Assessment and Evaluation of Student Health Behaviors at a State-Supported Regional University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze the percent of targets achieved for 31 student objectives from eight of the topic areas of Healthy Campus 2020. The objectives chosen for critical review were based on Healthy Campus 2020 topics that were relevant to course objectives for a required general education undergraduate course on wellness. The assessment of these behaviors will be used to develop future interventions and curriculum additions aimed at increasing the health behaviors among undergraduate students and reducing the risky behaviors that might hinder their educational success. Overall, 1019 students at our university filled out the ACHA-NCHA II Survey. Our SSRU identified 12 areas of health concerns where improvements are necessary to more closely align with Healthy Campus 2020 – depression, anxiety, healthy weight, obesity, fruit/vegetable consumption, aerobic physical activity, muscle strengthening, condom and contraception use, HIV testing, nonmedical use of prescription drugs, and hookah use. The results show the institution needs to expand the emphasis on protective factors and reduce risk factors. Relaying reliable, evidence-based health information to our students is imperative in order to allow individuals to make informed choices.