USC American College Health AssociationNational College Health Assessment Report:
International Students
2010
Health Promotion and Prevention Services
University Park Health Center
A Division of Student Affairs
University of Southern California
1
Table of Contents
Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…..4
Trends Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………....………5
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….……………........................................6
Methods……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Questionnaire design……………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Procedure………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...6
Response rate……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Representativeness……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
Analytic strategy/data preparation……………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Report Design……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Demographics……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Health, Wellness, and Academic Success……………………………………………………………………………………...9
Frequency of Students Whose Academic Performance was Impeded……………………………………………………9
Frequency vs. Threat to Academic Success (Undergraduate Students)………………………………………………...10
Frequency vs. Threat to Academic Success (Graduate Students)……………………………………………………….11
Emotional Status……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….12
Traumatic or Difficult to Handle……………………………………………………………………………………………….12
Level of Stress………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
Daytime Sleepiness……………………………………………………………………………………………………………13
Safety and Violence……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Safety Perception……………………………...………………………………………………………………………….……14
Safety Helmet Usage…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
Physical Fights…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..15
Physical Assaults……………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..15
Abusive Relationships and Unwanted Sexual Advances or Sexual Assault…………………………………………….15
General Health, Healthcare, and Medical Status……………………………………………………………………………..16
General Health………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….16
Disabilities Status………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
Medical Status: Physical………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Medical Status: Mental………………………………………………………………………………………………………...18
Depression History………………………………………………………………………………………………………….....18
Sexual Behavior and Contraception……………………………………………………………………………………………19
Unintended Pregnancy………………………………………………………………………………………………………...19
Emergency Contraception………………………………………………………………………………………………….....19
Number of Sexual Partners…………………………………………………………………………………………………...19
Contraceptive/Birth Control Methods………………………………………………………………………………………...20
Condom Use……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs……………………………………………………………………………………………21
Blood Alcohol Level……………………………………………………………………………………………………………21
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol………………………………………………………………………………………21
Consequences of Drinking Alcohol…………………………………………………………………………………………..22
Protective Drinking Behaviors………………………………………………………………………………………………...22
Substance Use v. Perceptions of Use……………………………………………………………………………………….23
Alcohol Consumption v. Perceptions of Alcohol Consumption……………………………………………………………24
Exercise, Nutrition, and Weight…………………………………………………………………………………………………25
Fruit and Vegetable Intake……………………………………………………………………………………………….……25
Weight………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………......25
Body Mass Index (BMI)………………………………………………………………………………………………………..26
Additional Questions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………...27
Descriptive Characteristics……………………………………………………………………………………………………27
Friendship Base………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..27
Student Involvement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...27
Feeling Comfortable/Discrimination………………………………………………………………………………………….28
Help-Seeking Behavior………………………………………………………………………………………………………..29
Limitations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..30
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….30
References………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….31
Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………31
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Appendix A………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….32
Appendix B………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….34
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Executive Summary
In Fall 2009, Health Promotion and Prevention services conducted the American College Health Association National
College Health Assessment II (ACHA-NCHA II) on the University Park Campus (UPC). The resulting data provided
valuable insights about the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors of USC-UPC international undergraduate and
graduate students regarding the following topics: safety, emotional and medical status, sexual behaviors, substance
use, nutrition, and exercise.
The following report includes a number of key findings:
Health, Wellness, and Academic Success
Frequency of Students whose Academic Performance was Impeded – Undergraduate students reported that the factors
which most negatively impacted their academic functioning (high frequency) were stress, cold/flu/sore throat,
participation in extracurricular activities, and sleep difficulties. None of these factors were a high frequency for graduate
students.
Traumatic or Difficult to Handle Situation – Undergraduates reported that their personal appearance was more traumatic
and/or difficult to handle than graduates (18.5 and 11.3, respectively, p<.01). Graduate students reported that careerrelated issues were more traumatic and/or difficult to handle than undergraduate students (40.2% and 26.3%,
respectively, p<.001).
Sleepiness- 22.5% of undergraduate students and 14.2% of graduate students reported feeling tired, dragged out, or
sleepy during the day 5 to 7 days out of the past week (p<.01).
Safety and Violence
Physical Fights and Assaults- Undergraduate students were more likely than graduate students to have engaged in a
fight or to have been physically assaulted (p<.01).
Healthcare, Medical, and Emotional Status
General Health – 93.2% of undergraduate and 91.7% of graduate students described their general health as being
excellent, very good, or good.
Sexual Behavior and Contraception
Number of Sexual Partners- 82.4% of undergraduate students and 90% of graduate students reported having no more
than one sexual partner in the last 12 months (p<.01).
Blood Alcohol Level- Undergraduates were more likely to have a blood alcohol level of 0.10 or higher than graduates
(p<.001).
Consequences of Drinking Alcohol – As a consequence of drinking, 25.7% of undergraduate students and 11.8% of
graduate students who consumed alcohol within the last 12 months also reported that they forgot where they were or
what they did (p<.001).
Protective Drinking Behaviors- Compared to undergraduates, graduate students were more likely to avoid
drinking games; determine in advance not to exceed a set number of drinks; keep track of how many drinks they
had; pace their drinks to 1 or fewer per hour; and stick with only one kind of alcohol when drinking (p<.001).
Substance Use- Undergraduates were more likely to have not used either cocaine or ecstasy in the last 30 days
(p<.001), while graduates were more likely to never have used hookah or marijuana (p<.001).
Alcohol Consumption- During the last time they partied, undergraduates were more likely to have consumed 5 or
more alcoholic drinks than graduates (p<.001).
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Exercise, Nutrition, and Weight
Calculated Body Mass Index – 76.7% of undergraduate students had a calculated BMI indicating a healthy weight,
compared to 66.6% of graduate students (p<.05).
Trends Summary
In previous reports, the ACHA-NCHA Trends Summary was included to reflect noticeable variations between the report
from previous years and the current report. The revised survey, the ACHA-NCHA II, includes the same categories as
the previous survey, but has a number of modified and added questions. As a result, the ACHA-NCHA II is not
appropriate for examining trends from the original ACHA-NCHA survey, except for specific isolated questions.
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Introduction
A college health program is the constellation of services, strategies, policies, and facilities an institution of
higher education assembles to advance the health of its students and the academic community. On many campuses,
college health programs move well beyond health care and refer to a variety of services. These services often include a
combination of some or all of the following: student health services, disability services, counseling services, crisis
intervention and public safety services, health promotion and wellness services, alcohol tobacco and other drug
programming, student health insurance/benefit programs, sexual assault advocacy services, sports medicine services
for intercollegiate athletics, and intramural recreation sports and fitness programs. In order to provide high quality
services in these diverse areas, it is imperative to possess data that adequately describes the health behaviors and
status of the student population. This data helps to inform policy makers, administrators, faculty, staff, and students
about current health behaviors and helps determine programmatic priorities.
