Health Behavior Patterns Among First-Year and Non-First Year College Students Attending a North Carolina Historically Black University

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to conduct a baseline investigation of self-rated health behavior and quality of life among first-year and non-first-year college students. The authors used a quality of life questionnaire that was designed to gauge college students' health status, lifestyle, mental health, and living conditions. Results from this study were indicated that there were significan differences among health behavior patterns between first-year and non-first-year college students. Most importantly, this study provides compelling information regarding the physical and psychological health behaviors among a mostly African American student population who attended a historical Black university in North Carolina. Implications for university student personnel, counselors, and faculty are discussed.