Modeling extracurricular activity participation with physical and mental health in college students over time. 2023

Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Objective: To describe extracurricular activity participation and explore its relationship with college students' health. Participants: 159 college students majoring in dental hygiene or occupational therapy. Methods: Data were collected prospectively at baseline, one- and two-year follow-ups. Self-reported participation in extracurricular activities over the past six months was grouped into eight categories: Fitness, Sports, Creative arts, Leisure, Social, Work, Caregiving, and Animal care. Physical and mental health were measured using SF-36, a valid tool measuring general health. Results: Participation in fitness, sports, creative arts, and work significantly decreased at one-year and two-year follow-ups (p < 0.01). Work/volunteer activity participation was associated with poorer physical health (β = -1.4, 95% CI: (-2.2, -0.5), p < 0.01), but a change from nonparticipation to some participation in work/volunteer activity was associated with better mental health (β = 2.6, 95% CI (0.3, 4.9), p = 0.04). Conclusions: Educators should consider the potential impact of maintaining extracurricular activities on college students' health when designing academic courses.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007899 Leisure Activities Voluntary use of free time for activities outside the daily routine. Leisure,Activities, Leisure,Activity, Leisure,Leisure Activity,Leisures
D008603 Mental Health Emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual or group. Mental Hygiene,Health, Mental,Hygiene, Mental
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013177 Sports Activities or games, usually involving physical effort or skill. Reasons for engagement in sports include pleasure, competition, and/or financial reward. Athletics,Athletic,Sport
D013334 Students Individuals enrolled in a school or formal educational program. School Enrollment,Enrollment, School,Enrollments, School,School Enrollments,Student
D014495 Universities Educational institutions providing facilities for teaching and research and authorized to grant academic degrees. University

Related Publications

Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
January 2015, Medicine and science in sports and exercise,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
January 2013, American journal of health promotion : AJHP,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
June 2002, Research quarterly for exercise and sport,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
July 2002, Medicine and science in sports and exercise,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
June 2019, Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
February 2024, World journal of psychiatry,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
June 2006, Perceptual and motor skills,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
February 2024, Addictive behaviors,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
April 2022, Journal of American college health : J of ACH,
Buwen Yao, and Sandy C Takata, and Wendy J Mack, and Shawn C Roll
May 2021, Rehabilitation psychology,
Copied contents to your clipboard!