Health Behaviors In College Students Research Articles

Exploring the cardiovascular health behaviors of college students and the areas that need increased public health efforts.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide among adults. Traditionally, the disease has been considered as a condition affecting older adults. However, its risk factors (e.g., poor diet, sedentary behavior, inadequate sleep, and obesity) are increasingly being identified in younger populations. There is a need to increase the evidence of CVD risk factors in this population to further support preventive programs in this demographic. This study investigates the prevalence of CVD risk factors in young adult, college students. Data was used from the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II-C. The sample included data from 426,259 students, ages 18-25. Data was reviewed on race, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, sleep, weight, and history of chronic disease. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine the prevalence of CVD risk factors. There was a notable prevalence of CVD risk factors, such as insufficient nutrition, obesity, insufficient physical activity, and inadequate sleep, among college students. CVD-related risk factors are on the rise within this demographic. There is a pressing need for the expansion of public health initiatives aimed at enhancing CVD awareness and prevention among college students.

Associations of eHealth Literacy with Social Activity among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Older adults who use digital technology are desired to adapt to digitalization and literacy. One required aspect is eHealth literacy, measured with the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Many studies on eHealth literacy have used the eHEALS to examine the health behaviors of college students, relatively younger adults, and Internet users. However, the relevance of eHealth literacy to social activity has not yet been studied in older adults. The purposes of this study were to examine the relationship between eHealth literacy and health behaviors and social activities (community, cultural, and sports activities) and to investigate the factors associated with eHEALS scores among community-dwelling older adults. The mean eHEALS score was 12.4 points (SD 8.2), with the majority (73.3%) having the lowest score (the lowest score is 8 points). Males (17.6, SD 10.5) scored significantly higher than females (11.8, SD 7.7). The eHEALS score had a significant relationship with both cultural and community activity. Five factors significantly associated with having the lowest eHEALS score were cultural activity at least once a week, no cultural activity, no community activity, total IADL score, and intellectual activity. These results suggest that eHealth literacy is associated with community activity and cultural activity among older adults.

Development of Master Chef: A Curriculum to Promote Nutrition and Mindful Eating among College Students.

Research suggests that success in improving undergraduates' diet quality can benefit from a multifaceted approach, incorporating nutrition education, mindful eating, and culinary skill-building. The current study aimed (1) to review the development of Master Chef, a mindful eating curriculum, and (2) assess its feasibility through an online expert review. Expert reviewers were recruited through an online mindful eating course. Survey questions included both Likert-style and open-ended questions. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Two independent researchers coded qualitative data, which then underwent inductive thematic analysis. Reviewers (N = 7) were experts in the fields of nutrition, psychology, and mindful eating. Master Chef's overall feasibility was rated highly. The overall curriculum was perceived positively. However, it was recommended that the program include more mindfulness. Master Chef was identified as a feasible program for improving the health behaviors of college students. Pilot dissemination and analysis will be necessary to assess the program's effectiveness in supporting disease prevention among undergraduates.

The Effect of Dental Anxiety on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and the Mediating Role of Oral Health Behaviors in College Students

The Effect of Dental Anxiety on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and the Mediating Role of Oral Health Behaviors in College Students

An Analysis of the Impact of Religious Affiliation and Strength of Religiosity on Sexual Health Practices of Sexually Active Female College Students.

Despite great strides in the development of contraceptive technologies, the United States has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the world. Religion and associated values may shape the sexual health behaviors of college students, as prior studies have aimed to determine how social factors may influence the use of contraception amongst college students. Thus, we sought to examine the differences in current contraceptive methods and the age of first contraceptive usage among sexually active female college students with different religious affiliations and strengths of religiosity. It was hypothesized that there would be no difference in current contraceptive methods among different religious affiliations and strengths of religions and that there would be a difference in the age of first contraceptive usage among different religious affiliations and strengths of religiosity. Two hundred and twenty-four college-aged females completed a 20-question survey about sexual health and religious practices. Chi-squared tests were implemented to determine the frequencies of responses across religious affiliations and strengths of religiosity. Significant differences in the frequency of responses for the age of first contraceptive usage were observed across different strengths of religiosity (p = 0.016) and for the self-perceived impact of religion on sexual health across different religious affiliations (p = 0.033) and strengths of religiosity (p = 0.005). All other differences were found not to be statistically significant. It was determined that increased strengths of religiosity resulted in delayed onset of contraceptive usage and that both different religious affiliations and greater strengths of religiosity lead to different self-perceived impacts of religion on sexual health despite low levels of current practice.

