Health problems of college students

College health professionals deal with a range of medical problems and risky behaviors. Some medical conditions occur more frequently in the college-age population, but college health is not unique because of the types of medical problems seen. Community providers welcome the opportunity to deliver primary care to this relatively healthy population, with less emphasis on screening, intervention, mental health, social well-being, and altering unhealthy behaviors. Young people have been recognized as experiencing higher rates of morbidity, disability, and mortality from various developmental, environmental, and behavioral risk factors than the general population. These risk factors are so interrelated that successful efforts to change them require a more comprehensive approach that extends beyond the health of individuals to the wellness of an entire campus community. On the continuum of health and well-being, college health must move away from focusing on disease and move toward community wellness.