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Development of a student health questionnaire: the necessity of a symbiosis of science and practice

University of Amsterdam, Student Health Services, Department of Research, Development and Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, VU University Medical Centre, Department of Metamedica / Medical Humanities, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, VU University Medical Centre, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, CRL.Boot{at}vumc.nl

Nathalie C. G. M. Donders

VU University Medical Centre, Department of Metamedica / Medical Humanities, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Radboud University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Department of Public Health Nijmegen, the Netherlands

Peter Vonk

University of Amsterdam, Student Health Services, Department of Research, Development and Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Frans J. Meijman

University of Amsterdam, Student Health Services, Department of Research, Development and Prevention, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, VU University Medical Centre, Department of Metamedica / Medical Humanities, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Rationale, aims and objectives: University students report more health complaints than their working peers, but do not appear to seek help for these problems. This stresses the importance of early detection. The aim of this study was to obtain information on indicators of health associated with academic functioning to develop a preliminary health surveillance questionnaire. In addition, we aimed to gain insight in the additional value of adding experience-based information from the priority population, and individuals in their direct environment, to the knowledge gained from the scientific literature. Method: First, a review of literature on indicators of health associated with academic functioning was conducted. Next, interviews were held with students (n = 11) and two groups of significant others with professional experience in student health care: general practitioners (n = 9) and practice assistants (n = 8). Results and conclusions: A health surveillance questionnaire to detect students with health problems associated with academic functioning should consist of questions on social support, general health, physical health, psychological health, study-related issues and health, help-seeking behaviour and life events in the past. Experiences from practice should be integrated when developing a questionnaire. (Global Health Promotion, 2009; 16(3): pp. 35-44)

Key Words: health status • health surveillance • self-rated health • university students

Global Health Promotion, Vol. 16, No. 3, 35-44 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1757975909339763


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