scholarly journals Factors That Affect Exercise Habits of College Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Eichorn ◽  
Kayla Bruner ◽  
Taylor Short ◽  
Samuel P. Abraham

Various factors affect the exercise habits of college students. Some of these factors include sleep habits, diet, social life, homework, and other extracurricular activities. Although college students are aware of some of these influencing agents, they do not always take the necessary steps to change their habits. Exercise habits that an individual adheres to while in college would often determine their exercise habits for the rest of their lives. The purpose of this study was to determine the various factors that affect the exercise habits of college students. In this research, a convenience sample of 124 college students participated in a cross-sectional survey. The results indicated that the top reasons college students exercised was to remain healthy (M = 3.42, SD = 0.64), to gain the positive feeling that comes from exercise (M = 3.22, SD = 0.74); to join with friends who exercised (M = 2.99, SD = 0.72); and when feeling overweight (M = 2.96, SD = 0.88). Participants gave increased agreement to the item, “Having an increased homework load decreases the time I spend for exercise” (M = 3.10, SD = 0.86). This study may be useful for educators to teach and inform college students on the factors that affect exercise habits. A recommendation is to promote time management skills that are intentional about leaving adequate time for exercise. Teaching students how to balance personal life, school, and work will leave more time for them to exercise, and therefore, increase their health overall. Based on the health belief model, both positive and negative self-perceptions are motivating factors that causes people to take necessary steps to stay healthy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janette Bedoyan ◽  
Jade McNamara ◽  
Melissa Olfert ◽  
Carol Byrd-Bredbenner ◽  
Geoffrey Greene

Abstract Objectives To determine if there is an association between critical nutrition literacy (CNL) and dietary behavior. It is hypothesized that college students with higher nutrition literacy scores will consume more fruits and vegetables (FV) and less added sugar (S). Methods A secondary data analysis was conducted using a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of college students from the University of Rhode Island, Rutgers University, and West Virginia University. Participants completed the Behavior Environment Perception Survey (BEPS), including the validated NCI Dietary Screener Questionnaire to assess FV and S consumption, and a validated, 5-item CNL Claims Scale to assess CNL. Mean CNL scores (range 1–5) were divided into tertiles: 1.0 to 3.0 indicated lower CNL, 3.01 to 3.81 moderate CNL and 3.82 to 5.0 higher CNL. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) examined the differences between the CNL tertiles and cup equivalents (C) of FV per day and teaspoon equivalents (tsp) of S per day. Results Out of the 1820 student responses to BEPS, 1407 students had complete data for CNL, the dependent variables, and were between the ages of 18 and 24. The average age was 20.3 ± 1.7 (SD) years old; majority were female (72%), white (81%), and lived off-campus (61%). Mean CNL score among students was 3.49 ± 0.72 (SD). After controlling for university, there were no differences between CNL score and fruit and vegetable or added sugar intake (F(2704) = 1.88, P = .08). Interestingly, although not statistically significant, mean FV was 2.28 ± 0.95 (SD) C and S was 12.29 ± 7.7 (SD) tsp for subjects with lower CNL while students with higher CNL reported less FV of 2.16 ± 0.96 (SD) C and more S of 13.30 ± 8.9 (SD) tsp. Conclusions Results suggest no significant relationships between CNL score and FV or added S intake. This finding contrasts with research demonstrating that health literacy is predictive of positive health promotion behavior. Future research should investigate the relationship between CNL and FV or S more specifically by including more sensitive and comprehensive nutrition literacy measures. Funding Sources This work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch projects, at the participating universities.


Author(s):  
Alexa C. Hansen ◽  
Charlotte V. Farewell ◽  
Jennifer S. Jewell ◽  
Jenn A. Leiferman

Abstract Objective: Through the application of the Health Belief Model, this study sought to explore how relationships between perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits of social distancing recommendations, as well as psychological factors, may impact compliance with COVID-19 social distancing recommendations in the United States. Methods: Between October and November 2020, a convenience sample of English-speaking adults in the United States completed an online, cross-sectional survey which included items assessing beliefs around threats (e.g., perceived susceptibility and severity), response efficacy, (e.g., perceived benefits), psychological factors (e.g., stress and COVID-specific anxiety), and compliance with social distancing measures (e.g., avoiding social gatherings). Results: Social distancing compliance was positively associated with perceived susceptibility of COVID-19 (b =.42, p < .05) and perceived benefits of social distancing recommendations (b = .81, p < .01). No significant associations were found between perceived severity of COVID-19 (p = .38), general stress (p = .28), COVID-19-related anxiety (p = .12) and compliance. Conclusions: Findings suggest that perceived susceptibility to COVID-19 and perceived benefits of social distancing measures significantly increased compliance with social distancing recommendations in this convenience sample of U.S. adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 847-851
Author(s):  
Nithyanandham Masilamani ◽  
Dhanraj Ganapathy

