The impact of concealable chronic health conditions on college students’ academic outcomes: A two-wave study

Abstract

College students ( N = 125) with concealable chronic health conditions (CCHCs) completed online surveys at the beginning and end of the semester assessing stigma experiences and academic outcomes. Correlations showed stigma, alienation, and lack of campus fit were associated with greater illness-related academic interference ( ps < 0.001), negative academic self-comparison ( ps < 0.001), academic anxiety ( ps < 0.001), academic dissatisfaction ( ps < 0.001), and lower expected grades (except alienation; ps < 0.001–0.03) over time. Hierarchical multiple regressions identified a lack of campus fit as an important predictor across academic outcomes ( ps < 0.001–0.019). Students with CCHCs face health- and stigma-related challenges that can interfere with academic performance.