The primary purpose of this case study was to determine if the university under study had adequate health-related programs, services, and supports in place to develop health-literate young adults. A secondary purpose was to identify strengths and gaps in these university health-related programs, services, and supports, which, if addressed, could increase the likelihood that college graduates would be health-literate. This research study served to answer three broad research questions: 1) What are the health-related needs and concerns among selected university undergraduates? 2) What is the level of awareness and utilization of health-related programs, services, and supports by university undergraduate students? 3) What are the strengths and gaps among health-related programs, services, and supports? As more and more young adults come to colleges and universities seeking an education, they bring with them high-risk health behaviors that can impede their academic success. Post-secondary institutions have programs, services, and supports in place specifically designed to ease the transition into college, provide academic assistance services, promote a safe learning and living environment as well as facilities and departments dedicated to raising awareness of and maintaining physical and mental health. The effectiveness with which these health-related programs, services, and supports are meeting their goals and reaching their target audience can be assessed by collecting student feedback regarding their attitudes, perceptions and usage. The first part of the study involved personal interviews with preselected representatives of Student Affairs, the President of the university, the Provost, Captain of Public Safety, and the Senior Athletic Director. Interview questions were designed to determine how, if any, of the programs, services, or supports under study supported the six dimensions of health and wellness, or the IOM skill set for health literacy. After all interviews were conducted, transcripts were reviewed and coding was conducted to determine the connection between the selected programs, services, and supports, and the IOM health literacy skill set and the six dimensions of health and wellness. Additionally, transcript review allowed for the identification of strengths and weakness among each of the programs, services, and supports. The second part of the study engaged students who volunteered to participate in focus groups in an open discussion about what they perceived health to be (as a concept) and to determine what, if any, personal health-related issues or concerns they felt at the present time, how health-related issues or concerns created barriers to their academic success, and their level of awareness about the programs, services, and supports available. In addition to conducting personal interviews and focus groups, I analyzed documents and material (i.e. web-pages, brochures, student handbook, under graduate bulletin) related to each department under study. This document analysis was also coded for connections to the six dimensions of health and wellness or the IOM's health literacy skill set. Web-pages were further analyzed for strengths and gaps related to each program, service, or support. An embedded analysis was conducted and themes were interpreted. Discussion and recommendations were stated at the conclusion of the case study; increasing health-literacy among college students and raising awareness of and attempting to reduce high-risk, health-related behaviors are consistent with goals and characteristics of a graduate from the university under study. Not surprisingly, when asked, most students only identified the physical aspect of "health" and sometimes, as a mental aspect with regards to stress. Feedback from focus group discussions indicated that students could make a connection between all six dimensions of health and how they might impede academic performance. Unfortunately, however, they did not seem to possess the skills or the knowledge on to how correct negative health behaviors themselves, or how to seek out various health-related programs, services, and supports that are available. By in large, students seemed very interested in learning more about many of these programs, services, and supports and indicated that they wished they had been made aware of such opportunities at the beginning of their college careers. Students also communicated lack of knowledge and awareness about the available health-related programs, services, and supports. Focus group discussions indicated that students felt as though the campus under study had not really taken the time to discover which methods of communication were successful; further indicating that current delivery methods were outdated and ineffective.

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio) / Assessing and understanding the health needs and abilities of university and college students is vital in creating healthy campus communities. Student learning is a central part of the higher education academic mission, and health promotion serves this mission by supporting students and creating healthy learning environments. Findings from various studies suggest that students entering the university setting put themselves at risk through unhealthy behaviours. Health science students are the future health professionals who will teach health promotion and disease prevention. The aim of this study was to determine and analyse health risk behaviours and health promoting behaviours among health science students at the University of the Western Cape. The study further aimed to identify the factors influencing these students' engagement in these risk behaviours. / South Africa