The National College Health Assessment II (NCHA II) is a national research initiative coordinated by the
American College Health Association (ACHA), to assist institutions of higher education in collecting data about the
health and wellness of their students. The ACHA-NCHA II allows each campus to generate prevalence rates for alcohol
use, sexual behavior, safety, exercise, and mental health.
The goal of this assessment is to provide data on the prevalence, status, and misperceptions about student
behavior and the campus community. This data can serve as a guide to campus leadership by providing a firm basis for
planning and evaluating services that will positively impact international students’ safety, well-being, and academic
success.
This report provides data on the population of international students at the University Park Campus and
highlights differences in the undergraduate and graduate student populations whose numbers are uniquely equally
proportionate on the campus.
There is an aggregate report which is compiled by ACHA. While the sample is large, is it not a true national
sample, as it is not representative of the vast diversity of neither the institutions nor the students enrolled therein. To
view the report, please visit www.acha-ncha.org.
This report summarizes key points from the survey. Due to the length of the survey, not all data points have
been included. For more information about the analysis of additional questions, please contact Health Promotion and
Prevention Services at the University Park Health Center at (213) 740-4777 or by visiting www.usc.edu/hpps. For a
sample of the instrument used, please follow this link: http://www.achancha.org/docs/ACHA-NCHA_II_2008.pdf.
Methods
Questionnaire design: In 2008, ACHA introduced a new version of ACHA-NCHA questionnaire (ACHA-NCHA II). The
ACHA-NCHA II questionnaire consists of sixty-five questions divided into eight sections: health; health education and
safety; alcohol, tobacco, and drugs; sex behavior and contraception; weight, nutrition, and exercise; mental health;
physical health; impediments to academic performance; and demographic characteristics.
Procedure: The survey was conducted at the University of Southern California in Fall 2009. The ACHA-NCHA II was
emailed to the 6,100 international undergraduate and graduate student populations at the University Park Campus. All
6,100 international students were sent an email alerting them to the forthcoming survey, as well as two follow-up emails
after receiving the survey in an effort to increase the return rate. To incentive completing the survey, every 25th
participant received an iTunes gift card and ten $100 Visa gift cards were drawn by lottery.
Response rate: In 2009, completed surveys were returned for a 16.0% response rate. Of those who responded, 22.4%
indicated that they were undergraduate students and 77.6% indicated that they were graduate students.
Representativeness: It appears the data collected accurately represents the USC University Park Campus international
student population, based upon the representativeness analysis performed on the Fall 2009 data. Though the sample
was robust, biases exist in the data. The largest bias occurred with regard to graduate status; there was an
overrepresentation of graduate students, with 79.3% returning the survey compared to USC’s 71.3% international
graduate student representation. There was also an overrepresentation of female students, with 44.7% returning the
survey as compared to the 38.7% international female demographic representation at USC. Furthermore, other
discrepancies occurred, such as an underrepresentation of seniors by 3.9% and an underrepresentation of juniors by
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2.8%. Additionally, there was an overrepresentation of engineering students by 33.0%, though this is to be expected
due to the overrepresentation of graduate students. Several other discrepancies exist as well. (Please refer to Appendix
A for the representativeness table).
Analytic strategy/data preparation: This report focuses on the surveys that were conducted in Fall 2009. Appropriate
chi-squared tests or t-tests of statistical significance have been performed to determine the magnitude and direction of
differences between undergraduate and graduate students. T-tests were performed on nominal data (responses to
some scaled questions) and chi-squared tests were performed on categorical data (i.e. responses of yes/no, did/did not,
etc). Throughout the report, p-values are reported in the charts or at the bottom of graphs.
Report Design: While many of the questions from the previous version of the survey are still present, new questions
regarding special health concerns for the international students on the University Park Campus are included at the end
of this report. Please refer to Appendix A for more information.
Throughout the report, there are footnotes under each table or bar chart that refer to the corresponding question in the
survey instrument. If you have any additional questions regarding the data provided in this report, please contact Paula
Swinford, Director of Health Promotion and Prevention Services at 213-740-4777 or <[email protected]>.
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Demographics
Descriptor
Age
Gender
Year in school
Full-time student status
Transferred to USC within last 12 months
Ethnicity
International student status
Membership in fraternity or sorority
Relationship status
Marital status
Sexual orientation
Living situation
Source of health insurance
Paid hours worked per week
Volunteered 1 or more hours per week
Organized college athletics participation
Category
Undergraduate
(n=207 )
Under 21
59.7
21-29
39.8
30 and higher
0.5
Female
60.9
Male
39.1
Transgender
0.0
1st year undergraduate
6.7
2nd year undergraduate
3.8
3rd year undergraduate
7.0
4th year undergraduate
4.5
5th year or more
0.3
Graduate
0.0
97.6
32.0
White – not Hispanic (includes Middle Eastern)
14.5
Black – not Hispanic
0.0
Hispanic or Latino
1.9
Asian or Pacific Islander
80.2
American Indian, Alaskan Native, or Native
0.0
Hawaiian
Biracial or Multiracial
2.9
Other
4.8
100
12.2
Not in a relationship
63.1
In a relationship but not living together
31.6
In a relationship and living together
5.3
Single
95.6
Married/Partnered
3.0
Separated
0.0
Divorced
0.0
Other
1.5
Heterosexual
92.2
Gay/Lesbian
2.5
Bisexual
2.0
Unsure
3.4
Campus residence hall
34.6
Fraternity or sorority house
1.5
Other campus housing
14.1
Parent/guardian’s home
4.4
Off-campus housing
42.9
Other
2.4
USC sponsored plan
79.6
Parents’ plan
11.2
Another plan
5.8
I don’t have health insurance
0.5
None
82.4
1 to 19
15.7
20 or more
2.0
47.1
Varsity
7.4
Club sports
20.3
Intramurals
19.3
Graduate
(n=717)
0.3
84.2
15.5
40.4
59.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
100
97.2
23.3
16.0
0.3
0.8
78.2
0.3
0.6
4.9
100
1.7
50.1
32.8
17.1
85.0
13.7
0.1
0.4
0.7
93.4
2.3
2.5
1.8
2.2
0.8
4.6
1.3
86.7
4.3
88.7
4.9
4.9
0.3
52.6
25.9
21.5
23.1
3.1
11.6
9.6
All results are reported as percentages. The discrepancy between the total number of participants reported on p.5 of this booklet and the total number
of participants reported in this table exists because those participants who did not complete all questions on the Demographics section of the survey
were excluded from this demographic analysis.
