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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Using an interactive website to change health behaviors among college students

Donna Bacchi, MD MPH, Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St, MS 9406, Lubbck, TX 79430, 8067434481, donna.bacchi@ttuhsc.edu

Research has shown that college students engage in behaviors that are unhealthy and put them at high risk for both short and long term health problems. Colleges have used a variety of health promotion, education, and service strategies to address these issues, but little is known about their long term efficacy. This study evaluated the effectiveness of using an interactive website targeted to college students to change health attitudes and behaviors. Health information, using stage of change theory, was provided in the form of banners, polls and articles included on a website, techfresh.org, designed to be a one-stop shopping source for local events and entertainment. A random sample of students in each class rank were surveyed at baseline and followed for one year assessing self-reported tobacco and alcohol use, eating behavior, exercise, recall of health messaging, and utilization of website. Results of the study will be presented and discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participarnt will be able to

Keywords: Health Promotion, College Students

Related Web page: www.techfresh.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

[ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

Promoting Health in College Populations

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA