NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
PDF on ERIC Download full text
ERIC Number: EJ1236156
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1857-6036
EISSN: N/A
Overweight and Obese College Students' Perceived Barriers and Motivators for a Healthy Lifestyle
Oh, Yoonsin; Kang, Boung Jin; Yoo, Soojin; Lopez, Angelica
European Journal of Educational Sciences, v3 n4 p17-26 Dec 2016
This qualitative study explored overweight and obese college students' experiences of obesity. Overweight and obese university students (BMI 25 or higher) from a southwestern regional university in the United States were recruited for in-depth qualitative interviews. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in a private room during the academic year 2013-14. A team of trained qualitative researchers used conversational interviews to discuss the students' experiences for 45-60 minutes. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data analysis used qualitative emergent themes and categorization. Researchers analyzed the data at team meetings for triangulation and validation. Nineteen overweight or obese university students (female=11 and male=8) participated in the study. Sixty-three percent (12 out of 19) were obese and the remainder were overweight. Seventy-three percent (14 out of 19) did not meet the physical activity guidelines for Americans. Time and motivation were barriers for physical activity. Seventy-three percent (14 out of 19) reported eating unhealthy foods. Lack of time and convenience were barriers to eating healthier. They showed a lack of knowledge on how to make healthy food choices. Eleven out of nineteen (57%) participants were self-conscious about their body, and half were having trouble finding clothes that fit. These results support the previous literature on psychological issues, lack of daily physical activity, and lack of a healthy diet. This suggests that health promotion is needed for college students to foster healthier lifestyles.
European Scientific Institute. International Relation Office, St. 203, No.1, 2300 Kocani, Republic of Macedonia. e-mail: contat@ejes.eu; Web site: http://ejes.eu/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A