Influence of nutrition and health behaviors on academic performance of students at a public Midwestern university
Abstract
This mixed-methods, grounded theory study investigated the relationship between health behaviors and academic performance among university students. The survey instrument collected data related to academic performance, demographic information, and health-related behaviors. 5 validated scales related to healthy eating habits, food security, physical activity levels, alcohol consumption, and sleep quality were included in the survey. 561 participants completed the survey, 20 survey participants were interviewed, and 5 participated in respondent validation interviews. Quantitative data analyses revealed diet quality and food security were significant positive correlates with academic performance, while body mass index was a significant negative correlate. Food secure students were found to have significantly higher grade point averages than students who were food insecure. Extant literature, survey data, and interview data were used to develop a substantive theory that proposed an explanation of how health behaviors influence academic performance. Following respondent validation interviews, a final grounded theory emerged. In the final model, access to food and stress were determined to be independent variables and nutrition, exercise, sleep, and alcohol were found to be mediating variables that may influence academic performance.
Degree
Ed. D.