Healthy Campus Research Articles

Puppies, Plants, Painting, and Popcorn: Evaluation of an Integrated Outreach Program

ABSTRACT As significant numbers of university students report high levels of stress, post-secondary institutions are seeking accessible mental health and wellness supports. The outreach program presented integrates therapy dogs, therapeutic horticulture, and art making interventions. Over 170 participants completed questionnaires surveying demographic variables, frequency of attendance and engagement, and self-reported reductions in stress and anxiety. Open-ended questions explored students’ program experience, their explanations for stress reductions, and recommendations for the program. The vast majority of participants reported a considerable decrease in stress and indicated that the program helped them destress, feel calmer and more relaxed, reduced their anxiety, and helped them feel more in control of their emotions. Participant recommendations included investing in expansion, further development and adequate resourcing of the program. Findings highlight the potential of integrated wellness initiatives to support large and diverse groups of students while decreasing support stigma and contributing to healthy campus goals.

RETRACTED: A comparative analysis of BMI and physical fitness index between Han and minority college students in Guangxi

To understand the physical condition and change rule of undergraduate students of different nationalities in Guangxi in their four-year life, and to provide basis for Han and minority students to formulate measures to enhance their physical condition and prevent physical decline. By using the methods of literature review and mathematical statistics, the monitoring data of 3314 students of Grade 2015 from Guangxi University of Science and Technology with complete 4-year physical fitness test results were analyzed. 14.45% of the freshmen had normal BMI and the seniors did not meet the standard. 21.03% of the freshmen and seniors did not meet the BMI standard. 10.29% of freshmen whose BMI is not up to standard and seniors are normal; 54.22% of the freshmen and seniors had normal BMI. The differences in height, weight and vital capacity between Han students and minority students are statistically significant. On the whole, the physique of Han students is better than that of minority students. The physical changes of Han students and minority students in 4 years have their own characteristics. It is an effective way to promote the physical health of college students of different nationalities to continuously study and improve the methods and means of physical health monitoring, strengthen the exchange and mutual learning of national cultures, and advocate a healthy campus cultural atmosphere.

Determining the healthfulness of an Irish Higher Education Institute (HEI) using the Healthy Campus Environment Audit (HCEA) tools

Determining the healthfulness of an Irish Higher Education Institute (HEI) using the Healthy Campus Environment Audit (HCEA) tools

Food Next Door: From Food Literacy to Citizenship on a College Campus.

Industrial agriculture and food corporations have produced an abundance of food that is highly processed, nutritionally poor, and environmentally burdensome. As part of a healthy campus initiative, generated to address these and other food production and consumption dilemmas, a student-run “local and sustainable” food establishment called Food Next Door (FND) was created. This intrinsic case study evaluated food literacy in health science students, faculty, and staff first as a pilot to build the case for FND and further explicated customers’, volunteers’, and leads’ experiences with FND, identifying potential pathways from food literacy to citizenship. Ten returning customers, eight recurring nutrition student volunteers, and three graduate student leads participated in interviews that were analyzed for themes and subthemes. The findings show a progression in themes. Customers’ experiences highlight FND’s fresh, flavorful food, smiling and supportive staff, and personal transformation. Volunteers’ themes identified greater awareness of new foods and plant-based eating, acquiring new knowledge and skills in commercial kitchens, and deepening their connection to food, each other, and to where food comes from. Leads’ themes show opportunities to gain managerial skills, a deeper understanding of food and skills from being immersed in value-based food systems, and confidence in peer teaching. Experiencing and becoming part of the food value chain through FND built food literacy, shifted values, and transformed students into food citizens.

Assessment of the Food and Physical Activity Environment on a University Campus

Large percentages of college students are reported to be overweight and sedentary and do not consume the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. These outcomes can be influenced by the students’ environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of healthfulness and environmental supports on Rutgers University’s Cook Campus (RU)—one of the five Rutgers campuses—by examining campus food and physical activity environment, and related policies. As a part of the nationwide Get Fruved study on over 90 college/university campuses, the Healthy Campus Environmental Audit (HCEA) instrument was used to assess dining establishments, vending machines, recreational environment, and policies at RU. RU scores were compared to the original scales and to the average of the other Get Fruved universities/colleges. RU’s healthfulness scores for dining halls/cafeterias, recreational environment, vending machine supports, and stimulants policy were on the higher end of the scales and above the averages of other Get Fruved schools. However, RU’s scores indicated limited healthfulness in fast-food/sit-down restaurants; walking/biking supports; availability of healthy snacks and beverages in vending machines; healthy eating policies; and policies encouraging physical activity and chronic disease prevention. This study identified the strengths and weaknesses in RU’s campus environment and in RU’s policies for healthy eating and active living. These results can be used to support a healthier campus environment.

