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Linking Learning and Health: A Pilot Study of Medical Students’ Perceptions of the Academic Impact of Various Health Issues

Received August 1, 2006; revised December 14, 2006; accepted January 10, 2007. Dr. Kernan is affiliated with the Center for Student Wellness at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Drs. Wheat and Lerner are affiliated with Student Health Services at Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Address correspondence to William Kernan, EdD, Columbia University Medical Center, Center for Student Wellness, Bard Suite 107, 50 Haven Avenue, New York, NY 10032; wdk2002{at}columbia.edu (e-mail).

OBJECTIVE: To assess medical students’ experience with a wide variety of health concerns and their perceptions of the impact of these health concerns on their academic performance. METHODS: The National College Health Assessment (NCHA) was administered to all students enrolled at a single medical school during the spring term of 2005. RESULTS: Students reported the greatest perceived negative academic impact related to experiencing interpersonal concerns (concerns about troubled friends or family members, death of a friend or family member, and relationship difficulty) and mental health concerns (depression/anxiety/seasonal affective disorder and stress). A total of 315 students participated (48% response rate). CONCLUSION: Medical students perceive their experiences with social and psychological concerns as negatively influential to their academic well-being. Strategies that assist students in coping with these issues support the learning mission of the academic medical center.

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