The study examined the relationship between smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise habits in young adults. The instruments used were the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1984), and a Self-Test designed by the Public Health Service. The sample was 167 students who were enrolled in Health and the Environment class spring semester 2000. The statistical analysis included a 2x 2 chi-square test that was used to compare smoking and alcohol consumption. Correlation tests were used to compare both smoking and drinking to exercise scores and also to compare smoking habits to alcohol consumption habits. T-tests were used on questions where a yes or no answer was compared to exercise scores and finally, in looking at how much and how often the respondents smoked; mean, standard deviation, and confidence intervals were calculated. The statistical analysis showed there was no significant correlation between alcohol consumption habits and exercise scores. Factors that may have made an impact on the results of the study included the students who were in the class when the surveys were administered, the homogeneity of the sample and the self-reporting nature of the BRFSS and the Self-Test. Additional studies should be conducted among a more diverse student population.
Learning Objectives: Participants will recognize as to how exercise in individuals relates to alcohol consumption and smoking.
Keywords: Tobacco, Exercise
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Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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