国立大学初のタバコフリー・キャンパスを実現した長崎大学ヘルシーキャンパス・プロジェクト

国立大学初のタバコフリー・キャンパスを実現した長崎大学ヘルシーキャンパス・プロジェクト

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

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.

Developing and Implementing a Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Campaign at a State-Supported Regional University

The purpose of this descriptive study was to analyze the percent of targets achieved for five Student Objectives of Healthy Campus 2020. The objectives were chosen to assess the University's implementation of a substance abuse prevention and awareness campaign. Overall, 1,019 students completed the ACHANCHA II Survey. We identified non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) as a main area of concern. This state-supported regional university is committed to creating and sustaining an educational environment free from all forms of substance abuse.

Developing and Implementing a Sexual Assault Violence Prevention and Awareness Campaign at a State-Supported Regional University

The purpose was to analyze the percent of targets achieved for seven student objectives of HealthyCampus 2020. The objectives were chosen to assess our university's implementation of a Sexual AssaultViolence Prevention and Awareness campaign. Overall, 1,019 students at our university filled out the ACHA-NCHA II Survey. Our SSRU identified four areas of health concerns where improvements arenecessary to align more closely with Healthy Campus 2020: physical assaults, emotionally and sexually abusive intimate relationships, non-consensual touching and penetration, and feelings of safety at night. To align our student health objectives with the Healthy Campus 2020 targets we have identified the following areas that need extra eff orts: physical assaults, emotionally and sexually abusive intimate relationships, non-consensual touching and penetration, and feelings of safety at night. Based on these results we will continue emphasizing the prevention model using a coordinated, educational approach.

Two-Year Update on ACHA-NCHA II Results Following the Implementation of a Sexual Assault Violence Prevention and Awareness Campaign at a State-Supported Regional University

Objective: We measured progress on seven (7) objectives from Topic Area: Injury and Violence Prevention of the Healthy Campus 2020 campaign at our university. We assessed execution of a Sexual Assault Violence Prevention and Awareness campaign one-year post implementation. Participants and Methods: One thousand and fifty-two students at our University completed the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II Survey. Results: From 2.8-11% of students reported emotionally, physically, and sexually abusive intimate relationships, and non-consensual touching and penetration. Conclusions: Our University is committed to supporting and maintaining an educational environment free from all forms of violence and will continue to offer educational sessions and outreach efforts.

Measuring Student Perceptions of University Tobacco-Free Policy: The Campus Tobacco-Free Policy Scale

The purpose of this study was to expand the use of the recently created Campus Tobacco-Free Policy Scale and examine the perceptions of tobacco-free policy benefits and enforcement among on campus residents (N = 1,235). Results indicated high scale reliability (alpha = 0.829), as well as differences between the tobacco users’ and non-users’ health beliefs and policy support. Scale scores revealed that users were much less likely to indicate support for tobacco-free campus policies than non-users (p< 0.001). Users and non-users responded positively that a tobacco-free policy would create a healthier campus environment; however, non-users were more likely to recognize the importance of a tobacco-free policy and feel that students would support the policy (p < 0.001). Both users and non-users indicated support for university-led enforcement strategies as opposed to peer confrontation strategies. The Campus Tobacco-Free Policy Scale is a valid, reliable instrument to examine student support for tobacco-free campus policies.