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) induced by new ß coronavirus MERS-(CoV) had first been described in Saudi Arabia in September 2012. MERS-CoV communication inside the population is often identified with clustered households and cramped communal spaces. The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of MERS-CoV among dental students in India. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of 100 dental college students in Chennai. The self-designed questionnaires contained ten questions focused on the knowledge and awareness of MERS-CoV amongst dental college students. Questionnaires were circulated through an online website survey planet. After the responses were received from 100 participants, data were collected and analyzed, .87% are aware of MERS-CoV through media 13% from professional channels. 84%are aware of the clinical manifestation of MERS-CoV. 81%Are aware of the mode of transmission of MERS-CoV. 76%are aware of the preventive measures against MERS -CoV.68%. Are aware of the incubation period of MERS-CoV. 74%aware of PCR as a diagnostic test for MERS-CoV. This study concluded that dental students had strong awareness and knowledge of MERS. Also, there are a few differences in information and behaviours that require change. Large-scale health educational programs on MERS also should be facilitated by professional organizations to expand their reach and to strengthen knowledge to have a positive impact on their behaviour.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Koawo Edjah ◽  
Francis Ankomah ◽  
Ebenezer Domey ◽  
John Ekow Laryea

AbstractStress is concomitant with students’ life and can have a significant impact on their lives, and even how they go about their academic work. Globally, in every five visits by patients to the doctor, three are stress-related problems. This study examined stress and its impact on the academic and social life among students of a university in Ghana. The descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using the stratified and simple random (random numbers) sampling methods, 500 regular undergraduate students were engaged in the study. A questionnaire made up of Perceived Stress Scale and Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale was used to gather data for the study. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with AMOS were used for the analyses. It was found that majority of the students were moderately stressed. Paramount among the stressors were academic stressors, followed by institutional stressors, and external stressors. Stress had a significant positive impact on the academic and social life of students. It was concluded that undergraduate students, in one way or the other, go through some kind of stress during the course of their study. It was recommended that the university, through its Students’ Affairs, and Counselling Sections, continue to empower students on how to manage and deal with stress in order to enhance their academic life.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kojo Kakra Twum ◽  
Daniel Ofori ◽  
Gloria Kakrabah-Quarshie Agyapong ◽  
Andrews Agya Yalley

Purpose This study examines the factors influencing intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 in a developing country context using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and health belief model (HBM). Design/methodology/approach Through a cross-sectional survey design, the study adopted a quantitative approach to data collection and analysis. The study used an online survey to collect data from 478 respondents eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine in Ghana. Findings Attitude, social norm, perceived behavioural control, perceived susceptibility and cues to action were found to be predictors of COVID-19 vaccination intention. The results also showed that perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived barriers did not predict COVID-19 vaccination intention. Practical implications To enhance the effectiveness of COVID-19 social marketing campaigns, social marketing theories such as the TPB and HBM can aid in assessing the intention of the target population to take the vaccines. An assessment of vaccination intention will help understand disease threat perception and behavioural evaluation. The consideration of the effect of demography on vaccination intention will aid in developing effective campaigns to satisfy the needs of segments. Originality/value This study adds to the limited research on understanding citizens’ intention to vaccinate against COVID-19 by combining the TPB and HBM to predict vaccination intention. The study contributes towards the use of social marketing practices to enhance the efficacy of vaccination campaigns.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Nunes Achar Fujii ◽  
Renata Kobayasi ◽  
Sylvia Claassen Enns ◽  
Patrícia Zen Tempski

