Health and Well-being in university students: the importance of sociodemographic, academic and behavioral variables

Abstract

The aims of the study were to evaluate health and well-being among a sample of Peru-vian students attending a private university and identify sociodemographic, academic and behavioral variables associated with them. The study assessed 1073 students; the majority reported a positive perception of their health but there is evidence of physical and psychological symptoms. Multiple regression analyses were performed for each health indicator, and there were small but robust models for Global Perceived Health (R² = .16, p <.001) Physical Health (R² = .09, p <.001) and Mental Health (R² = .15, p <.001). Regarding well being, models were found for Positive Affect (R² = .16, p <.001), Negative Affect (R² = .15, p <.001) and Flourishing (R2 = .19, p <.001). These findings support the need for health promotion initiatives in universities.