Perceived quality of life and self-rated health among first-year university students - A comparison with their working peers

This study compares health status and quality of life assessments of first-year university students with those of their same-age working counterparts. Subjects and materials for each group were gathered in 1999 from two cross-sectional data sets from the Swedish region of Ostergotland, covering males and females aged 20-34 years. Subjects' perceived quality of life (QoL) and self-rated health (SRH) were assessed on a 10-point scale ( Ladder scale) and a five-point scale, respectively. Gender-based comparison revealed that, for both males and females, first-year university students' average perceived QoL was lower than that of their working counterparts ( p < 0.0001 in all instances). A higher proportion of students than expected rated their health as average or as low ( p < 0.0001). Perceived QoL was significantly correlated with SRH in both groups. Differences in perceived QoL and SRH exist between students and their full-time working peers, and the determinants of these differences deserves greater attention. Knowledge of the determinants of SRH and perceived QoL among university students might then be translated into sound and effective public-health practice and intervention programs.