archives@tulane.edu / Hispanic older adults are burdened by obesity, and Body Mass Index (BMI) - a common measure of obesity, has limitations with aging. Further, Food Insecurity (FI) is linked to adverse health outcomes, including obesity. Yet, there is limited knowledge on obesity-related health risk disparities on account of place of birth among Hispanic older adults and the effect of FI. This study examines: 1) the prevalence of obesity {BMI/Waist Circumference (WC) classification} by place of birth and their associations to health risks- cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) and physical performance (PP), and 2) the impact of FI. First, a cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III with sample population of n= 4,584 participants aged 50 years and older {Non-Hispanic whites (NHW), n=3059; United States born Hispanics (USB-H), n=1170; Foreign-born Hispanics (FB-H), n=355} was done. Measurements include body types created from BMI/WC cut off values; CRFs as defined by the American heart association; PP-time tandem stand, time to complete five-stand and time to complete 8ft walk; sociodemographic (SDF) and behavioral factors (BF). Weighted multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between body types and health risks controlling for SDF and BF. Second, NHANES 2005-2014 with sample population of (n=5,772; NHW, n=3869; USB, n=613; FBH, n=1,290) was analyzed. Food security status was defined as suggested by the United States Department of Agriculture (food secure-FS, food insecure-FI). Multivariable logistic regressions examined relationships between FI, obesity, and having at least one CRF. The proportion of body types varied across ethnicity-place of birth. NHW and FBH were more likely to have normal BMI/WC, while USB-H were more likely to have high BMI/WC. Body types with high BMI/WC were more likely to have CRFs and poorer PP when compared to those with normal BMI/WC. Stratifying by ethnicity-place of birth, FI persons had 1.60-1.80 odds of having at least one CRF when compared to persons who are FS. This study suggests that regardless of place of birth, Hispanic older adults are at obesity-related health risks. The concurrent use of BMI and WC measures in clinic settings and population-based research may encourage healthy aging. / 1 / Queendaleen Chukwurah

This pilot study sought to describe the patterns of health risk factors and objective physical findings in well rural Appalachian women. A retrospective chart review was conducted of the records of 50 women who received a health history, physical examination, and appropriate laboratory testing as part of a rural community wellness project. The most prevalent risk factors found were past or present smoking, history of lung disease, physical inactivity, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Higher numbers of risk factors per person were correlated with lower levels of education. The most prevalent physical findings were systolic blood pressure greater than 140 and diastolic greater than 90, diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 with normal systolic, total cholesterol greater than 240, low-density lipoprotein levels greater than 130, and greater than 20% over ideal weight. This sample reveals a high prevalence of risk factors for the leading causes of mortality in middle-aged women, partially accounted for by low formal education levels, poverty, and limited access to health care.

Accra Metropolis is the major recipient of agricultural produce in Ghana, with almost the entire population depending on rural agricultural activities for subsistence. To increase agricultural produce, various forms of pesticides are normally used in fruits and vegetable farming. The consequence is that several cases of pesticide poisoning have been observed. In this preliminary study, a field survey was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and peoples' perception concerning the use of pesticides by farmers in fruit production. The residual concentrations of selected pesticides in pawpaw, imported apples and tomato samples and the potential health risks associated with the exposure to these pesticides were also assessed. The field survey data indicated that more than 70% of the participants reported one or more poisoning upon fruits consumption resulting in pesticide-related illnesses. Pesticide residues in the various environmental samples were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results showed that, the levels of pesticide residues varied from <0.01 μg/g to as high as 0.11 μg/g depending on the pesticide monitored. The analysis of health risk estimates revealed heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endrin aldehyde, and endrin ketone levels exceeded the reference dose, suggesting a great potential for systemic toxicity in children considered the most vulnerable population subgroup. Lastly, the public is in the know of pesticide residues in fruits and calls for the curtailing of pesticide use on fruits and vegetable production via educational programmes for farmers on control and safer use of pesticides.

