Abstract
Background: Emphasis is currently placed on the importance of employee and student wellness initiatives. The aim was to assess staff and student health status at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Stellenbosch University (SU), and to conduct a wellness needs assessment.Methods: Online, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data concerning staff and students. Additionally, students’ anthropometric and biochemical parameters were assessed. Summary statistics, correlation coefficients and appropriate analysis of variance were used for data analyses.Results: Data were obtained from staff (survey: n = 300) and students (screening: n = 536; survey: n = 330). Some 58% (n = 174) of staff had a self-reported BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 whilst mean screening values for all variables fell within normal reference ranges for students. In all, 78% (n = 232) of staff reported to exercise 150 min/week and 28% (n = 91) of students were sedentary for 8 h/day; 63% (n = 188) of staff expressed the need to make better food choices, 17% (n = 55) of students were aware of the need to change but experienced reluctance, and both staff and students felt dietary assistance would be beneficial (43% vs. 46%). In addition, 79% of staff (n = 208) and 42% of students (n = 138) reported being under constant pressure.Conclusion: Much can be done to improve the health and well-being of both staff and students at the FMHS, SU. Wellness is a multifactorial concept; as such, health-promotional strategies for classrooms and workplaces should consider all factors in order to provide a holistic approach and potentially identify those who are at risk of a sub-optimal wellness status.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines wellness as the absence of illness but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.[1]
Wellness is a multifactorial concept; as such, health-promotional strategies for classrooms and workplaces should consider all factors in order to provide a holistic approach and potentially identify those who are at risk of a sub-optimal wellness status
Wellness is a multifaceted concept that incorporates seven dimensions, namely social, emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, environmental and occupational wellness.[2]. These aspects are believed to be a worthy focus for employee and student wellness programmes, as they exist as a holistic model wherein the diverse dimensions are interdependent.[1]
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines wellness as the absence of illness but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.[1]. From the standpoint of an employee, is each dimension of wellness important, but the ability to balance these dimensions is fundamental.[3] Employees of an organisation should have access to wellness programmes, along with incentives that encourage participation. This change in behaviour can be beneficial in improving organisational culture,[4] decreasing absenteeism, reducing medical costs and improving well-being of employees.[5]. Some 58% (n = 174) of staff had a self-reported BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 whilst mean screening values for all variables fell within normal reference ranges for students. Wellness is a multifactorial concept; as such, health-promotional strategies for classrooms and workplaces should consider all factors in order to provide a holistic approach and potentially identify those who are at risk of a sub-optimal wellness status
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