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Health, Wellness, and Academic Success
Frequency List – Health-Related Behavior or Concern of Students whose Academic
Performance was Impeded Refer to Question 45 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, have any of the following affected your academic performance?” (i.e.,
significant disruption in thesis, dissertation, research, or practicum work; received an incomplete or
dropped a course; received a lower grade in a course, on an exam or on an important project)
Anxiety
Cold/Flu/Sore throat
Concern for a troubled friend or family member
Depression
Internet use/Computer games
Participation in extracurricular activities
Relationship difficulties
Sleep difficulties
Stress
Work
Death of a family member
Homesickness
Undergraduate
%
14.5
18.3
8.9
10.0
18.2
16.3
10.8
17.1
27.9
7.0
4.4
8.4
Graduate
%
11.3
6.6
5.6
9.7
12.8
2.7
6.3
8.6
16.1
8.1
4.4
4.2
P-Value
NS
<.001
NS
<.05
<.05
<.001
NS
<.001
<.001
NS
<.05
NS
Bold items represent the top ten items.
In previous years, only a frequency list, as seen above, was reported. What follows is a cluster analyses,
created by making a two dimensional graph representing a set of bi-variate data (scatter plot) of those who
reported experiencing a particular condition (frequency) crossed with those who reported the condition who
experienced an academic impact (threat). This scatter plot displays health related issues that are of low
threat/low frequency, low threat/high frequency, high threat/low frequency, and high threat/high frequency.
Legend for pages 10-11: “Scatter Plots - Threat to Academic Success as Related to the
Frequency of Health-Related Behavior or Concerns”
9
Scatter Plot- Threat to Academic Success as Related to the Frequency of Health Related Behavior or Concern
(Undergraduate Students)
Threat: Percent of Those Experiencing Condition with Academic Impact
80.0
Learning disability
70.0
60.0
Depression
Other
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)
Chronic pain
Assault (sexual)
50.0
Anxiety
Sexually transmitted disease/infection
(STD/I)
Death of a friend or family member
Drug use
Pregnancy (yours or your partner’s)
40.0
Sleep difficulties
Stress
30.0
Internet use/computer games
Participation in extracurricular activities
Relationship difficulties
Sinus infection/Ear
infection/Bronchitis/Strep throat
Eating disorder/problem Finances
Chronic health problem or serious illness
Discrimination
Cold/Flu/Sore throat
Work
Concern for a troubled friend or family
member
Injury (fracture, sprain, strain, cut)
20.0
Gambling
Homesickness
Roommate difficulties
Assault (physical)
Allergies
10.0
Alcohol use
0.0
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
Frequency: Percent in Population Experiencing Condition
10
Scatter Plot- Threat to Academic Success as Related to the Frequency of Health Related Behavior or Concern
(Graduate Students)
60.0
Threat: Percent of Those Experiencing Condition with Academic Impact
Other
50.0
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)
Sexually transmitted disease/infection
(STD/I)
Learning disability
40.0
Depression
Anxiety
Pregnancy (yours or your partner’s)
Internet use/computer games
Sleep difficulties
30.0
Assault (sexual)
Chronic health problem or serious
illness
Stress
Assault (physical)
Death of a friend or family member
20.0
Work
Relationship difficulties
Concern for a troubled friend or family
member
Discrimination
Chronic pain
Eating disorder/problem
Cold/Flu/Sore throat
Finances
Roommate difficulties
Participation in extracurricular activities
Injury (fracture, sprain, strain, cut)
Homesickness
Allergies
Sinus infection/Ear
infection/Bronchitis/Strep throat
10.0
Drug use
Gambling
Alcohol use
0.0
0.0
10.0
20.0
30.0
40.0
50.0
60.0
70.0
80.0
Frequency: Percent in Population Experiencing Condition
11
Emotional Status Refer to Question 30 of the survey.
“Have you ever…?”
Yes, in the last
12 months
%
UG
G
No, not in last
12 months
%
UG
G
No, never
P-Value
%
UG
G
Felt things were hopeless
42.2
45.2
16.2
17.2
41.7
37.6
NS
Felt overwhelmed by all you had to do
73.2
66.0
7.3
9.2
19.5
24.8
NS
Felt exhausted (not from physical activity)
71.5
66.9
9.2
10.0
19.3
23.1
NS
Felt very lonely
57.8
54.6
15.5
15.9
26.7
29.5
NS
Felt very sad
59.0
53.1
15.6
18.4
25.4
28.5
NS
Felt so depressed that it was difficult to function
30.7
34.8
19.0
19.4
50.2
45.8
NS
Felt overwhelming anxiety
42.4
38.5
16.2
17.5
41.7
44.0
NS
Felt overwhelming anger
29.1
29.2
22.7
24.1
48.3
46.8
NS
Intentionally injured yourself
3.4
3.1
8.8
9.2
87.7
87.7
NS
Seriously considered suicide
3.9
2.2
8.3
8.4
87.8
89.4
NS
Attempted suicide
0.5
1.1
6.3
5.6
93.2
93.3
NS
Traumatic or Difficult to Handle Refer to Question 33 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, have any of the following been traumatic or very difficult for you to
handle?”
Academics
Career-related issue
Death of a family member or friend
Family problems
Finances
Health problem of a family member or partner
Intimate relationships
Personal appearance
Personal health issue
Sleep difficulties
Other relationships
Other
Undergraduate
%
Graduate
%
P-Value
52.2
26.3
6.3
17.1
20.7
6.3
23.3
18.5
14.6
18.0
23.4
9.8
43.6
40.2
5.6
12.0
21.3
10.4
22.4
11.3
13.2
14.6
16.6
5.8
<.05
<.001
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
<.01
NS
NS
<.05
<.05
Bold items represent the top 5 items.
12
Level of Stress –
Refer to Question 37 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, how would you rate the overall level of stress you have experienced?”
50.0
41.7
Percentage
40.0
Undergraduate
35.1
Graduate
27.7
30.0
19.4 19.4
20.0
10.0
34.4
4.4
6.8
5.2
5.9
0.0
No stress
Less than average
stress
Average stress
More than average Tremendous stress
stress
Level of Stress
Daytime Sleepiness Refer to Question 43 of the survey.
“People sometimes feel sleepy during the daytime. In the past 7 days, how much of a problem
have you had with sleepiness (feel sleepy, struggling to stay awake) during your daytime
activities?”
60.0
50.5
Percentage
50.0
45.4
Undergraduate
Graduate
40.0
30.0
20.0
22.9
20.2
17.4
14.6
13.2
10.0
8.8
3.9
3.1
0.0
Not at all
A little
More than a little
Big
Very big
Problem level of daytime sleepness
13
Safety and Violence
Safety Perception –
Refer to Question 7 of the survey.
