The University of South Carolina participates in the National College Health Assessment through the University of South Carolina’s membership in the American College Health Association (ACHA).  This survey was developed to assist health service providers, health educators, counselors, and administrators in collecting data about the health of their students.  The NCHA was pilot tested in 1998-1999 and systematically evaluated with reliability and validity analyses comparing common survey items with national studies such as the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (CDC).

The goal of this research project is to collect data about risk and protective behaviors, perceived norms, and incidence and prevalence of a variety of health problems/conditions which may affect academic performance and retention.  Having these data helps the University of South Carolina plan programs, prioritize campus needs, allocate resources, design strategies for intervention, identify protective and risk factors associated with academic performance, and measure progress on the National Health Objectives from Healthy Campus 2010.  Healthy Carolina conducted the NCHA for the first time during the 2006 Spring semester, and will continue to conduct the assessment periodically on campus.  If you have any questions or concerns please contact:

Jessica Johnston, MPH, CPT
Director, Healthy Carolina
(803)777-4752
jessiclj@mailbox.sc.edu