Academic Greenspace and Well-Being — Can Campus Landscape be Therapeutic? Evidence from a German University

This paper aims to provide a deeper understanding of green spaces as health-promoting campus environments. Our study of a campus green space at the University of Bonn, Germany, is one of the first attempts to quantify health-promoting effects of Academic Greenspace among students, adding to our understanding of how green spaces can serve as everyday therapeutic landscapes. We take a closer look at the interlinkages between students’ perceptions of their health and physical, social and mental well-being in place and academic space. We focus on identity-creating elements, personal experiences, emotional bonding, subjective symbolic meanings, and social interaction. Based on our study results, a Healthy Academic Greenspace Framework (HAGF) was developed to reveal the processes by which Academic Greenspace becomes an important health resource on campus for many students. As a facilitator for recreation and attention restoration, as a place of identity as well as a place of social encounter and exchange, Academic Greenspace is meaningful as a place for experiencing everyday life with the potential to support healthy campus planning.

Records request response rate and vaccination status of first-time college students at a mid-sized Midwestern university

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish the response rate of first-time college students to a vaccination records request, and to obtain student vaccination rates for selected vaccines. Participants: Student health records for the fall 2018 cohort of first-time college students were reviewed. Methods: Vaccination and response rates were compared based on sex, race/ethnicity, and home state. Results: There was a 66% response rate to the vaccination records request with no difference in response rate based on student demographics. Students exceeded most of the Healthy Campus 2020 vaccination targets. The human papillomavirus (HPV) and meningitis ACWY vaccines had the greatest room for improvement. Female students were significantly more likely to have a completed HPV vaccine series. Conclusions: Records response rates may be improved by students accessing and reporting state vaccination information during a required orientation. Following (CDC) guidelines for vaccination success may improve vaccination rates for HPV and menACWY.

Falling short of a culture of health: Planning alcohol-permitted events at a U.S. university

Abstract The Healthy Campus movement in the United States aims to infuse health promotion into higher education operations. We examined the extent to which event planners employ a culture-of-health approach related to alcohol consumption when planning alcohol-permitted events in a large, public university in California. We interviewed 31 event planners to assess their strategies for ensuring health and safety at the events and accommodating people in recovery from substance use disorders. We focused on events that involved faculty, staff, and graduate students. Event planners were most concerned about avoiding legal liabilities at the events, were less concerned about promoting responsible drinking among drinkers, and often failed to consider the needs of non-drinkers at the events. Their actions were informed by problematic beliefs about alcohol (e.g., people need alcohol to relax), drinkers (e.g., only undergraduate students engage in risky consumption), and people in recovery (e.g., they lack self-control). Planners over-relied on informal control to shape attendees' behavior, failing to acknowledge how contextual factors can shape individual behavior. Planners need to be educated about how to shape the event context to promote healthy behaviors, avoid exclusively focusing on preventing unhealthy behaviors and informal control, and promote better inclusion of people who don't drink. Key messages There is fertile ground for infusing a culture of health into events in higher education. Event planners need expanded perspectives that consider context, inclusivity, and health promotion.

Can Curricular Intervention Increase Health Awareness and Produce Healthier Outcomes Among University Students?

Abstract Objectives Significance and objectives of this study is to (1) investigate influences of curricular intervention on student lifestyle choices using self reporting assessment tools including CCAPS instrument and (2) determine if a correlation exist between curricular intervention and an increase in healthy self reported evaluations and outcomes. Methods A Health Behavior Study was conducted by Healthy Campus 2020® a campus-wide comprehensive wellness intervention program. IRB approved health behavior surveys were disseminated to students (N = 645) investigating (co-) curricular intervention to assist with increasing health awareness among students. Counselors evaluated students (N = 101) using Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms (CCAPS) a high-quality multi-dimensional assessment tool with distinct subscales related to psychological and distress symptoms. Among the 8 subscales measured, responses to eating concerns were highlighted. Correlation between mental wellness and nutrition were observed. Coded responses were obtained and analyzed. Results Descriptive analytics and correlation coefficient are used to analyze data responses. Students enrolled in courses embedded with 8 STANDOUT® health principles (sunlight, temperance, rest, nutrition, water, outdoors, physical activity and trust) increased in the number of positive health behavior responses after one month. Responding to healthy # of steps an increase of 78% students indicated “yes” compared to one month prior and 90% of students achieved 2500 + steps/day. An 11% increase of students reported consuming healthier diets including recommended daily intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. CCAPS-62 results showed 44.5% of students reported positive responses to body image. A high % of students reported they do not engage in eating disorders including purging (92%) or refrain from eating (93.1%) to control their weight or feel better about themselves, respectively. Conclusions (Co-) Curricular intervention may have the ability to increase health awareness and produce healthier outcomes among university students. CCAPS can be used to assess students experiencing forms of depression or anxiety that may negatively impact their academic success. Funding Sources Funding for research conducted through HC2020® was provided by The Dept of Education Title III.

