Toward total student health: A qualitative pilot study |
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Authors: | Brenna Quinn Mazen El Ghaziri Kelsey M. Mangano Herpreet Kaur Thind |
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Affiliation: | 1. Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA;2. Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA;3. Department of Public Health, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA |
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Abstract: | Objective: Colleges should aim to cultivate healthy behaviors among students by addressing alterations in wellness students view as important. The purpose of this study was to determine the self-perceived wellness-related concerns and behaviors of college students. Participants: Thirty-seven undergraduate students participated in this study between January and March 2017. Methods: Focus groups served as a data collection method. Groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Directed and conventional approaches to data analyses were employed. Results: Participants expressed concern regarding four campus wellness topics: nutrition, economics, mental health, and campus safety. Participants offered solutions for improving campus wellness, representing a fifth theme. Conclusions: Health concerns for college students and realistic solutions to address concerns were identified across focus groups. Overall, students cared about their own health, as well as the well-being of other students. Future directions include conducting a Web-based survey among students to assess prevalence and impact of select health and wellness topics. |
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Keywords: | Alcohol counseling health education mental health nutrition |
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