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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Anna E. Price, MS, CHES, Robert M. Weiler, PhD, MPH, Jiunn-Jye Sheu, PhD, MSPH, and Virginia J. Dodd, PhD, MPH. Department of Health Education & Behavior, University of Florida, P.O. Box 118210, Rm. 5 FLG, Gainesville, FL 32611, (352)514-6769, priceae@webmail.sc.edu

Purpose: This study explored diet, physical activity, BMI, and sleep among undergraduates. Significance: Overweight and obesity are critical national health concerns. Recently, researchers reported that individuals who sleep less are more likely to be overweight. Further research is needed to explore this relationship among specific target groups, such as undergraduates who are at great risk for both lack of sleep and overweight and obesity. Procedures: This exploratory study used a cross-sectional survey design, with a self-administered questionnaire to examine the relationships between sleep and BMI, sleep and diet, and sleep and physical activity among a convenience sample of 565 undergraduates, ages 18 – 29 years. Findings: No significant relationships were found between sleep and BMI, sleep and diet, or sleep and physical activity. However, data revealed several adverse trends among the study population. Sixty four percent of the participants did not obtain adequate sleep. Five percent of the participants were classified as underweight, and 22% were classified as overweight or obese. Many of the participants did not meet ACSM recommendations for moderate physical activity(53%), vigorous physical activity(46%), flexibility exercises(57%), or strength training exercises(47%). Finally, 78% of participants did not consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, 96% consumed too few servings of low-fat dairy, and 92% consumed too few servings of whole grains. Conclusion: These findings present further evidence that inadequate sleep, poor dietary patterns, inadequate physical activity, and poor weight management are prevalent among undergraduates. Health behavior specialists have a responsibility to address these issues through research and practice.

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