Exploring the impact of depression, stress, and sleep disturbances on academic success in international college students

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/x8d6rf31

Keywords:

international college students, mental health, depression, anxiety, COVID-19, sleep disturbances, academic impediments

Abstract

Depression, stress, and sleep issues significantly affect international college students' success. This study examines the link between depression and various academic, mental health, and demographic factors. Data from the American College Health Association's 2022 National College Health Assessment of 13,242 international students were analyzed. 92.7% of students with moderate to high stress reported depression (χ² = 677.038, p < 0.001), and 52.2% reported sleep issues linked to depression (χ² = 2075.076, p < 0.001). Academic stress affected 82.7%, and anxiety affected 79.8% of students (p < 0.001). Higher depression rates were found among female students (67.9% vs. 32.1% for males; p <0.001), and 20.9% of those facing COVID-19 challenges reported depression. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions to support international students' stress, sleep issues, and academic pressures, promoting their success and well-being.

Author Biographies

  • Kruti S. Chaliawala, Boise State University, USA

    KRUTI S. CHALIAWALA, PhD, CHES® is an Assistant Professor at Boise State University, where she is committed to bridging the divide between international and domestic students and creating an environment that allows all students to thrive. Her research interests encompass mental health, sexual health, health disparities among international students, and the psychosocial determinants of health behaviors in adolescents and young adults. Email: krutichaliawala@boisestate.edu,ORCID: 0000-0002-4048-5052

  • Rebecca A. Vidourek, University of Cincinnati, USA

    Dr. Rebecca A. Vidourek is a Health Promotion and Education Professor at the University of Cincinnati. She is also the HPE graduate Program Coordinator and the Health Education Health Promotion Concentration Director for the Master of Public Health program. Her research emphases include child/adolescent health promotion, substance abuse prevention, suicide prevention, positive youth development, school health education, and violence prevention. 

  • Keith A. King, University of Cincinnati, USA

    Dr. Keith A. King is a Professor and Director of the Center for Prevention Science. His research emphases include adolescent health promotion, suicide, violence and substance abuse prevention, mental health promotion, sexual health, survey development, and program evaluation. 

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2025-07-02

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Vol. 15 No. 7 (2025): Journal of International Students

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Chaliawala, K. S., Vidourek, R. A., & King, K. A. . (2025). Exploring the impact of depression, stress, and sleep disturbances on academic success in international college students. Journal of International Students, 15(7), 85-108. https://doi.org/10.32674/x8d6rf31