HEALTH TRENDS AMONG COLLEGE-FRESHMEN

Trends in college student health based on an annual survey of college freshmen administered for 30 consecutive years (1966-1995) at colleges and universities nationwide are described. Trends in the following ar eas are covered: (1) alcohol and drugs, (2) physical health, (3) psych ological health, and (4) sexual attitudes. Gender and institutional di fferences in health behaviors and attitudes among the 1995 class of co llege freshmen are also considered. Major trends include declines in b eer drinking and in physical and emotional self-confidence and an incr ease in stress and cigarette smoking. ''Unhealthy'' behaviors and atti tudes are reported most often by freshmen at public 2-year institution s.