Background Psycho-physiological factors play a major role in the well-being of students. Available studies have shown that students' sleep habits and stress levels are changing dramatically, especially international students are affected negatively. Increased stress level is associated with decreased cognitive functioning, which negatively affects their academic performance. The main aim of this study was to evaluate sleep disturbance and stress level among international students of the University of Georgia (UG). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 100 randomly selected foreign and local students of UG. Self-administrated questionnaire was used to evaluate students' stress level and sleeping habits. Local students of UG were selected as a control group. Results The study found high prevalence of stress (47%) and sleep deprivation (64%) among international students. The students are facing severe psychological health issues, such as: stress, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and behavioral problems. The results of the survey also revealed that 43% of all respondents had stress and sleep disorders, stress factors were similar for both groups. The study identified two common stress and sleep disorders among international and local students: stress and sleep problems due to changing lifestyle and due to new education system. However, several stress factors such as: different language, homesickness and cultural differences also contributed to the increased stress. Conclusions Our study identified that international students of the University of Georgia face stress and sleep deprivation. Stress related to their academic performance contributed significantly to sleep disorders. Key messages More research is recommended to better examine psychological health state of international students of the University of Georgia. More interventional programs are needed to support international students’ better integration and academic performance.
Background Nowadays millions of students are moving to another country to advance their education. They must adapt to the changing conditions for education. Students who leave their own country face many challenges. The purpose of the study was to investigate and evaluate the nutrition and physical activity of foreign students of the University of Georgia (UG) after entering the university. Methods Cross-sectional study was conducted among international students. We used self-administrated validated questionnaire with closed and open questions. Behaviors regarding the physical activity, diet of foreign and Georgian students were identified. Local students of the UG were used as a comparison group. Study participants were selected randomly among all international and Georgian students of UG. Results The results of the study showed that stress factors, the environment and various cultures influence students' nutrition and physical activity. A noticeable change in the deterioration of physical activity was observed among Georgian and foreign students (8% of international students physical activity has deteriorated sharply). The students showed a significant changes of body mass index (BMI). Meanwhile, most international students are overweight. 10 % of international students are facing obesity. Weight of Georgian students increased by 32 % after entering the University, while international students it increased by 30 %. The results showed that the nutritional ratio worsened after entering at the university almost equally with both Georgian and foreign students. However, the study identified that 56% of Georgian, and 86% of international students are willing to improve their physical activity in the future. Conclusions The study identified that international students of the UG face nutrition and healthy lifestyle problems, such as overweight, physical inactivity. Further promotion of a healthy lifestyle of international students is recommended. Key messages More attention on health promotion and monitoring should be given to international students who are coming to advance their education in Georgia. More research is recommended to better promote healthy lifestyle among international students in Georgia.
Background During last decade the number of international students is rising not only in developed, but in developing countries. In this matter, Georgia is not an exception. In 2006-2016, country enrolled more than 13 000 International students in 127 English language programs in 33 Higher Education Institutions. Study aimed to investigate health and lifestyle changes among international students of one of the largest universities of Georgia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2018 by web-based anonymous questionnaires among international and local students at the school of health sciences (UoG). Data was obtained on self reported physical health conditions, dietary patterns, physical Activity, sleep, study routine, smoking, alcohol and drug consumption, sexual life and stress factors. Results 112 local and 50 international students of UoG from more than 10 countries participated in online survey. 77% of local and 37% of international participants were female. Students reported health problems related to digestion (43% local, 23% int), musculoskeletal system (20% local, 33% int), sleep (62% local, 43% int ), skin, hair and nail (29% local -28% int) after attending university. 22% of international students reported to start smoking after coming to Georgia and 50% evaluated own stress level as 7 out of 10 point scale. Moderate positive correlation was found between stress and health problems among international students (r = 0.447, p = 0.005). As a main stress factors international students indicated study routine, homesickness, sleep and financial difficulties. Conclusions Survey results indicate that social and physical environment changes as well as busy time schedule can be led to different health problems, and lifestyle changes among international students of UoG. Hence, health promotion campaigns, even among students of health sciences might play supportive role. Key messages 22% of international students of UoG reported to start smoking after coming to Georgia and 50% evaluated own stress level as 7 out of 10. There is a need of health promotion campaigns, even among students of health sciences.
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