Health and Well-being in university students: the importance of sociodemographic, academic and behavioral variables

The aims of the study were to evaluate health and well-being among a sample of Peruvian students attending a private university and identify sociodemographic, academic and behavioral variables associated with them. The study assessed 1073 students; the majority reported a positive perception of their health but there is evidence of physical and psycho-logical symptoms. Multiple regression analyses were performed for each health indicator, and there were small but robust models for Global Perceived Health (R-2=.16, p<.001) Physical Health (R-2=.09, p<.001) and Mental Health (R-2=.15, p<.001). Regarding wellbeing, models were found for Positive Affect (R-2=.16, p<.001), Negative Affect (R-2=.15, p<.001) and Flourishing (R-2=.19, p<.001). These findings support the need for health promotion initiatives in universities.