“How safe do you feel (at the following place and time combinations)?”
Not safe at all
Somewhat unsafe
Somewhat safe
Very safe
74.7
80.0
70.0
Percentage
60.0
51.4
46.6
50.0
42.6
40.0
30.0
25.3
22.2
23.3
21.1
39.6
20.8
15.5
20.0
10.0
7.0
0.8 2.3
4.4
2.4
0.0
On campus (daytime)
On campus (nighttime)
Community around USC
(daytime)
Community around USC
(nighttime)
In the graph above, undergraduate and graduate results were combined. Graduate students were more likely to perceive the community
surrounding USC during the daytime as very safe while more undergraduate students perceived it as somewhat safe (p<.05).
Safety Helmet Usage Refer to Question 4 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, how often did you wear a helmet when you rode a bicycle/rode a
motorcycle/were inline skating?”
50.0
43.0
42.3
Percentage*
40.0
30.0
Bicycle
Motorcycle
20.0
Inline skating
13.9
10.0
7.1
8.1
1.3
1.5
2.2
5.1
0.0
Most of the time or always
Rarely or sometimes
Never
In the graph above, undergraduate and graduate results were combined.
*Percentages represent students who have participated in this activity within the last 12 months.
14
•
Physical Fights – 7.8% of undergraduate and 3.4% of graduate students reported being involved in a
physical fight within the last 12 months (p<.01).
Refer to Question 5 of the survey.
•
Physical Assaults – 4.9% of undergraduate and 1.7% of graduate students reported that they were
physically assaulted (does not include sexual assault) within the last 12 months (p<.01).
Refer to Question 5 of the survey.
Abusive Relationships and Unwanted Sexual Advances or Sexual Assault Refer to Question 5 and Question 6 of the survey, respectively.
“Within the last 12 months, have you experienced…?”
Sexual touching without your consent
Attempted sexual penetration without your
consent
Sexual penetration without your consent
Undergraduate
%
4.9
Graduate
%
2.8
P-Value
2.0
1.1
NS
1.5
1.1
NS
NS
“Within the last 12 months, have you been in a relationship that was…?”
Emotionally abusive
Physically abusive
Sexually abusive
Undergraduate
%
6.4
2.0
1.0
Graduate
%
6.7
1.3
0.7
P-Value
NS
NS
NS
15
General Health, Healthcare, and Medical Status
General Health Refer to Question 1 of the survey.
“How would you describe your general health?”
60.0
50.2
Percentage
50.0
44.7
40.0
34.6
29.0
30.0
Undergraduate
20.0
Graduate
14.012.4
10.0
5.3
7.7
1.4 0.3
0.0
Excellent
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
General health
Disabilities Status Refer to Question 65 of the survey.
“Do you have any of the following disabilities or medical conditions?”
Undergraduate
%
2.0
Graduate
%
1.5
P-Value
Chronic illness
2.0
2.0
NS
Deaf/Hard of hearing
0.5
1.3
NS
Learning disability
2.0
1.4
NS
Mobility/Dexterity disability
0.5
0.6
NS
Partially sighted/Blind
1.0
1.0
NS
Psychiatric condition
2.0
1.3
NS
Speech or language disorder
1.5
2.2
NS
Other disability
1.0
0.3
NS
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
NS
16
Medical Status: Physical Refer to Question 41 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, have you been diagnosed or treated by a professional for …?”
Allergies
Asthma
Back pain
Broken bone/Fracture/Sprain
Bronchitis
Chlamydia
Diabetes
Ear infection
Endometriosis
Genital herpes
Genital warts/Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis B or C
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Migraine headache
Mononucleosis
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Repetitive stress injury
Sinus infection
Strep throat
Tuberculosis
Urinary tract infection
Undergraduate
%
13.8
4.5
8.9
5.4
4.4
0.5
0.0
2.0
0.0
0.5
1.5
0.5
0.5
1.5
1.0
0.0
0.5
2.5
1.0
0.0
1.0
7.4
3.5
3.0
4.5
Graduate
%
11.7
2.3
10.4
5.1
2.5
0.7
0.6
2.7
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.0
1.3
2.7
3.9
0.6
1.1
2.5
0.4
0.4
0.6
6.2
3.8
2.0
2.8
P-Value
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
<.05
NS
NS
NS
<.05
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
17
Medical Status: Mental Refer to Question 31 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, have you been diagnosed or treated by a professional for …?”
Treated with medication,
psychotherapy, or other
treatments
%
UG
G
Diagnosed but not
treated
%
UG
G
P-Value
Anorexia
1.5
0.3
0.0
0.1
NS
Anxiety
Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD)
Bipolar Disorder
2.9
1.8
0.5
1.4
NS
0.5
0.1
1.5
0.7
NS
1.0
0.3
0.5
0.4
NS
Bulimia
1.0
0.3
0.5
0.4
NS
Depression
3.4
2.0
1.0
1.6
NS
Insomnia
0.5
1.0
2.0
1.1
NS
Other sleep disorder
0.5
0.0
1.0
0.7
NS
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
1.0
0.3
0.5
1.0
NS
Panic attacks
1.5
0.7
0.0
0.8
NS
Phobia
1.0
0.1
0.0
0.7
NS
Schizophrenia
0.5
0.3
0.0
0.3
NS
Substance abuse or addiction
1.5
0.3
1.0
0.3
NS
Other addiction (e.g. internet, sexual)
0.5
0.0
0.0
0.6
NS
Other mental health condition
2.0
0.7
0.0
0.3
NS
•
Depression History – 5.9% of students surveyed (7.8% of undergraduate students and 5.0% of
graduate students) responded yes to “Have you ever been diagnosed with depression?”
Refer to Question 32 of the survey.
18
Sexual Behavior and Contraception
•
Unintended Pregnancy – Among respondents who have had vaginal intercourse, 0.5% of
undergraduate students and 0.9% of graduate students have unintentionally become pregnant or
gotten someone else pregnant within the last 12 months.
Refer to Question 25 of the survey.
•
Emergency Contraception – Among respondents who indicated that they are sexually active, 6.4% of
undergraduate students and 7.2% of graduate students have used or had a partner who used
emergency contraception (“morning after pill”) within the last 12 months.
Refer to Question 24 of the survey.
Number of Sexual Partners Refer to Question 19 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, with how many partners have you had oral sex, vaginal intercourse, or
anal intercourse?”
60
55.4 54.4
Undergraduate
Percentage
50
Graduate
40
35.6
27
30
20
7.8
10
5.5
5.9
3.9
1.1
3.4
0
0
1
2
3
4 or more
Number of partners
There was a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students on the number of sexual partners within the last 12
months (p<.01).
