Scheduled for Exercise Physiology & Fitness and Health Posters, Thursday, April 1, 2004, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Session


Using a Health Risk Appraisal to Investigate Nutrition, Stress, and Depression in College Students Enrolled in a Wellness Course

Cassandra DeBlauw and Donna J. Terbizan, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

With national emphasis on health, knowing where students fall within varied health categories can be significant and help them with behavior changes. The purpose of this study was to use a Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) to investigate the outcomes of nutrition, stress, and depression when administered to college students. The outcomes were individual health scores the students received after completing the HRA. This study used an internet-based HRA to study nutrition, stress and depression in college students. One hundred and seventy-one students volunteered for this study. The subjects were registered students at North Dakota State University and were enrolled in Lifetime Fitness and Activity, a general education course. The students signed an informed consent form. This study took place during the spring semester of the 2001-2002 school year. Statistical differences were found between males and females and among age groups. Ages ranged from 18-33, with 116 (67.83%) 18-19 year olds, 38 (22.22%) 20-21 year olds, and 17 (9.94%) 22 years and older subjects. The results indicate that age was not a factor relative to nutrition (p=0.8549), stress (p=0.8520), and depression (p=0.7222). Although, there was no difference between males and females in nutrition, (p=0.4542), there was a difference between males and females in stress and depression. For stress the females were significantly higher (p=0.0012) than the males (47.52 ± 11.57 vs. 41.38 ± 8.98, respectively). Also the females were more depressed (p=0.0025, 50.22 ± 12.14 vs. 44.26 ± 9.02, respectively) than males. The compiled data could be useful for other researchers interested in health behaviors of students. The data in this study could be used to guide health professionals, educators, and researchers in assisting students with the health-related concerns, of nutrition, stress, and depression. These data may assist professionals with improving the awareness of health and wellness issues to individuals within the community.
Keyword(s): college level issues, health promotion, wellness/disease prevention

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