The relationship between depression, anxiety, e-health literacy, and health-promoting behavior in nursing students during COVID-19.

The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between depression, anxiety, e-health literacy (eHL), and health-promoting behaviors among nursing students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify the factors affecting health-promoting behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted online, recruiting 301 nursing students recruited from 4 universities in the Chungcheng Province and Daejeon Metropolitan City in South Korea between May 28 and June 30, 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS WIN 27.0. The general characteristics of the study participants were analyzed by frequency and percentage, and the degree of depression, anxiety, eHL, and health-promoting behaviors were calculated as averages and standard deviations. Differences in health-promoting behaviors according to general characteristics were analyzed using independent t tests and analysis of variance, and a post hoc Scheffe test was conducted. Correlations between depression, anxiety, eHL, and health-promoting behaviors were measured using Pearson correlation matrices. Stepwise multiple regression was performed to identify factors affecting health-promoting behaviors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the average level of depression and anxiety was reported to be 3.93 (4.71) and 3.40 (4.30), respectively; 33.2% of nursing students experienced more than mild depression and 29.2% experienced anxiety. The average eHL level was 3.91 (0.56), and the average of health-promoting behaviors was 2.43 (0.45). Depression was positively correlated with anxiety (R = 0.734, P < .001) and negatively correlated with health-promoting behaviors (r = -0.198, P = .001), whereas eHL had a positive correlation with health-promoting behaviors (R = 0.347, P < .001). The factors affecting health-promoting behaviors were religion (β = -0.160, standard error [SE] = 0.048), current health status (β = -0.097, SE = 0.032), frequency of searching the Internet for health-related information in a week (β = -0.070, SE = 0.026), interest in health (β = -0.191, SE = 0.039), and critical eHL (β = 0.243, SE = 0.040); the explanatory power was 27.4%. Results demonstrate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, higher depression and anxiety among nursing students decreased health-promoting behaviors, while higher eHL increased health-promoting behaviors, and eHL was a major factor affecting health-promoting behaviors. These results contribute to the provision of basic data for the development of nursing intervention programs and educational strategies that can establish correct health-promoting behaviors by managing depression and anxiety among nursing students and improving eHL.

Community-Based Participatory Research: Partnering with College Students to Develop a Tailored, Wellness-Focused Intervention for University Campuses

College students face unique challenges with leading healthful lifestyles. Using a community-based participatory research approach, college student research partners at two land-grant universities collected data and developed a tailored intervention to improve the well-being of college students. To inform the design of the program, college students were trained to conduct a needs assessment that included a campus-wide survey on the health behaviors of college students, environmental audits of health policies and food pantries on campus, and stakeholder interviews with campus health professionals. Outcomes of the needs assessment data highlighted university students ranked their health as "good" but nutrition health as "fair/poor." Low or very low food security was self-reported by 36.9% of participants and had an overall diet quality score of 47.6 ± 10.1 out of 100. Health professional interview data indicated campuses provide healthful resources to students, but students are not aware those resources exist. Utilizing the needs assessment data previously mentioned, the nominal group technique was then used for student research partners to collaboratively determine the best intervention approaches and develop a wellness program. Student partners identified (1) education, (2) sharing of campus resources, and (3) incentives as important areas of intervention. Using the data collected, the student research partners developed a program titled, The College Cooking Connection, to address health-related quality of life in college students. Using a community-based participatory research approach to program planning, educators and researchers have a greater likelihood of addressing the current needs of the population they are targeting and developing a successful intervention to meet those health concerns. This study aims to partner with young adult university students to understand the college environment and allow the target community to be involved with the development of intervention programs for their campus.

