Toward total student health: A qualitative pilot study

J Am Coll Health. 2019 Jul;67(5):391-396. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1484365. Epub 2018 Aug 30.

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.

Keywords: Alcohol; counseling; health education; mental health; nutrition.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Qualitative Research
  • Self Concept
  • Student Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities / organization & administration*
  • Young Adult