Exploring the quality of life and academic success of students at a university in the Western Cape

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorMatlapeng, Tshiamo
dc.contributor.authorMiya, Faeez Aref
dc.contributor.authorMfundisi, Tandolwethu
dc.contributor.authorMalema, Makhaya
dc.contributor.authorMoeketse, Kelello
dc.date.accessioned2025-10-13T07:53:19Z
dc.date.available2025-10-13T07:53:19Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractBackground: This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of first-year students adapting to university life. University life encompasses various dimensions impacting individuals' health and wellness. Wellness comprises seven components, namely, physical, mental, spiritual, occupational, emotional, social, and environmental wellness. The present study rests on the premise that students may struggle, which will not only affect their quality of life but rather have knock-on effects and implications on their academic performance. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore and describe students' perceived quality of life and its influence on their academic success at a university in the Western Cape. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive qualitative study was conducted at the University of the Western Cape. The study involved twelve participants who were first-year students in the Community and Health Science faculty. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Interviews were transcribed manually and through the use of AI software. Themes were analyzed using the Braun and Clarke framework. Results: The findings of the study revealed that students use various coping mechanisms, which can be categorized into sports participation, social support, and academic planning. These strategies help manage the transition from high school to university and promote a better quality of life. Coping strategies are adopted to manage the challenges during their academic journey. These challenges may be increased workload, how students manage their schedules, and their ability to be independent. These factors play a critical role in academic success, which is further determined by the academic process needs, the institutional support provided through available programs, and the access of students to basic needs or lack thereof.
dc.identifier.citationMatlapeng, T., Miya, F.A., Mfundisi, T., Malema, M. and Moeketse, K., 2025. Exploring the Quality of Life and Academic Success of Students at a University in the Western Cape. The Open Public Health Journal, 18(1).
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.2174/0118749445376523250407064042
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/21067
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherBentham Science Publishers
dc.subjectAcademic Stress
dc.subjectCoping Mechanisms
dc.subjectQuality of Life
dc.subjectStudent Wellness
dc.subjectAcademic Performance.
dc.titleExploring the quality of life and academic success of students at a university in the Western Cape
dc.typeArticle

Files

Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Thumbnail Image
Name:
matlapeng_exploring_the_quality_of_life_2025.pdf
Size:
328.42 KB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.71 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed upon to submission
Description:
Download

Collections

Research Articles (Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science)