ERIC Number: EJ1039812
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: N/A
Understanding Weight Management Perceptions in First-Year College Students Using the Health Belief Model
Das, Bhibha M.; Evans, Ellen M.
Journal of American College Health, v62 n7 p488-497 2014
Objective: To examine weight management barriers, using the Health Belief Model, in first-year college students. Participants: First-year college students (n = 45), with data collected in April, May, and November 2013. Methods: Nominal group technique sessions (n = 8) were conducted. Results: First-year students recognize benefits to weight management beyond physical attractiveness to quality-of-life domains, including social (eg, bonding opportunities and energy to socially engage) and mental health (eg, stress management). Men believe that weight management is important for career/financial reasons, whereas women voiced that it will allow them to live a full, independent life with a high level of multitasking. Men believed that their barriers were external (eg, campus resources/programs), whereas females perceived their barriers to be internal (eg, poor time management). Conclusions: College students are challenged by weight management and want the institution to provide resources, including curriculum, to help them manage their physical activity and nutrition behaviors.
Descriptors: Body Weight, Nutrition, Physical Activities, Student Behavior, Health Behavior, Barriers, Models, Interpersonal Attraction, Gender Differences, Stress Management, College Freshmen, Quality of Life, Mental Health, Careers, Time Management, Health Education
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: US Department of Agriculture
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 2008- 55215-18825