Health-related characteristics and incurring credit card debt as problem behaviors among college students

Objective: Given that engaging in risky health behaviors and incurring credit card debt are associated with similar psychological constructs, we examined the relationship of smoking, drinking, exercise, and mental health to having credit card debt among college students. Methods: An online survey was administered to students at 14 Midwestern colleges in 2007. Results: Among 9,931 respondents (41.6% response rate), one-third had credit card debt. Smoking, drinking, high-risk drinking, less exercise, and poorer mental health were related to having debt, after controlling for age, gender, and type of school attended. Conclusions: Identification of common factors underlying these behaviors may inform the development of comprehensive interventions.