Utilzation Focused Public Health Evaluation Of A Health And Wellness Intervention For College Freshmen

Abstract

The transition from high school to college is a significant experience for many young adults which can potentially impact their fitness and wellness patterns. The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the efficacy of Foundations of Fitness and Wellness (P105) on the health and wellness behaviors of college freshmen. METHODS: A mixed-methods design was implemented to determine the overall effectiveness of the P105 course on improving the health behaviors of college freshmen residing within the Briscoe Fitness and Wellness Living-Learning Center (BFWLLC). A health behavior survey quantifiably examined students’ general health, alcohol use/binge drinking, physical activity, condom use, and perceived stress. A qualitative survey was introduced at the end of the semester to determine the most useful health topics acquired as a result of taking the P105 course. Data was collected on subjects (n=155) at the beginning of the intervention (pre-test) and again at the conclusion of the intervention (post-test). The non-parametric statistical Friedman’s test was used to determine differences in ordinal data from pre- to post-tests. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to detect differences in interval data from pre- to post-test. RESULTS: Results for self-reported general health, binge drinking, and resistance exercise showed significant positive differences from pre- to post-test (p <0.05). Results for number of drinks consumed, moderate-intensity physical activity, and perceived stress revealed significant negative differences from pre- to post-test (p <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this pilot study suggest improvements in health behaviors can be accomplished through an academic course comprised of health education and physical activity components offered within a residence hall. However, confounding factors (i.e. transitional time period, dormitory environment, and academic rigor) may have compromised the v overall effectiveness of the course as revealed by the observed significant increase in the number of drinks consumed while socializing, decrease in self-reported moderate intensity physical activity, and increase in perceived stress. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate the impact of a combined health education and physical activity course on global health and wellness behaviors.