Changes in college students’ health behaviors and substance use after a brief wellness intervention during COVID-19

College students exhibit low levels of physical activity, high levels of sedentary behavior, poor dietary behaviors, sleep problems, high stress, and increased substance use. On-campus resources offering programs to improve college students’ health have been limited during the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to test a brief intervention to improve multiple health behaviors among United States college students. The intervention was a single arm repeated measures study conducted over 12 weeks, utilizing the Behavior Image Model. The intervention involved three components: a survey, a 25-minute wellness specialist consult with a peer health coach, and a 15-minute goal planning session. Follow-up measures were completed at 2-, 6-, and 12-weeks post session to assess changes in wellness behaviors. Linear mixed effects models for repeated measures were used to analyze the association between intervention implementation on within-subject changes in physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet, general health, emotional wellness, and substance use. A total of 121 participants enrolled in the study and 90 (74.4%) completed the health coach session (71% female). At first follow-up, statistically significant increases were observed in vigorous physical activity days/week (coef. = 0.5,95%CI: 0.2,0.9), moderate physical activity days/week (coef. = 0.7, 95%CI: 0.2,1.1), general health (coef. = 4.8,95%CI: 2.1, 7.5), and emotional wellness (coef. = 8.6,95%CI: 5.8, 11.3). Statistically significant decreases in cannabis use (coef. = -2.3,95%CI:-4.1, −0.5) and alcohol consumption (coef. = -2.5,95%CI: −3.7,-1.3) were observed. Many of these changes were sustained at second and third follow-up. This brief wellness intervention shows promise to positively influence multiple health behaviors in college students.

The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors in U.S. college students

Objective To investigate COVID-19’s impact on college student health behaviors. Participants 189 college students. Methods Participants completed an online survey on behaviors relating to sleep, sedentary activities, and physical activity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparisons utilized Students’ dependent t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results There was an increase in time to fall asleep (before: 23.4 ± 18.0 vs. during: 42.8 ± 44.3 min·day−1, p < 0.001), time spent in bed (before: 7.8 ± 1.5 vs. during: 8.5 ± 1.5 hr·day−1, p < 0.001), as well as shifts in later bed and awake time (p < 0.001). Total sedentary time increased during the pandemic (before: 9.0 ± 3.8 vs. during: 9.9 ± 4.1 hr·day−1, p = 0.016); and time spent using a TV, computer, or phone (before: 3.1 ± 1.9 vs. during: 4.2 ± 2.3 hr·day−1, p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in moderate-vigorous activity (before: 123.8 ± 96.0 vs. during: 108.9 ± 75.5 min·week−1, p = 0.028) and resistance training days (before: 2.4 ± 2.1 vs. during: 1.7 ± 2.1 days·week−1, p < 0.001). Conclusions COVID-19 negatively influenced health behaviors in college students.

Hassle Exposure and Reactivity Links with Obesogenic Health Behaviors.

Objectives: In this study, we explored associations between daily "hassles" (irritating inconveniences) and obesogenic health behaviors of college students. Methods: Students (N = 406, 62% female) completed a survey including the 5-point Brief College Student Hassle Scale which quantifies hassles experienced in the last month in 9 domains (eg, preparing meals, exercising, adequate sleep) and hassle reactivity (ie, upset from hassles), with scores categorized as low (< 2.5), moderate (≥ 2.5 to ≤ 3.5), or high (> 3.5). Results: Females had significantly (p < .05) greater hassles in all domains than males, except for work, personal relationships, and living environment. ANOVA revealed both sexes in the high hassle exposure groups tended to have poorer eating behaviors than the low hassle exposure group. Additionally, high hassle exposure females and males slept less, and had poorer sleep quality, satisfaction with life, and physical and mental health than lower hassle exposure groups. Multiple linear regression analyses examining associations of hassle exposures and hassle reactivity with each health behavior, adjusted for sex and body mass index, revealed all models were statistically significant, except fruit and vegetable intake. Conclusions: Lower hassle during college is associated with healthier weight-related behaviors and better health status. Future nutrition interventions targeting college students may be strengthened by incorporating strategies for effectively coping with daily hassles.

