Date of Award
8-13-2008
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Educational Leadership
First Advisor
Landry, Richard G.
Abstract
Health promotion professionals lack data regarding incidence and prevalence regarding risky behavior that University of North Dakota (UND) students engage in on a regular basis. Because of the lack of data and analysis, professionals were unable to develop a strategic plan that included science based interventions to reduce risky behavior and improve health status. The researcher used the health belief model as a theoretical framework for the study. A comparison of data from National College Health Surveys conducted at UND, in 2000 and 2002 to determine changes in behavior from 2000 to 2002. The results were also compared with a national reference group to determine if differences existed between the groups. The researcher also selected ten benchmarks from Healthy Campus 2010, a document developed by the federal government, in cooperation with the American College Health Association, to set planning targets for reducing risky behavior among college students and to establish indicators for UND staff to consider for future planning. The results of the study indicate that there were almost no differences between the risky behavior of UND students between 2000 and 2002. There were some small gains with regard to tobacco and alcohol use (driving after drinking behavior). The results were as expected, as little or no change was anticipated over a two year period. The results also indicate that there is almost no difference between UND students and the national reference group. The results were unexpected, because many of the intuitions that comprise the national reference group are outside the North Central/Midwest region and the researcher expected that UND would be different because of its rurality. The results regarding risky behavior engaged in by UND students were as expected, alcohol use and factors associated with the use of alcohol were the most concerning behaviors. The use of tobacco, primarily cigarettes was also a major concern. The prevalence of mental health issues was not expected, but emerged as a major concern. Using Healthy Campus 2010 as a benchmark for setting targets, UND compared favorably on sexual responsibility, immunizations, and access to care.
Recommended Citation
Allery, Alan, "Risky behaviors among university students: The American College Health Survey 2000 and 2002 at the University of North Dakota." (2008). Theses and Dissertations. 7948.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/7948