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Title: Assessing nutrition and physical health disparisties for a college population

Author
item TAYLOR, FELECIA - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
item SHARMON, JYOTSNA - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
item GAO-BALCH, YING - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/27/2012
Publication Date: 6/27/2012
Citation: Taylor, F.D., Sharmon, J., Gao-Balch, Y.H. 2012. Assessing nutrition and physical health disparisties for a college population [abstract]. 12th Biennial Symposium on Minorities, the Medically Underserved & Health Equity, June 27-July 1, 2012, Houston, Texas. p. 15.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Rural regions are often underserved, and although the Delta region of the United States has a rich history, health disparities abound. A university located in the region has an obligation to address issues of importance to its constituents. Healthy lifestyle obstacles faced by students who hail from rural regions can include weight gain and reduced physical activity. Poor nutritional habits and failure to engage in the recommended physical activity have been cited as major contributors to overweight and obesity in the United States. Nutritional and physical activity health disparities can lead to risks for heart disease, cancer, and stroke. This university-based health education intervention will investigate the adherence of 18 to 24-year-old students to the national dietary guidelines and physical activity. The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change; Prechaska, et al., 1998), a model that emphasizes behavior change as an individual moves through the stages of readiness or change, will be utilized for the study. The feasibility study was conducted Spring 2012. The feasibility study used both educational and physical activity elements to address nutrition and physical activity components. The full intervention is set to commence Fall 2012. Preliminary results will be discussed as the feasibility study concludes May 2012. Preliminary conclusions are that retention in the study is a significant concern. Therefore, the researchers will carefully streamline the Fall intervention to maximize the time and cultural characteristics gleaned from the current activities. A multi-component design will be used to develop the educational program that will empower college students with knowledge and skills to evaluate their current diet and physical activities. The students who have attended the feasibility study are engaged, dedicated, and interested in the benefits of the program.