Health Behaviors of College Students with Mental Health Conditions

Health Behaviors of College Students with Mental Health Conditions

Mediation Analysis of the Relationships between God Locus of Control and Health Behaviors in College Students

The aim of this research was to examine whether self-efficacy, social support, congregational social support, or divine support mediate the relationship between college students’ religious/spiritual health locus of control and health behaviors of physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and dietary fat intake. Participants included 838 college students at two public universities in the southeastern United States that completed online surveys of God locus of health control, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and dietary fat and self-efficacy, social support, congregational social support, and divine support. Mediation was tested with product of coefficients approach. Results showed that congregational social support mediated the relationship between God locus of health control and physical activity. There was no evidence of mediation for any of the other health behaviors or mediators. Individuals that utilize God as a health source for locus of control have higher perceived religious social coping and support, which relates to their physical activity behaviors. Implications are for health and fitness practitioners within settings that incorporate faith, congregations, and social interaction.

Pathways among masculinity, femininity, and health behaviors in emerging adulthood

The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) is a widely-used measure of psychological masculinity, femininity, and androgyny (Bem in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 54, 196–205, 1977). Psychological androgyny is correlated with a host of positive outcomes, including self-esteem (Buckley and Carter in Sex Roles, 53, 647–661, 2005) and social adjustment (Markstrom-Adams in Sex Roles, 21, 325-340, 1989). However, little work has explored how gender role orientation relates to overall and risky health behaviors in college students. This study was designed to examine the potential pathways among gender role orientation, adaptability, and health behaviors in a sample of emerging adults. The sample included 199 students (mean age = 19.7 years) recruited from a mid-sized regional university in the Southwest U.S. Participants completed an online survey that included measures of gender role orientation, adaptability, physical health, and risky health behaviors. Quantitative analyses revealed that higher levels of masculinity and femininity predicted more positive health behaviors among both college men and women. Implications for emerging adult populations are discussed.

Narcissistic grandiosity and risky health behaviors in college students

Objective This study explored associations between narcissistic grandiosity (including its component traits) and reported risky health behaviors in college students. Participants: College men and women (N = 122) participated between December 2015 and January 2016. Methods: Participants completed self-report measures of grandiosity, alcohol consumption, number of sex partners, and condom use. Results: Grandiosity was positively associated with alcohol consumption. Gender interacted with grandiose traits, driving associations with reported sexual behaviors. College men high in entitlement/exploitativeness reported more sex partners. Grandiose exhibitionism was associated with condom use among women but not men, such that college women higher in grandiose exhibitionism were more likely to report not using a condom with their most recent partner. Conclusions: Grandiosity (and grandiose traits) may influence health behavior and/or the reporting of health behavior in college students, but associations may differ for men and women.

Sleep, Nutrition, Disordered Eating, Problematic Tobacco and Alcohol Use, and Exercise in College Students With and Without Diabetes.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the health behaviors of college students with diabetes and compare behaviors to college students without diabetes. This descriptive study used the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II and included 1,216 students between ages 18 and 24. Health behaviors related to sleep, nutrition, disordered eating, problematic tobacco and alcohol use, and exercise were examined. Students with diabetes (n = 528) reported a higher frequency of meeting exercise recommendations and less healthy behaviors related to nutrition and problematic tobacco and alcohol use. Both groups of students reported inadequate sleep. Students with diabetes reported more academic problems due to sleep difficulties, disordered eating, and problematic alcohol use. Health behaviors in both groups showed similar needs for improvement. Nurses are in a position to guide new, prospective, and continuing college students with diabetes in practicing behaviors associated with positive health outcomes. Opportunities for interventions are numerous. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(12), 23-32.].