Abstract Background: Extracurricular activities in medical education and are defined as any social, philanthropic, non-mandatory and unpaid activity. Some of these activities allow students to interact with the community providing care, learning and experiences for both. The purpose of this study is to describe the motivational aspects, the learnings and the barriers involved in the practice of these activities. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with medical students attending the first to the fifth year of medicine. We used qualitative and quantitative analyses to understand the motivating aspects, barriers and contributions involved in the practice of extracurricular activities. Results: Of the 586 students regularly enrolled in the medical course, 462 students accepted to participate in the research (Response rate: 78.43%), with 159 male students (34, 4%) and 303 female students (65.6%). Most of medical students (58,01%) participate in extracurricular activities with less participation during the first year (10,9%) and internship (35,4%). Among the motivating factors, students reported the desire to contribute to society, support their professional choice and learning. The students mentioned as learnings: integration of knowledge, life experiences, and development of communication, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, empathy and resilience. The barriers mentioned were the limited spots, the selection, the lack of support from those involved, personal, time management and possible losses in academic performance, physical and financial resources. Conclusion: Extracurricular activities allow medical students to develop skills and attitudes that are important to their future as a doctor. Students are motivated to participate in these activities to contribute to society, support their future professional choice and improve their learning.


2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 58-63
Author(s):  
Lisa Smith ◽  
James F. McKenzie

This study examined the task of health educators working in a clinical setting to better understand their roles. The study was designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of health educators who worked in clinical settings in Indiana and who had a college degree in health education. Forty health educators were contacted and 62% of the subjects participated in the survey. Results indicated most jobs were similar in nature and the health education curriculum studied helped them in the roles they were serving. However, many educators felt there were other content areas of study that would have been helpful to prepare them for working in the clinical setting. A majority of the respondents reported that having Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) certification was helpful and necessary in their positions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Andrea R. Van Beek ◽  
Megan E. Weier ◽  
Kassandra R. Williams ◽  
Samuel P. Abraham ◽  
Deborah R. Gillum

Background: Caffeine is a highly used stimulant on college campuses. The prevalence of energy drinks, especially among the younger generations is cause for concern. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the caffeine intake habits of college students and the perception of its effects. Method: The method used was quantitative, cross-sectional, with a descriptive design. The two research questions were: (1) What are the caffeine intake habits of college students? (2) What are the perceptions of the effects of caffeine use among college students? This study was conducted at a college campus in northern Indiana, USA. Participants included 120 male and female students ages 18 years and older. The health belief model was used to guide this study. Results: The study indicated that while caffeine is a commonly used stimulant across campus, overuse was not revealed. Many students reported being able to go 48-72 hours without caffeine and not experiencing withdrawal symptoms when going without it. However, most students do report that they perceive a need to decrease their use of caffeine, as caffeine use has increased since attending college. Conclusion: The review of the literature indicated that the use of caffeine was higher in younger people. However, the research completed as a part of this study from college students indicated that caffeine overuse may not be as prevalent as previously thought.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian W West ◽  
Tabetha A Brockman ◽  
Monica L Albertie ◽  
Shantel M Williams ◽  
Farhia M Omar ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Community Advisory Boards (CABs) play an essential role in clinical and translational science. Due to the safety protocols put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic the CABs at all three Mayo Clinic locations (AZ, FL, MN) transitioned from meeting in person to meeting virtually. Data was collected from current members at all three sites to gain insight into the use of a virtual platform compared with meeting in person. OBJECTIVE This study collected data from current CABs members at all three sites to get insight into the use of a virtual platform compared with meeting in person. The data collected in this study was sought to help guide future decisions surrounding CAB meetings. METHODS This study used a one-time cross-sectional survey that was distributed to a convenience sample of Mayo Clinic CAB members. The digital survey was sent out to CAB members using email addressed provided by the members. The survey consisted of 11 questions. RESULTS Fifty-five percent of members said their ability to attend meetings had increased and 45% reported this stayed the same; none reported a decrease. Data showed that 80% of CAB members reported their experiences had increased in a positive direction or stayed the same when attending virtual meetings compared with in person meetings. 61% of respondents indicated a high level of attending all future meetings using a virtual platform. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study provide insights into the feasibility of conducting CAB meetings using a virtual platform compared with meeting in person. Data collected from this survey can aid other CABs at various institutions on the preferences of current members on attending virtual meetings compared with in-person meetings. The data and knowledge obtained from this study surrounding the use of virtual meetings can aid CABs in their ability to continue to provide their essential services despite the limitations on meeting in person.


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