Differences in Health Behaviors and Outcomes for Emerging Adults in Diverse Post-Secondary Educational Institutions: Lessons for Targeting Campus Health Promotion Efforts

Project Innovation, Inc. P.O. Box 8508 Spring Hill Station, Mobile, AL 36689-0508. Tel: 251-343-1878; Fax: 251-343-1878; Web site: https://projectinnovationaustin.com/college-student-journal

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14

College Students; Body Composition; Body Weight; Body Height; Eating Habits; Physical Activity Level; Student Behavior; Intervention; Health Behavior; Diseases; Student Characteristics

0146-3934

Objective: To examine the relationship between self-reported health, BMI, diet, and physical activity among students at three diverse institutions of higher learning (private university, HBCU, and community college), and investigate similarities and differences in behaviors and outcomes at these schools and how targeted interventions might support positive outcomes. Participants: Students attending one of three sites within a city in the southeastern United States (n= 1,943), aged 18-30 to focus on the emerging adulthood and health behaviors. Methods: Online survey administered in Fall 2017 included questions on health-related quality of life, BMI, chronic disease, diet and exercise, other health behaviors, and demographics. Results: Chronic conditions were consistently associated with BMI and self-reported health. Days of activity were associated with lower BMI and higher self-reported health. Drink intake, but not food intake was associated with BMI. Conclusions: Differences among student body characteristics at these institutions provide insights into tailored health promotion program needs.

As Provided

2023

EJ1379802