Gender Differences in Any-Source Caffeine and Energy Drink Use and Associated Adverse Health Behaviors.

Background: The majority of college students report caffeine use with many using caffeine daily. Energy drink (ED) use, in particular, is common among college students, and numerous studies link these heavily caffeinated drinks to a variety of adverse consequences including substance use and risky behaviors. However, little is known about correlations between any-source caffeine use and other substance use and problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patterns of caffeine use and examine the relationships between caffeine, in general, and EDs specifically, and adverse health behaviors in college students. Methods: We used data from a longitudinal study of alcohol use and health-related outcomes to assess caffeine, alcohol, nonprescription drug, and tobacco use and symptoms of alcohol dependence in 1958 freshmen from a mid-Atlantic university during Fall 2012. We compared adverse health behaviors between caffeine users and nonusers and ED users and nonusers. Data were evaluated separately in men and women. Results: While women reported significantly more caffeine use than men, men reported more ED use. EDs, regardless of frequency of use, were associated with all adverse health behaviors, but only in female students. Similarly, daily any-source caffeine use was significantly associated with alcohol, nonprescription drug, and tobacco use in female students, but in men, the association was less robust. Conclusions: This research shows that caffeine use is prevalent among college students, and, in female students, is associated with alcohol, nonprescription drug, and tobacco use and alcohol dependence symptoms. Interventions aimed at promoting healthy behaviors may be especially useful in this population.

Mindfulness and health behaviors in college students: The moderating role of sleep

Objective: To examine the moderating effects of subjective sleep quality (SSQ) and sleep duration on the relationships between mindfulness and health behaviors (i.e. nutrition and exercise) among undergraduate students. The unique influence of the five facets (i.e. factors) of mindfulness (i.e. observing, describing, acting with awareness, nonreactivity to inner experience and nonjudging of inner experience) on students’ health behaviors was also explored. Participants: Three hundred fifty seven undergraduate students enrolled in U.S. colleges. Methods: Students completed an online survey. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine whether SSQ moderated the relationship between mindfulness and nutrition behavior. Results: SSQ moderated the relationship between mindfulness and nutrition behavior. The observe facet of mindfulness was the most predictive of nutrition behavior, whereas the observe and describe facets were the most predictive of exercise behavior. Conclusions: Interventions that target mindfulness and sleep quality may help promote healthy eating and increased exercise engagement in college students.

Effect of a Counseling Session Bolstered by Text Messaging on Self-Selected Health Behaviors in College Students: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundThe college experience is often the first time when young adults live independently and make their own lifestyle choices. These choices affect dietary behaviors, exercise habits, techniques to deal with stress, and decisions on sleep time, all of which direct the trajectory of future health. There is a need for effective strategies that will encourage healthy lifestyle choices in young adults attending college.ObjectiveThis preliminary randomized controlled trial tested the effect of coaching and text messages (short message service, SMS) on self-selected health behaviors in the domains of diet, exercise, stress, and sleep. A second analysis measured the ripple effect of the intervention on health behaviors not specifically selected as a goal by participants.MethodsFull-time students aged 18-30 years were recruited by word of mouth and campuswide advertisements (flyers, posters, mailings, university website) at a small university in western Pennsylvania from January to May 2015. Exclusions included pregnancy, eating disorders, chronic medical diagnoses, and prescription medications other than birth control. Of 60 participants, 30 were randomized to receive a single face-to-face meeting with a health coach to review results of behavioral questionnaires and to set a health behavior goal for the 8-week study period. The face-to-face meeting was followed by SMS text messages designed to encourage achievement of the behavioral goal. A total of 30 control subjects underwent the same health and behavioral assessments at intake and program end but did not receive coaching or SMS text messages.ResultsThe texting app showed that 87.31% (2187/2505) of messages were viewed by intervention participants. Furthermore, 28 of the 30 intervention participants and all 30 control participants provided outcome data. Among intervention participants, 22 of 30 (73%) showed improvement in health behavior goal attainment, with the whole group (n=30) showing a mean improvement of 88% (95% CI 39-136). Mean improvement in any behavioral domains was not seen in the control group. Intervention participants also increased their exercise significantly compared with controls, regardless of their self-selected goal category. The increased exercise was paralleled by significantly lower fasting glucose levels.ConclusionsThe health coaching session plus tailored SMS text messages improved self-selected health behaviors with a modest ripple effect to include unselected health behaviors.Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT02476604; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02476604 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6qAAryS5t)

