College Women in the U.S. Are Healthier Than Their Peers in the U.K.

A new study of college students in the United States and the United Kingdom co-authored by Anastasia Snelling of American University in Washington, D.C.,  found that American students had healthier habits than their British counterparts. Most of the participants who were surveyed were women.

American students were far less likely to smoke cigarettes than students in the United Kingdom. U.S. students ate on average 3.5 units of fruit or vegetables daily compared to 1.5 units consumed by students in the U.K.

Women in both countries reported similar levels of breast self-examination. But women in the U.S. were more likely than their British counterparts to have routine gynecological, dental, and physical exams.

Dr. Snelling, a professor and the associate dean in the School of Education, Teaching, and Health at American University, stated that “among U.S. students, we see greater consumption of fruits and vegetables, more participation in organized sports, and less smoking.” She concludes that “academic achievement and health are highly related and healthier individuals are better learners. Universities need to work to create a culture that supports intellectual growth and promotes health.”

Dr. Snelling is the author of Introduction to Health Promotion (Jossey-Bass, 2014). She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in counseling and development from American University.

The article, “Self-Reported Health and Health Behaviours of Women Students in an English and an American University: An Explorative Study,” was published in a recent issue of the journal Education and Health. The paper may be downloaded by clicking here.