The adjustment into student life which can often be a difficult and challenging time, can also see students facing academic demands, social network changes, financial constraints and the transition to independence. As a result, many college students tend to engage in harmful health-related behaviours which may consequently impact their overall well-being. Physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking tobacco and poor dietary habits are considered the main contributing factors associated with chronic disease. In addition, risky health-related behaviours and poor well-being are associated with attendance issues, cognitive decline and poor academic performance in the student population.  

The recent event was opened by Dr. Edel Healy, Head of School of Health and Science and was followed by an address by Ms. Paula Keenan who is the Healthy Ireland Coordinator for Louth. The attendees were then brought through the research findings by Dr. Sean Kilroy who is the Programme Director for the four-year BSc (Hons) in Health and Physical Activity degree programme in DkIT. The results of the research findings, which surveyed 169 students (52% Male and 48% Female), found that 32% of the participants were overweight or obese, 23% reported being insufficiently active, 27% did not take part in sport, while the average sitting time of students on a typical weekday was 6 hours. In addition, 27% consumed alcohol at least once a week, 8% regularly smoked tobacco and 21% currently use E-cigarettes. Regarding dietary habits, only 50% of students had fruit and 45% had vegetables once or more a day. Finally, 56% of students experienced poor sleep quality and over 15% of the participants reported poor well-being.  

Understanding these risky health-related behaviours in the student population may help guide colleges and universities to adopt better health promotion strategies and interventions to increase awareness, further educate and provide additional support and opportunities for the well-being of students. 

Sean’s presentation was followed by insightful talks from the Institute’s holistic student supports which included Dr. Emma Carroll, Head of the Student Counselling Service in DkIT, Mr. Alan Conlon, who is responsible for Pastoral Care on campus, Dr. Bronagh McGrane who is the Institute’s Sports & Societies Officer and finally Ms. Holly Lambe Sally who is Vice President for Student Welfare & Equality in DkIT and is also a graduate of the Health and Physical Activity degree programme. Mr. Odhran Doherty, Senior Sports Officer at Louth Local Sports Partnership, also added to the discussions on the day. 

This event was supported by DkIT Healthy Campus Initiative, Healthy Louth, Pobal and the Healthy Ireland fund, Department of Health.