Healthy Campus Projects

Desire for more on-campus opportunities This research investigated the relationship between competence, self-efficacy, enjoyment, and motivation with physical activity behaviour during student’s transition from school to university. Among 558 first-year biology health science students, 80% reported satisfactory or above physical activity index scores, with males scoring significantly higher than females. Enjoyment, self-efficacy, and competence were […]

Challenges in maintaining routines and a lack of awareness of available sports clubs on campus hindered physical activity.

Mindfulness, sleep, and moderate-vigorous physical activity have been linked to reduced psychological distress among Australian tertiary students during COVID-19 lockdowns. This research highlights that lifestyle factors significantly impact mental health even in high-stress situations, emphasising the need for mental health promotion through tertiary education institutions. Future research should explore factors that helped some students maintain […]

This research explores the association between psychological distress, resilience, and dietary intake among Australian university students. It found that lower psychological distress and higher resilience were linked to healthier dietary habits, including higher fruit and vegetable consumption and more frequent breakfast intake. The results suggests that psychological well-being plays a significant role in students’ dietary […]

Many students often have poor dietary habits, characterised by inadequate nutrient intake and a high consumption of unhealthy foods. These poor dietary and sedentary patterns contribute to distress. Healthier dietary patterns are associated with greater resilience. Some research suggests first-year female students experienced significant weight gain, increased waist circumference, and body fat. All students exceeded […]

This research investigated the relationship between competence, self-efficacy, enjoyment, and motivation with physical activity behaviour during student’s transition from school to university. Among 558 first-year biology health science students, 80% reported satisfactory or above physical activity index scores, with males scoring significantly higher than females. Enjoyment, self-efficacy, and competence were found to be predictive of […]

Physical activity is associated with improved well-being.The research found that COVID-19-related isolation measures led to a significant decrease in physical activity among Australian university students, with about 30% fewer students meeting sufficient activity levels. Energy intake increased, particularly in females, and snacking frequency and energy density of snacks also rose. These changes persisted even as […]

This research examines how COVID-19-related mobility restrictions affected sleep and physical activity rhythms among young adults. It found that physical activity decreased significantly during lockdown, while sleep patterns remained relatively stable. The study highlights the importance of maintaining physical activity for overall health during periods of restricted mobility Ong, J.L., Lau, T., Massar, S.A.A., Chong, […]

This paper investigates the relationship between dietary intake and educational outcomes among Australian university students. Using cross-sectional and longitudinal data from first-year students, it finds positive associations between vegetable consumption and academic performance, and negative associations between alcohol consumption and academic performance. The study suggests that promoting healthy dietary habits could improve students’ educational outcomes. […]

How can universities better support the mental wellbeing of higher degree research students? A study of students’ suggestions. HDR students suggest improved resources such as enhancing supervision, financial support, and peer engagement. Also would like an academic research culture that values the well-being of all staff and students. Read Tracii Ryan’s online article here.