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Understanding weight management perceptions in first-year college students using the health belief model
1a Department of Kinesiology , East Carolina University , Greenville , North Carolina.
Objective:
To examine weight management barriers, using the Health Belief Model, in first-year college students.
Participants:
First-year college students (n = 45), with data collected in April, May, and November 2013.
Methods:
Nominal group technique sessions (n = 8) were conducted.
Results:
First-year students recognize benefits to weight management beyond physical attractiveness to quality-of-life domains, including social (eg, bonding opportunities and energy to socially engage) and mental health (eg, stress management). Men believe that weight management is important for career/financial reasons, whereas women voiced that it will allow them to live a full, independent life with a high level of multitasking. Men believed that their barriers were external (eg, campus resources/programs), whereas females perceived their barriers to be internal (eg, poor time management).
Conclusions:
College students are challenged by weight management and want the institution to provide resources, including curriculum, to help them manage their physical activity and nutrition behaviors.
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