Sense of coherence and associated factors among university students in China: cross-sectional evidence. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chu, Janet; Khan, Mobarak; Jahn, Heiko; Kraemer, Alexander
• Is Part Of: BMC public health. Volume 16:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Health -- Salutogenic -- Sense of Coherence -- Social support -- Stress -- University students; Public health -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3003-3
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-2458

Abstract

Abstract Background Sense of Coherence (SOC) is considered as a health-promoting resource; it is mainly developed before the age of 30. The multiple demands university students face, such as study-related stress and financial difficulty, could challenge their SOC development. This study aimed to: 1) investigate the association between SOC, socio-demographic and lifestyle-related characteristics; 2) assess the effect of perceived stress on SOC controlling for other variables among the Chinese university students. Analyses were done to derive a better view on possible strategies to strengthen students' SOC and with that to promote their health. Methods The data used were from a Chinese university student health survey (N = 1, 853). Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the effects of varied socio-demographic, lifestyle-related variables on students' level of SOC, as well as the association between perceived stress and SOC controlling for other variables in the analysis. Results Both social support (OR = 2.56 [1.87–3.50]) and better performance compared with peers (OR = 1.64 [1.15–2.34]) were associated with a stronger SOC. Not feeling isolated at university (OR = 1.60 [1.04–2.47]) and satisfaction with the political situation (OR = 2.05 [1.57–2.67]) were also associated with a stronger SOC. This counts also for high health awareness (OR = 1.40 [1.05–1.87]) and nutrition importance (OR = 1.67 [1.04–2.69]). Perceived stress (OR = 0.81 [0.79–0.83]) was negatively associated with a strong SOC when controlling for socio-demographic and lifestyle-related variables. Conclusion We suggest integrating stress coping, emotion management training programmes as well as measures promoting social integration for students and teachers at campus, promoting healthy behaviours, and creating a supportive learning environment as strategies for enhancing the SOC level of university students in China.