19
Contraceptive/Birth Control Methods Refer to Question 23B of the survey.
“Please indicate whether or not you or your partner used each of the following methods of birth
control to prevent pregnancy the last time you had vaginal intercourse?”
Birth control pills (monthly or extended cycle)
Birth control shots
Birth control implants
Birth control patch
Condom (male)
Condom (female)
Contraceptive sponge
Diaphragm or cervical cap
Fertility awareness (e.g. calendar, mucous, basal body
temperature)
Intrauterine device (IUD)
Spermicide (e.g., foam, jelly, cream)
Sterilization (e.g., hysterectomy, tubes tied, or vasectomy)
Vaginal ring
Withdrawal
Other method
Undergraduate
%
33.3
1.4
0.0
1.4
74.6
0.0
0.0
0.0
Graduate
%
28.4
1.5
0.4
0.8
76.7
2.7
0.4
0.8
P-Value
4.2
9.2
NS
2.8
1.4
0.0
4.2
18.3
2.9
3.1
1.9
0.8
1.2
19.4
3.1
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
NS
Percentages represent students who used a method of birth control to prevent pregnancy the last time they had vaginal intercourse.
Columns sum to more than 100% because multiple responses were possible.
Bold items represent the top 3 items.
Condom Use Refer to Question 21 and Question 22 of the survey.
“Within the last 30 days, how often did you or your partner(s) use a condom or other protective
barrier (e.g., male condom, female condom, dam, glove) during?”
Undergraduate
%
Engaged in this
Always used a
sexual activity
condom
Oral sex
Vaginal intercourse
Anal intercourse
26.7
29.1
3.9
1.9
13.2
2.5
Graduate
%
Engaged in this
Always used a
sexual activity
condom
22.1
27.5
1.9
2.8
15.6
2.6
20
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Blood Alcohol Level –
Refer to Question 10 and Question 50 of the survey.
Undergraduate
Graduate
P-Value
Mean
0.0433
0.0282
-
Median
0.0152
0.0038
-
0.08 or higher
18.3
8.3
<.001
0.10 or higher
15.2
6.9
<.001
The formula for estimating BAC is applied to the reported number of drinks and number of hours for the last time students "partied"/socialized,
weight, as well as estimates for total body water weight (58% for males and 49% for females) and the average rate of alcohol metabolism (a
decline of .017 per hour). The formula does not control for food consumption and assumes that the alcohol was consumed at a constant rate over
the drinking episode.
Driving Under the Influence of AlcoholRefer to Question 14 of the survey.
“Within the last 30 days, did you drive after having 5 or more drinks?”
50
Percentage
40
45.1
39.8
29.7
30
26.2
21.8 22.5
Undergraduate
20
Graduate
10
6.8
8
0
Don't drive
Don't drink
No
Yes
21
Consequences of Drinking Alcohol –
Refer to Question 16 of the survey.
“Within the last 12 months, have you experienced any of the following as a consequence of your
drinking?”
Yes Responses, excludes ”Non-drinkers”
Undergraduate
%
24.1
Graduate
%
16.9
P-Value
Forgot where you were or what you did
25.7
11.8
<.001
Got in trouble with the police
1.5
0.5
NS
Had sex with someone without giving your consent
0.7
1.1
NS
Had sex with someone without getting their consent
0.0
0.7
NS
Had unprotected sex
6.6
3.9
NS
Physically injured yourself
9.0
4.3
<.05
Physically injured another person
0.7
0.2
NS
Seriously considered suicide
0.0
0.7
NS
Did something you later regretted
NS
Since multiple responses were possible, more than 100% may be indicated.
Protective Drinking Behaviors Refer to Question 15 of the survey.
“During the last 12 months, when you ‘partied/socialized,’ [did you always]?”
Undergraduate
%
9.2
Graduate
%
6.0
P-Value
Avoid drinking games
11.2
25.4
<.001
Choose not to drink alcohol
4.9
7.1
<.05
Alternate non-alcoholic with alcoholic beverages
NS
Determine, in advance, not to exceed a set number of drinks
10.7
20.7
<.001
Eat before and/or during drinking
30.9
26.9
NS
Have a friend let you know when you have had enough
11.2
13.6
<.05
Keep track of how many drinks you were having
18.4
30.0
<.001
Pace your drinks to 1 or fewer per hour
Stay with the same group of friends the entire time you were
drinking
Stick with only one kind of alcohol when drinking
6.3
14.0
<.001
22.0
26.4
NS
7.3
15.5
<.001
Use a designated driver
35.1
31.3
NS
Since multiple responses were possible, more than 100% may be indicated.
Students responded to a 5-point Likert scale that ranged from “Never” to “Always.” Chi-square tests were performed on all the responses; only the
"Always" responses of students who “partied/socialized” are presented in the table for simplicity, however the p-values represent the range from
never to always, not just “Always”.
22
Substance Use v. Perceptions of Use Refer to Question 8 and Question 9 of the survey, respectively.
Within the last 30 days among UNDERGRADUATE students (%):
Actual Use: How many days did you use the
following substances?
Substance
Never
Cigarettes
Hookah
Cigars, little cigars, clove
Smokeless tobacco
Alcohol
Marijuana
Cocaine
Methamphetamine
Other amphetamines
Sedatives
Hallucinogens
Anabolic steroids
Opiates
Inhalants
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Other club drugs
Other Illegal drugs
73.8
75.7
84.5
94.1
32.5
82.0
93.7
98.0
96.1
96.6
97.0
98.5
98.5
98.0
93.7
98.0
96.6
Not in last
30 days
12.6
16.0
12.1
4.9
17.0
8.8
3.4
1.0
2.4
2.4
2.5
1.0
1.0
1.5
4.4
1.5
2.5
One or
more days
10.2
8.3
3.4
0.5
49.0
7.8
2.9
1.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
2.0
0.5
1.0
Used
daily
3.4
0.0
0.0
0.5
1.5
1.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Perception of Use: How often
do you think the typical student
at your school used…?
Never
14.1
22.0
27.9
36.5
10.8
25.0
48.3
59.1
53.5
55.4
57.6
61.1
65.2
64.2
53.5
61.9
59.7
One or
more days
68.9
64.5
51.0
44.0
76.5
64.7
35.0
25.6
31.7
22.8
22.2
23.2
19.1
19.9
26.7
21.8
22.9
Used
daily
12.6
2.5
2.0
2.0
10.8
3.9
1.0
0.5
1.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
1.0
1.0
1.0
All results are reported as percentages.
Within the last 30 days among GRADUATE students (%):
Actual Use: How many days did you use the
following substances?