Literature reveals that college freshmen that reside on American campuses partake in many risky health behaviors, but little is known on the effects of housing on these risk behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine the health risk behaviors of college freshmen that lived in either traditional, non-themed housing or in wellness themed housing (WELL) and if there was a difference between the two. Four research questions guided this study: (1). What are the risk behaviors of freshmen college students? (2). What are the risk behaviors of students in the WELL LC? (3). What are the risk behaviors of freshman residing in traditional housing? (4). What are the differences in risk behaviors between the freshmen living in the WELL LC and traditionally housed freshmen? The health risk behaviors that were determined for testing were injury-related behaviors, substance use behaviors, sexual behaviors, dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep. The instrument used was a combination of the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey and Epworth Sleep Survey. The Traditional and the WELL completed the surveys in the beginning of the fall semester and again at the end of the spring semester of the same academic year. There were a higher percentage of alcohol-related injury behaviors, substance use and sexual activity in traditional residents. Dietary behaviors, physical activity and sleep behaviors were not significantly different between Traditional and WELL residents. The conclusion of this study indicated that the WELL housing may have had a positive effect on abstaining from alcohol, drugs, and sexual behaviors. Further research is needed to explore the root cause of these behavioral differences. / Ph. D.

No description available.

Health behaviors, positive and negative, can support or reduce risk for multiple chronic diseases, such as substance use disorder and obesity. These diseases are marked by overconsuming commodities that offer predictable short-term benefits, and neglecting other behaviors with variable long-term benefits (e.g., fast food is enjoyable in the moment; exercise may have delayed benefits, but moment-to-moment may not be as reinforcing as fast food). An individual's valuation of these fast food or exercise may depend on how far out into the future these benefits are considered, their temporal window. The first study shows that the temporal window is constricted among high-risk substance users than people who do not have substance problems, especially when considering higher-value choices. The second study shows that the temporal window can change depending on the environment. Specifically, engaging with stories of job loss can constrict the temporal window. The third study shows that engaging with job loss can specifically constrict the temporal window and increase the value of fast food among obese individuals. The final study shows that a similar hardship scenario, natural disasters, can constrict the temporal window, increase demand for alcohol and cigarettes, and decrease the valuation of more temporally extended reinforcers (e.g., employment, savings, and seatbelt wearing) among smoking drinkers. Together, these studies support a model, reinforcer pathology; wherein the temporal window, which can differ both between individuals and environments, drives valuation of reinforcers that impact health. / Doctor of Philosophy / Health behaviors, positive and negative, can support or reduce risk for multiple chronic diseases, such as substance use disorder and obesity. These diseases are marked by overconsuming commodities that offer predictable short-term benefits, and neglecting other behaviors with variable long-term benefits (e.g., fast food is enjoyable in the moment; exercise may have delayed benefits, but moment-to-moment may not be as reinforcing as fast food). An individual’s valuation of these fast food or exercise may depend on how far out into the future these benefits are considered, their temporal window. The first study shows that the temporal window is constricted among high-risk substance users than people who do not have substance problems, especially when considering higher-value choices. The second study shows that the temporal window can change depending on the environment. Specifically, engaging with stories of job loss can constrict the temporal window. The third study shows that engaging with job loss can specifically constrict the temporal window and increase the value of fast food among obese individuals. The final study shows that a similar hardship scenario, natural disasters, can constrict the temporal window, increase demand for alcohol and cigarettes, and decrease the valuation of more temporally extended reinforcers (e.g., employment, savings, and seatbelt wearing) among smoking drinkers. Together, these studies support a model, reinforcer pathology; wherein the temporal window, which can differ both between individuals and environments, drives valuation of reinforcers that impact health.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 156-170).

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / Substantial literature connects religiousness to physical health; however, few studies have explored the influence of religiousness on risk-taking factors among Black first-entering university students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of religiousness on health risk behaviours among a sample of university students (N = 333) from a predominantly Black university in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The risk behaviours of interest were alcohol consumption, risky sexual behaviours, cigarette smoking, drug use, rates of engagement in physical activity, and patterns of consuming healthy foods daily. The study used a cross-sectional design. Results indicated that intrinsic religiosity was negatively associated with alcohol consumption; risky sexual behaviours, cigarette smoking and drug use, and the effects of gender were present in both relationships. Intrinsic religiosity’s association with alcohol consumption and risky sexual behaviours had no gender effect. Nevertheless, there was no direct relationship between diet and physical engagement, although intrinsic religiosity influenced the students’ engagement in physical activity only in the context of gender. It is recommended that a three-way design may be more effective in uncovering some of the associations between intrinsic religiosity and risk behaviours such as eating a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity.