Health and Well-Being of International University Students, and Comparison with Domestic Students, in Tasmania, Australia

Sarah Skromanis, Nick Cooling, Bryan Rodgers, Terry Purton, Frances Fan, Heather Bridgman, Keith Harris, Jennifer Presser and Jonathan Mond
Additional contact information
Sarah Skromanis: Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
Nick Cooling: School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
Bryan Rodgers: School of Demography, Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australia
Terry Purton: Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
Frances Fan: School of Education, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
Heather Bridgman: Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia
Keith Harris: School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
Jennifer Presser: School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart 7000, Australia
Jonathan Mond: Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston 7250, Australia

IJERPH, 2018, vol. 15, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: International students comprise an increasingly larger proportion of higher education students globally. Empirical evidence about the health and well-being of these students is, however, limited. We sought to examine the health and well-being of international students, primarily from Asian countries, attending the University of Tasmania, Australia, using domestic students as a comparison group. Ethics approval was given to invite (via email) all currently enrolled students to participate in the study by completing a pilot-tested, online survey. The survey was completed by 382 international students (response rate = 8.9%) and 1013 domestic students (9.2%). Independent samples t -tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square tests were used for bivariate comparisons between international and domestic students, and between subgroups of international students. Regression models were used to examine the associations between student status (international vs. domestic) and health outcomes, controlling for demographic and enrolment variables. International students, particularly male students, were found to be at increased risk of several adverse health outcomes while also being less likely to seek help for mental health and related problems. The findings indicate the need for accessible, targeted, culturally-sensitive health promotion and early intervention programs.

Keywords: international students; Australia; health and well-being; help-seeking (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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