Determination of the Impact Between Varying Lifestyle Factors and Health Status Concerns Among College-Age Students (P04-100-19)
Abstract Objectives The significance and objective of this study is to (1) investigate the influence current health concerns have on lifestyle choices using self-reporting assessment surveys, and (2) determine the correlation and/or impact between the stated variables on overall health status of college-age students. Methods A Health Behavior Study was conducted by the office of Healthy Campus 2020(R)(HC2020(R)), a campus-wide comprehensive wellness intervention program. IRB approved surveys were disseminated to students, (N = 59), to investigate student's health status, health behavior, possible changes in health status after one-year exposure to HC2020(R) principles, and relationships between health variables and behavior. Coded responses were obtained and analyzed. Results Descriptive analysis and correlation coefficient are used to analyze data responses. Among 14 significant ongoing health concerns listed as options, diabetes ranked highest as a health concern at 34%. Heart disease & stroke (29%), asthma and/or lung disease (24%), and both cancer and obesity at 20% followed, respectively. Consequently, 64% of students indicated they engaged in exercise or physical activity daily, emphasizing their awareness of the importance of physical activity and living a healthy lifestyle. Conclusions Results indicate health concerns among college-age students conducting self-reporting assessment surveys may influence positive lifestyle choices. Seventy-eight % (%) of students who participated in the study, ages 17–20, reported at least 4 of the same concerns of the CDC's top 10 public health problems and leading cause of death in the US. Funding Sources Funding sources for the research conducted through the office of HC2020(R) at Oakwood University was provided by The Department of Education, Title III.