The impact of part-time employment on students' health : a Georgian case

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: During the university studies, students not only acquire knowledge but are actively involved in various activities and part-time employment. Students employment may have effects on their physical or mental health as well as learning performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between part-time working, health and academic performance.

METHOD: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted in Caucasus University (Georgia).

RESULTS: The majority of the undergraduate students (61%) had part-time jobs. The average duration of the working hours was 18 hours in a week. Most of the students (76%) believed that the main reason for employment was financial necessity to earn additional income to support their families and payment of expenses incurred. Most students have chosen simple part-time jobs that did not relevance for future career. According to the students, their sleep disturbance reasons was the difficulty of combining work and study, which has a negative effect on their physical and mental health, and therefore on academic performance (44%).

CONCLUSION: Universities must implement flexible, accessible and targeted supporting activities in achieving their educational and career goals. Increasing awareness of mental and physical health issues could also be delivered to students to enhance their experience.