Substance
Cigarettes
Hookah
Cigars, little cigars, clove
Smokeless tobacco
Alcohol
Marijuana
Cocaine
Methamphetamine
Other amphetamines
Sedatives
Hallucinogens
Anabolic steroids
Opiates
Inhalants
MDMA (Ecstasy)
Other club drugs
Other Illegal drugs
Never
77.8
87.1
90.7
97.1
34.7
92.3
98.3
98.3
97.5
97.2
98.6
99.3
99.3
99.4
98.6
99.3
99.2
Not in last
30 days
8.6
9.5
7.6
2.4
17.6
7.0
1.7
1.3
1.4
1.8
1.4
0.7
0.7
0.6
1.3
0.6
0.8
One or
more days
8.8
3.2
1.5
0.6
47.1
0.6
0.0
0.4
1.1
0.8
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
Used
daily
4.8
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.6
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Perception of Use: How often
do you think the typical student
at your school used …?
Never
19.6
39.7
37.2
43.4
15.7
44.0
58.5
63.2
57.9
57.4
61.9
62.2
65.3
66.0
61.0
62.7
63.4
One or
more days
59.3
41.5
43.0
36.5
69.1
41.0
23.8
20.9
25.4
25.7
20.2
21.5
19.3
17.9
22.2
16.7
19.3
Used
daily
12.6
1.6
3.1
3.1
11.3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.7
0.6
0.3
0.4
0.3
0.4
0.4
20.2
0.4
All results are reported as percentages.
There is a statically significant difference between undergraduates and graduate students on hookah usage (p<.001), marijuana usage (p<.001),
cocaine usage (p<.001), ecstasy usage (p<.001), and other illegal drug usage (p<.01). There is a statically significant difference between
undergraduates and graduate students on the perception of cigarettes usage (p<.05), hookah usage (p<.001), marijuana usage (p<.001), and
cocaine usage (p<.01).
23
Alcohol Consumption v. Perceptions of Alcohol Consumption Refer to Question 10 and Question 12 of the survey, respectively.
“The last time you ‘partied’/socialized, how many drinks of alcohol did you have?”
Undergraduate Students
47.3
50.0
40.0
44.0
37.2
Percentage
33.2
30.0
Actual
20.0
10.0
Perceived
11.1
9.8
7.7
9.8
0.0
0
1 to 4
5 to 7
8 or more
Number of drinks
Graduate Students
70.0
58.6
60.0
50.6
Percentage
50.0
40.0
39.7
30.0
Actual
20.0
Perceived
17.5
14.3
6.5
10.0
9.6
3.2
0.0
0
1 to 4
5 to 7
8 or more
Number of drinks
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and the consumption of alcohol (p<.01) and a
statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and perceived consumption of alcohol (p<.001).
24
Exercise, Nutrition, and Weight
Fruit and Vegetable Intake Refer to Question 28 of the survey.
“How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you usually have per day?”
70.0
61.7
65.8
Percentage
60.0
50.0
40.0
25.2
30.0
20.0
10.0
9.7
20.6
9.6
Undergraduate
3.4
3.9
Graduate
0.0
I don't eat fruits
and vegetables
1-2/day
3-4/day
5 or more
Fruit and vegetable intake
Weight Refer to Question 26 of the survey.
“How do you describe your weight?”
60.0
54.6
50.0
Percentage
Undergraduate
49.0
Graduate
40.0
30.0
24.4
18.5 18.3
20.0
10.0
0.0
28.7
0.5
2.0
1.7
Very underweight
Slightly underweight
Right weight
Slightly overweight
2.4
Very overweight
Weight description
25
Body Mass Index (BMI) –
Calculated using Questions 47, 49a, 49b, and 50 of the survey.
BMI
<18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Healthy Weight
25-29.9 Overweight
30-34.9 Class I Obesity
35-39.9 Class II Obesity
≥ 40 Class III Obesity
Mean
Median
Standard Deviation
Undergraduate
%
12.4
76.7
8.8
1.6
0.5
0.0
2.0104
2.0000
0.56816
Graduate
%
13.5
66.6
16.6
3.1
0.1
0.0
2.0104
2.0000
0.56816
P-Value
NS
<.05
<.05
<.05
NS
NS
-
This figure incorporates reported height, and weight to form a general indicator of physical health. Categories defined by The World Health
Organization (WHO) 2000, reprinted 2004. Obesity: Preventing and Managing the Global Epidemic. WHO Tech Report Series: 894.
26
Additional Questions
This section of the report highlights important findings in the data from additional questions that were created
specifically for this questionnaire, in an effort to better understand the adjustment of the international student
population at the University Park Campus for the fall of 2009. Please refer to Appendix A for the full list of additional
questions.
Descriptive Characteristics Refer to Question 66 and 73 of the survey.
How long have you lived in the U.S.?
Less than 6 months
6 months to 1 year
More than 1 year to less than 3 years
More than 3 years to less than 5 years
5 years or more
Male
40.8
6.6
31.5
9.5
11.7
Female
36.6
3.8
32.2
14.8
12.7
UG
30.4
4.3
32.4
22.2
9.2
Grad
40.7
5.6
31.7
8.9
13.1
Total
38.7
5.3
31.9
12.0
12.1
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and time lived in the U.S. (p<.001).
How well do you speak English?
Fluently
Well
Average
Poor
Male
52.7
26.1
17.1
4.1
Female
54.0
28.3
15.8
1.9
UG
59.0
26.8
12.2
2.0
Grad
52.5
27.2
16.9
3.4
Total
53.4
27.1
16.5
3.0
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
Friendship Base Refer to Question 67 of the survey.
Which statement best describes the majority of your friends?
Male
Female
People from my own country who are students at
49.1
36.0
USC
People from my own country who are not students
6.0
8.0
at USC
People from many countries, other than Americans, 10.1
10.8
who are students at USC
A mixture of American and international students
31.0
42.4
American students
3.7
2.8
UG
20.4
Grad
49.5
Total
43.5
10.2
5.7
6.8
14.1
9.2
10.3
47.6
7.8
33.4
2.1
36.1
3.3
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and description of friends (p<.001) and between sex
and description of friends (p<.01).
Student Involvement Refer to Questions 68 through 71 and Question 72 of the survey, respectively.
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Nationality clubs?
Male
Female
UG
Grad
Yes
26.6
26.6
34.0
24.9
No
73.4
73.4
66.0
75.1
Total
26.6
73.4
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
27
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Sports/Recreation clubs?
Male
Female
UG
Grad
Yes
22.6
16.6
28.3
17.8
No
77.4
83.4
71.7
82.2
Total
19.9
80.1
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and participation in student organizations that are
sports/recreation clubs (p<.001) and between sex and participation in student organizations that are sports/recreation clubs (p<.05).
