Variability in measures of health and health behavior among emerging adults 1 year after high school according to college status

Objective: To examine changes in health behaviors among US emerging adults 1 year after high school. Participants: The national sample of participants (N = 1,927), including those attending 4-year college/university (n = 884), 2-year colleges/technical schools (n = 588), and no college (n = 455), participated in annual spring surveys 2013-2014. Methods: Health behaviors were assessed the last year of high school and first year of college; differences by college status controlling for previous-year values were estimated using regression analyses. Results: Relative to 4-year college attendees, those attending technical school/community college were less likely to binge drink (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, confidence interval [CI] = 0.38-0.86) but more likely to speed (OR = 1.26, CI = 1.0-2.84), consume sodas (OR = 1.57, CI = 1.0-2.47), and report lower family satisfaction (p <. 01), with marginally more physical and depressive symptoms. College nonattendees reported more DWI (driving while intoxicated; OR = 1.60, CI = 1.05-2.47), soda drinking (OR = 2.51, CI = 1.76-3.59), oversleeping (OR = 4.78, CI = 3.65-8.63), and less family satisfaction (p <. 04). Conclusions: Health risk behaviors among emerging adults varied by college status.