Wellness Characteristics of College Freshmen at West Virginia University

ObjectiveTo determine baseline wellness characteristics of students participating in a community‐based participatory research intervention to reduce obesity among college students.MethodsAn online‐based survey was offered during the first four weeks of the Fall 2016 semester. The survey was available to all students, however freshmen received a $5 incentive for taking the survey and their responses were kept for analysis. The survey was distributed through in‐person tabling, flyering and requests to faculty members to share with students. The survey included questions to determine fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity level, stress score, and sleep hours. BMI was determined through self‐reported height and weight. Each student received their results in a personalized wellness report card that documented their health scores compared with the campus average and general recommendations, as well as health improvement tips.ResultsTotal respondents (n=360) were 69% female and ethnic diversity (83% Caucasian, 6% African American, 4% Asian, 3% Hispanic, 4% other) was similar to the total university population. Respondents had an average fruit and vegetable consumption of 3 serving per day (2.71± 2.25 SD), a physical activity level (IPAQ) of 3224 (3.224.40± 2652.6 SD), a stress score of 25 (24.92±7.91 SD) out of 50, averaged 7 hours of sleep (6.95± 1.13 SD) and the campus have an average BMI of 24 (24.22±4.41 SD). Participants were asked if they identified themselves as being from the Appalachian region (n= 114). Those who self‐ identified as Appalachian had a FV consumption of 3 servings per day (2.97± 2.24 SD), a PA level of 3381 (3381± 2755.3 SD), a stress score of 25 (24.54± 8.40 SD), an average of 7 (6.99± 1.41 SD) sleep hours and a BMI of 24 (24.12± 4.41 SD). Scores of self‐ identified Appalachian students' health behaviors were not statically significant different than the general student population.ConclusionSurvey results provide insight into the health behaviors of college students. As Appalachian populations are often at higher risk of health disparities, having Appalachian students with similar health behaviors to the general population suggest a possible protective factor of high educational attainment.Support or Funding InformationThis abstract is based upon work that is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2014‐67001‐21851.

Improving Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Uptake in College Students: A Socioecological Perspective

ABSTRACTBackground: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates remain relatively low, despite new recommendations found in Healthy People 2020. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine vaccination rates, identify factors that influenced initiation/continuance of HPV vaccine series, and identify levels of influence for HPV health behaviors in college students. Methods: Two hundred first- and second-year college students completed an online survey to determine HPV knowledge, vaccine perceptions/behaviors, and Health Education sources. The socioecological model provided a framework to examine students’ responses regarding sources of influence for current and future health behaviors and vaccine uptake. Results: Forty-eight percent reported receiving the HPV vaccine, yet only 7 out of 36 males had been vaccinated. Students indicated being most influenced by community/organizational factors such as physicians (79.5%), mother (75%), and father (36%). Discussion: Gender and ethnicity were found to be predictive of vaccine uptake, whereas HPV knowledge did not independently contribute to vaccination rates. Students reported primarily preferring to hear about sexual health issues from school classes or lectures, a health care provider, media sources, or family members. Translation to Health Education Practice: Results highlight the importance of moving beyond HPV intervention strategies that function only to improve knowledge and include components that address various levels of influence.