3.1.2 Health-related behaviours for students studying in the UK (299)
Yen-Ju Lin, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Co authors: Sam Porter & Kathy Rowe yjlin@csmu.edu.tw
Abstract:
Background:
Despite the large number of international students studying abroad, there is little understanding of the potential impact of an unfamiliar culture and environment on students’health-related behaviours.
Aims:
The purpose of this study was to compare the health-related behaviours of Taiwanese students studying in the UK and Taiwan, and the factors that influenced those behaviours.
Methods:
Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in this study. Data were collected at three months and nine months following commencement of their study programme, using a questionnaire survey. In order to discover deeper insights that impacted on their changing health-related behaviours, four semi-structured focus group interviews were undertaken with Taiwanese students in the UK and in Taiwan.
Results:
Significant differences occurred in aspects of health-related behaviours with Taiwanese postgraduate students studying in the United Kingdom becoming less concerned about healthy living. A qualitative approach to analysis revealed that students in the UK found difficulty in adapting to a new environment with regard to culture, the education system and the health care system. In addition, students described the loneliness they felt and the need for friendship and support.
Discussion & conclusions:
The findings of this study support the concept that a negative cultural, social and learning environment produces stressors that potentially have a detrimental effect on previously healthy behaviours. In reflecting on the health-related behaviours of the students, most adaptation involved the adoption of new behaviour patterns, some of which were challenging to health such as smoking and drinking behaviours. This may be less worrying if they were context-dependent. However, an important issue arising from this study is that students tend to maintain smoking and drinking behaviours after their return to Taiwan. The implications of these findings for health promotion are discussed.
Biography:
I graduated from Queen's University Belfast last year. I am the assistant professor in Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan. I am interested in how does the social and cultural influences migrants' behaviours.
Source of Funding: Non UK
Amount in Funding: N/A