Engaging Stakeholders in the Healthy Campus Movement.

Institutions of higher education are increasingly attending to the health of their campus community. This article reports on a Healthy Campus Initiative (HCI) to build a culture of health. Evaluate the applicability of the four action areas of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Framework to campus health and discuss challenges and lessons learned. Observational, qualitative, and quantitative data were collected to describe partnership development, key stakeholder engagement, and stakeholder perceptions of healthy campus activity between 2016 and fall 2018. This initiative aligned with 3 of the four action areas of the Culture of Health Framework by making campus health as a shared value, fostering campus and local community collaborations, and creating a healthier and more equitable campus community. For institutions of higher education, the Culture of Health Framework is ideal to engage stakeholders to take action to create and build cultures of health.

Healthy Settings: Barriers and Facilitators to a Healthy Campus Community

AbstractThis paper provides a synopsis of findings from the first two phases of a larger campus-based participatory action research study, which examines the factors that contribute to health within a university setting. Theoretical underpinnings of this study were rooted in concepts of socio-ecological thinking and healthy settings and in the Ottawa Charter and the Okanagan Charter on Health Promoting Universities. In Phase 1 (February 2016), a multidisciplinary team of student and faculty researchers used a campus survey to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to health within the university context. Participants (n = 181) included students, faculty, staff and administration. Findings from Phase 1 were used to create a second survey that itemised possible priority areas for action. In Phase 2 (April 2017), this health priorities survey was sent via the university-wide email listserv to the campus community for input. There was consensus among respondents on which areas should be prioritized for action. Areas identified include health enhancing food-environments (e.g., access to healthy food), health enhancing social environments (e.g., coping and stress management), and teaching and learning environments that support healthy living and well-being (e.g., work-life balance). The findings from Phases 1 and 2 of this study will guide student-engaged and community-driven interventions in subsequent phases of this research.

대학생의 정신적 웰빙과 건강캠퍼스 인식간의 관계

대학생의 정신적 웰빙과 건강캠퍼스 인식간의 관계

Process Evaluation of the Healthy Campus Environmental Audits

To learn how a process evaluation is an effective method to improve research training methods and audit tools used in a study.

P122 The Effects of a Campus Dining Tour Intervention on First Year Students Perception of Healthfulness of Environment

Background Many young adults experience unwanted weight gain upon entering college. Making healthy choices in a food environment with a plethora of convenience and fast foods is important for preventing unwanted weight gain. Objective To determine if a Healthy Campus Dining Tour intervention improves perception, behavior, and priorities related to healthier choices on campus Study Design, Settings, Participants Participants were recruited for this quasi-experimental study from freshman introductory classes at a land-grant public university and assigned to intervention or a control group. Intervention participants completed a 50-minute Healthy Campus Dining Tour that educated on how to make healthier choices at each of the campus dining locations (vending, convenience, kiosk, and all-you-can-eat dining). Measureable Outcome/Analysis Both groups were assessed pre- and post-intervention for agreement with questions assessing perception of healthful food choices in the campus environment (12 questions), frequency of certain healthful dietary behaviors (12 questions) and importance of food choice priorities (24 questions). Outcomes were dichotomized as more or less positive responses and logistic regression was used to determine odds of responses between intervention and control. Results One hundred and twenty participants (n = 45 intervention, n = 75 control) that completed the surveys. Most participants were 18 years of age, female, white, freshmen status, and lived in a campus residence hall. Greater odds of perceiving healthier foods in restaurants [OR(CI), 2.9 (1.3-6.5)], dining halls [2.1, (0.9-4.7)], and vending [8.1 (3.4-18.7)] were seen in intervention group versus control group. Odds of increased frequency of healthful behaviors and increased importance of food choice priorities did not differ between groups. Conclusion Participation in the Healthy Campus Dining Tour intervention was associated with greater odds of agreeable perceptions regarding availability of healthy foods on campus. Additional programming and environmental changes may be necessary to change food behavior and priorities. Funding None.