Date of Graduation

Fall 2008

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair

Kathryn Hope

Abstract

The health of college students is increasingly an area of interest in health care. Asthma, diabetes, obesity, eating disorders, substance abuse, and mental health issues are all identified as health risks in this population. The problems can have adverse affects on adult health, including childbearing ability. The purpose of this study was to gain information on the health behaviors among college women. The health promotion models of Healthy People 2010 and Healthy Campus 2010 served as frameworks for this research (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2000). A descriptive survey design was used to sample the target population of second year female students living on university campuses across the United States. The National College Health Assessment (NCHA), which was developed by the American College Health Association (ACHA) was utilized as the data collection instrument. The study was a secondary analysis of the Spring 2007 data collected by ACHA using the NCHA, who sent students from participating universities across the country surveys. The analysis utilized descriptive and correlational statistical tests. The study has implications for adding to the knowledge base of the health of college students and act as a foundation for developing interventions to address the health of female college students. The results of this study indicate that the top six areas that are in need of immediate improvement are: alcohol use, sexual health, mental health, nutrition, safety, and substance abuse .

Keywords

health behaviors, health risks, drug use, physical activity, nutritional habits, substance abuse, alcohol use, health care servics for college females

Subject Categories

Nursing

Copyright

© Sarah L. Jones

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