Forty percent of first year students participated in student organizations that are sports/recreation clubs.
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Religious clubs?
Male
Female
UG
Grad
Yes
12.8
11.2
10.8
12.7
No
87.2
88.8
89.2
87.3
Total
12.0
88.0
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Academic clubs?
Male
Female
UG
Grad
Yes
21.0
26.0
33.2
20.5
No
79.0
74.0
66.8
79.5
Total
23.4
76.6
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and participation in student organizations that are
academic clubs (p<.001).
Do you have an On-Campus job?
Male
Yes
34.8
No
65.2
Female
26.7
73.3
UG
13.7
86.3
Grad
36.8
63.2
Total
31.3
68.7
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and having an on-campus job (p<.001) and between
sex and having an on-campus job (p<.01).
Feeling Comfortable/Discrimination Refer to Questions 80 and 74 of the survey.
While on campus, I am able to purchase the food that I want to eat.
Male
Female
UG
Always
25.3
20.1
24.6
Often
23.4
23.4
27.5
Sometimes
25.1
32.2
26.6
Rarely
20.1
17.3
15.9
Never
6.0
7.1
5.3
Grad
22.4
22.4
28.8
19.5
6.9
Total
23.1
23.3
28.0
19.2
6.4
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
Have you been treated unfairly by your teachers or professors because you are an international
student?
Male
Female
UG
Grad
Total
Yes
7.5
15.4
16.7
9.4
11.1
No
92.5
84.5
83.3
90.6
88.9
**All results are reported as percentages within the column.
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and being treated unfairly because of international
status and between sex and being treated unfairly because of international status (p<.001).
Twenty-eight (27.7) percent of third-year undergraduates have been treated unfairly by teachers because of their international status.
28
Help-Seeking Behavior Refer to Question 75 of the survey.
“In general, when you are experiencing problems, which USC office are you most likely to go to
first to seek help?”
5.7
Male
36.5
25.7
7.5
1.4
23.2
24.2
Female
5.5
4.5
4.4
UG
Grad
0
32.5
8.5
24.9
23.9
22.4
6.8
6.3
12.7
29.8
30.4
7.7
33.2
22.4
Office of International Services
Departmental Academic Advisor
Student Health Center
Student Counseling Services
Housing Resident Advisor
I do not seek help at USC
There is a statistically significant difference between undergraduate and graduate students and where they go to seek help and between sex and
where they go to seek help (p<.001).
Within the last 12 months, I have talked about personal concerns with:
A medical healthcare professional (physician,
nurse, physician assistant, nurse practitioner)
A traditional, non-western medical healthcare
professional (acupuncturist, herbalist)
A mental healthcare professional (psychologist,
social worker, psychiatrist)
A community or religious leader
Male
19.5
Female
34.3
UG
26.8
Grad
25.8
Total
26.2
2.9
9.0
7.2
5.0
5.6
3.3
7.8
5.2
5.2
5.3
3.9
6.3
7.2
4.3
5.0
**Only “yes” responses are reported as percentages within the column. Participants who did not answer all the 4 questions were excluded.
There is a statistically significant difference between sex and students discussing their personal concerns with a medical professional, a nonwestern medical professional (p<.001), and a mental health professional (p<.01).
29
Limitations
Surveys are only useful to the extent that they reflect the opinions of the student population. While we have
documented the sample representativeness of the international students on the USC University Park Campus
in terms of demographics and college major, the degree of representativeness in terms of health-related
attitudes and opinions is unknown. The survey results do correlate to similar studies completed by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Monitoring the Future, and the American College Health
Association. When a survey includes questions on sensitive subjects such as drug use and sexuality, there is
always the possibility that a response bias has influenced the results. However, the literature shows that an
anonymous health behavior survey, such as the ACHA-NCHA, gives the respondent an opportunity to share
more accurate information than may otherwise be provided. In general, the best way to minimize the chances
of a response bias is to achieve a high response rate. The response rate of approximately sixteen percent
achieved in these surveys is in alignment with the steady downward trend of response rates over the past few
years. However, unsuccessful email delivery and bounced messages may have led to this year’s low
response rate. As such, the response rate is not of sufficient size to ensure representativeness on all
important factors. Therefore, until further research is done, the results described in this report should be
regarded as preliminary research data.
Conclusion
USC prides itself on being a pluralistic, global institution that is home to more international students than any
other American university. By selecting to survey the international student population for this year’s report,
HPPS acknowledges that international students face different challenges than domestic students, but also
have unique opportunities. It is crucial then, to look at the health related attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions
of international students to determine if their specific needs are being met, and what USC can do better to
make this their home away from home. This report paints a picture of the health-related experience of
international students while at USC. Most students reported their general health as being excellent, very
good, or good. Despite being in generally good health, students reported specific health related behaviors or
concerns, such as stress and inadequate sleep, which impeded their academic performance. In addition, the
vast majority of students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do and exhausted (not from physical activity) at
least once in the past year. Perhaps most tellingly, when international students are facing problems, the
Office of International Services was the most likely destination students reported to seek help. While the
reason for this is unclear, it may be because this is the department with which international students are most
familiar, feel most comfortable at, and know that they can go for help. It is necessary to both provide the
Office of International Services with resources they can use to better assist these students and to make
available services on campus more familiar and welcoming to the international student population. Ultimately,
collaborating with various departments on campus, particularly the Office of International Services, will allow
us to best reach, and ultimately serve our large international student population here at USC.
30
References
ACHA-NCHA website: www.acha-ncha.org
Health Promotion and Prevention Services website: www.usc.edu/hpps
Student Counseling Services website: www.usc.edu/scs
Student Medical Services website: www.usc.edu/healthcenter
Healthy Trojans website: www.wellness.usc.edu
If you have any questions about this document and/or the data presented please call 213-740-4777 or email
[email protected].
Acknowledgments
This report would not have been possible without the contributions, dedication, and patience of the following
individuals:
Michael Jackson, Vice President of Student Affairs
Tony Tambascia, Assistant Dean of Students and Executive Director, Office of International Services
Anne Kaufman, Business Manager, Office of International Services
Rebecca Peterson, International Student Advisor,
Larry Neinstein, Executive Director, University Park Health Center
Paula Swinford, Director, Health Promotion and Prevention Services
Brittney Stewart, Undergraduate Assistant, Health Promotion and Prevention Services
Natasha Mmeje, Health Educator, Health Promotion and Prevention Services
Lauren Perez, Intern, Health Promotion and Prevention Services
Ali Fahmy, Director, Student Outcomes Research
Ray Gonzalez, Senior Director, Research and Reporting
A special thanks to the entire Health Promotion and Prevention Services staff, including the Peer Health
Educators (PHEs) for their continued support and feedback. And finally, thank you to all the students who
sent in completed surveys; your efforts help us to serve you better.
31
Appendix A
Additional Questions
1.
How long have you lived in the U.S.?
A. Less than 6 months
B. 6 months to 1 year
C. More than 1 year to less than 3 years
D. More than 3 year to less than 5 years
E. 5 years or more
2.
Which statement best describes the majority of your friends?
A. People from my own country who are students at USC
B. People from my own country who are not students at USC
C. People from many countries, other than Americans, who are students at USC
D. A mixture of American and international students
E. American students
3.
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Nationality clubs?
A. Yes
B. No
4.
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Sports/Recreation clubs?
A. Yes
B. No
5.
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Religious clubs?
A. Yes
B. No
6.
Do you participate in any student organizations that are Academic clubs?
A. Yes
B. No
7.
Do you have an On-Campus job?
A. Yes
B. No
8.
How well do you speak English?
A. Fluently
B. Well
C. Average
D. Poor
9.
Have you been treated unfairly by your teachers or professors because you are an international student?
A. Yes
B. No
10. In general, when you are experiencing problems, which USC office are you most likely go to first to seek
help?
A. Office of International Services
B. Student Counseling Services
C. Student Health Center
D. Housing Resident Advisor
E. Departmental Academic Advisor
F. I do not seek help at USC when I am experiencing problems
32
11. Within the last 12 months, have you talked about personal concerns with a medical healthcare professional
(for example: Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, Nurse)?
A. Yes
B. No
12. Within the last 12 months, have you talked about personal concerns with a traditional non-western
medicine healthcare professional other than (for example: Acupuncturist, Herbalist)?
A. Yes
B. No
13. Within the last 12 months, have you talked about personal concerns with a mental healthcare professional
(for example: Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, Psychiatrist)?
A. Yes
B. No
14. Within the last 12 months, have you talked about personal concerns with a community or religious leader?
A. Yes
B. No
15. While on campus, I am able to purchase the food that I want to eat.
A. Always
B. Often
C. Sometimes
D. Rarely
E. Never
33
Appendix B
Representativeness of the 2009 Sample
DESCRIPTOR
Class
All Students
Returned Survey
Difference
Doctoral/Masters/
Professional
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Gender
Female
Male
Ethnicity
International
Cumulative GPA by Class
Doctoral
Masters
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
71.3
79.3
8.0
6.2
5.6
7.8
8.3
6.7
4.6
5.0
4.4
0.5
-1.0
-2.8
-3.9
38.7
61.3
44.7
55.3
6.0
-6.0
100
100
0.0
22.3
49.0
6.2
5.6
7.8
8.3
26.3
53.0
6.7
4.6
5.0
4.4
4.0
4.0
0.5
-1.0
-2.8
-3.9
2.4
3.4
2.2
10.1
2.2
1.6
1.1
43.4
0.4
0.2
4.7
0.0
2.0
6.9
1.2
7.7
2.0
3.3
2.4
0.6
0.2
0.6
2.0
1.6
5.1
2.9
7.7
1.6
1.3
1.1
47.5
0.1
0.4
3.5
0.0
2.3
8.4
0.7
5.9
2.2
1.4
3.3
1.3
0.3
1.3
1.2
-0.8
1.7
0.7
-2.4
-0.6
-0.3
0.0
4.1
-0.3
0.2
-1.2
0.0
0.3
1.5
-0.5
-1.8
0.2
-1.9
0.9
0.7
0.1
0.7
-0.8
25
21.2
11.1
7.5
4.3
3.3
2.2
2.1
1.7
1.6
24.5
24.5
6.5
7.4
2.8
2.5
2.0
1.8
2.6
2.0
-0.5
3.3
-4.6
-0.1
-1.5
-0.8
-0.2
-0.3
0.9
0.4
OWNING UNIT
ACCT
ANSC
ARCH
BUAD
CNTV
DENT
EDUC
ENGR
FA
GERO
GSBA
JDPP
LASH
LASN
LASO
LASS
LAW
MUS
PPD
SOWK
THTR
SOWK
USC
CITIZENSHIP
Citizen of:
India
China
South Korea
Taiwan
Canada
Hong Kong
Japan
Indonesia
Iran
United Kingdom
34
Turkey
Singapore
Thailand
Germany
Italy
Russia
Australia
Malaysia
Brazil
France
Vietnam
Saudi Arabia
Mexico
Kuwait
Spain
Kazakhstan
Greece
Portugal
New Zealand
Philippines
Sweden
Bulgaria
Hungary
Colombia
Israel
Romania
Sri Lanka
Argentina
Jordan
Poland
Denmark
Egypt
Macau
Nigeria
Switzerland
United Arab Emigrates
Bangladesh
Chile
Netherlands
Norway
Belgium
Lebanon
Peru
South Africa
Austria
Iceland
Latvia
Morocco
Venezuela
Cyprus
Qatar
Ukraine
Bahrain
Bolivia
Cambodia
1.5
1.5
1.4
1.0
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.5
0.5
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
1.4
1.8
1.2
0.8
0.8
0.6
0.5
0.7
0.7
0.3
0.4
0.2
0.4
0.0
0.3
0.2
0.3
0.3
0.8
0.6
0.6
0.1
0.0
0.3
0.4
0.3
0.4
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.2
0.0
0.2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
-0.1
0.3
-0.2
-0.2
0.1
-0.1
-0.2
0.0
0.1
-0.3
-0.2
-0.3
-0.1
-0.4
-0.1
-0.1
0.0
0.0
0.5
0.3
0.3
-0.1
-0.2
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.2
-0.1
0.0
0.1
-0.1
0.0
-0.1
-0.1
-0.1
-0.1
-0.1
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.0
-0.1
0.1
0.1
-0.1
0.1
-0.1
-0.1
-0.1
-0.1
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
35
Costa Rica
Ethiopia
Finland
Ireland
Panama
Slovakia
Syria
Trinidad and Tobago
Armenia
Bahamas
Belize
Croatia
Czech Republic
Democratic Republic of
Vietnam
Ecuador
El Salvador
Estonia
Ghana
Jamaica
Kenya
Kyrgyzstan
Libya
Monaco
Mongolia
Netherlands
Antilles
Serbia
Serbia and Montenegro
Andorra
Angola
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Cameroon
Georgia
Honduras
Iraq
Liberia
Lithuania
Montenegro
Myanmar
(formerly Burma)
Nepal
Tanzania
Tonga
Turks and Caicos Islands
Uruguay
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.2
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.2
0.0
1.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
All results are reported as percentages except GPA.
Masters, Doctoral, and Professional students were listed as “graduate, adult special, or other”.
36