Impact Of Health Behaviors On Academic Performance Among Mexican-american First-year College Students In South Texas

Academic success in the first year can determine a student’s remaining collegiate outcomes, and college success leads to better financial, marital, and health outcomes in adulthood, making academic success important both during college and across the life course. PURPOSE: This study investigates the relationship between behavioral, cognitive, and biophysical factors and GPA among first-year college students who were predominantly Mexican-American. METHODS: The study involved 307 first-year students from three Hispanic-Serving Institutions in South Texas, with 93% identifying as Mexican-American. Participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation during a lab visit at the beginning of their college journey. Data were collected through a self-administered survey for social and behavioral measures, computer testing for cognitive assessments, and fitness tests and blood draw for biophysical measures. RESULTS: T-tests revealed that students with a GPA of ≤3.0 had significantly higher body mass index (BMI: 27.74 ± 6.57 vs. 5.50 ± 5.91 kg/m2, p < 0.003), percent body fat (34.25 ± 10.28 vs. 31.07 ± 11.08 %, p < 0.011), and body fat mass (61.73 ± 40.74 vs. 46.93 ± 24.16 kg, p < 0.002) compared to students with a GPA of >3.0. Poor sleep quality was significantly associated with a decrease in GPA (bsleep-quality = -0.05, SE = 0.02, p < 0.05). Frequent consumption of fast food was associated with a decrease in GPA (bfast-food = -0.32, SE = 0.12, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings highlight that many students face challenges related to BMI and health behaviors, which are associated with academic performance. Students exhibiting unhealthy BMI and behaviors are at a greater risk of academic underachievement, potentially leading to cumulative disadvantages throughout their collegiate careers and into the workforce. Supported by: Meadow Foundation (2021040061)