An analysis of health risk behaviors among college students enrolled in a required health course

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of a required health course and the impact on students as an intervention for making proper lifestyle choices. Specific research questions examined students' health behaviors and the choices they make in order to live a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle is generally characterized as a "balanced life" in which one makes "wise choices"; however, the array of choices is influenced by many factors. Poor health behavior choices in college-age students can lead to health complications. In pre-test and post-test analysis, students answered the Personal Wellness Profile (PWP). The PWP was administered to a sample size of 409 students enrolled in a health and wellness course. This tool assessed the students' lifestyles and was administered over the course of eight semesters. Physical activity, nutritional choices, and drugs and alcohol use were used as variables from the PWP to assess the students' lifestyles. Frequencies, t-tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to examine the premise that an intervention such as a health and wellness class may affect health behavior choices in college age students. Frequency data showed that the majority of the students were in general physically active. In addition, the results indicated that the students made some poor choices in nutrition and in alcohol intake. Means outcomes showed that both genders participated equally in physical activities, had about the same nutritional choices but that males drank more often than females. In ANOVA results, there was no significant change from the pre-test to post-test results. Although the results of this study did not show statistical differences between the pre and post test, the study may hold some practical significance if even one student makes healthier choices as a result of the intervention. Curriculum implications are also included for future course revision.