https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4798-4505
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Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the association between health behaviors with academic performance among tertiary education students.
Methods
Six databases were searched until July 2020 for prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between health behavior(s) (dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, alcohol intake, sleep, smoking or illicit drug use) and academic performance.
Results
Thirty-four studies were included (18 assessed sleep, 16 alcohol intake, 12 illicit drug use, 10 physical activity, 8 diet, 4 smoking, 2 sedentary behavior). A consistent negative association with academic performance was demonstrated for sleep (12/18 studies), alcohol intake (13/16) and illicit drug use (9/12). Most (7/10) studies found no association between physical activity and academic performance.
Conclusion
Findings suggest interventions to mitigate the influence of poor sleep, high alcohol intake, and illicit drug use on academic performance may be needed. Further research of other health behaviors, along with their co-occurrence, with academic performance, is required.
Acknowledgments
Debbie Booth, Senior Librarian, University of Newcastle for applying the search strategy. Kaylee Slater for assistance with data extraction.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Australia and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee.