Comparative Analysis of Self-Reported Wellness Levels of International Students within a University in India

Abstract

This study explored the self-reported wellness of postgraduate students studying in an International University located in South Eastern India. From a large university population, with three distinct hostel arrangements, the one hostel with a co-educational population was purposively sampled. A questionnaire based on five dimensions of wellness was administered to predominantly postgraduate students (N=50) with an equal number of males (n=25) and females (n=25) and ages ranging from 30 to 45 years. The participants represented a diverse range of nationalities, including the majority from Nepal (n=16); Ethiopia (n=15); Afghanistan (n=7); Iran (n=5); Guyana (n=3); and 1 each from Botwana, Brazil, Rawana and South Africa (n=4). Results from the self-reported height and weight indicated the cohort was predominantly in the normal Body Mass Index range (n=32); some overweight (n=14); few underweight (n=3) and one person obese. All five individual dimensions of emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual were skewed towards 'high' or 'good' levels of wellness. The amalgamated scores provided a comprehensive wellness score with 'highest level' (n=29) and 'good' (n=21). Implications of this study includes informing future programs to support the wellness and wellbeing of multicultural postgraduate students in international contexts.