of Student Affairs, American University of Beirut, P.O. BOX 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon)

  • Rouba Ballout

    (Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon)

Abstract

Background: Achieving high academic success is known to be influenced by many factors including, but not limiting to, physical and mental health. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between physical health, mental health, and university students’ success, and to explore the associations between these factors and their academic achievement. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey was used to collect data from college students in three different universities in Lebanon during the Fall 2023 semester. Mental health was evaluated using validated screening tools for depression, anxiety, and stress, specifically the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), respectively. Additionally, general questions regarding physical health and lifestyle factors were incorporated into the questionnaire. Academic achievement was measured using students’ grade point average (GPA). Results: A total of 261 students completed the self-administered online survey. The results revealed that approximately 42% and 36% of students were experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively, and 75.1% of students exhibited symptoms of moderate stress. The majority of participants (99.2%) did not report any physical disability. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between mental health status (depression, anxiety, and stress) and GPA level ( p = 0.03, p = 0.044, p = 0.015, respectively). Multiple logistic regression models identified eight correlates of GPA and highlighted the relationship between physical health and student success. For instance, students who considered themselves moderately active had lower odds of achieving a higher GPA than those who considered themselves active (OR = 0.41, p = 0.045). Conclusions: This is the first investigation into Lebanese university students’ academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental health profiles. The findings indicate that implementing public health programs and interventions targeting mental health and lifestyle behaviors is essential for enhancing student success.

Suggested Citation

  • Samer A. Kharroubi & Nayla Al-Akl & Sarah-Joe Chamate & Tarek Abou Omar & Rouba Ballout, 2024. "Assessing the Relationship between Physical Health, Mental Health and Students’ Success among Universities in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:5:p:597-:d:1388794
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Catriona Kar Yuen Ong & Melinda J. Hutchesson & Amanda J. Patterson & Megan C. Whatnall, 2021. "Is There an Association between Health Risk Behaviours and Academic Achievement among University Students?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-14, August.
    2. Mirna Fawaz & Ali Samaha, 2020. "COVID-19 quarantine: Post-traumatic stress symptomatology among Lebanese citizens," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(7), pages 666-674, November.
    3. Karl Peltzer & Supa Pengpid & T. Alafia Samuels & Neslihan Keser Özcan & Carolina Mantilla & Onja H. Rahamefy & Mee Lian Wong & Alexander Gasparishvili, 2014. "Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity and Its Associated Factors among University Students from 22 Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-17, July.
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