243895 Perceived wellness of college students in online, face-toface, and blended basic studies physical activity and wellness course delivery formats

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Michelle L. D'Abundo, PhD , Health and Applied Human Science, University of North Carolina- Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
Cara Sidman, PhD , Health and Applied Human Science, University of North Carolina- Wilmington, Wilmington, NC
Jeffrey J. Milroy, MPH, DrPH , Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Muhsin Orsini, EdD , Department of Public Health Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
Background: The purpose of this study was to assess perceived wellness among college students who self-selected into online or face-to-face basic studies' wellness course delivery formats.

Methods: 602 students responded to a web-based survey assessing perceived wellness on 6 subscales of the Perceived Wellness Scale (PWS). Differences between mean PWS domains and total PWS scores of students among the online, face-to-face and hybrid lab groups were assessed. Additionally, differences between mean PWS domains and total PWS scores of students among either face-to-face or online lecture groups were also explored.

Results: Face to face lab students reported significantly lower scores for the Psychological, Emotional Domains and Total PWS, (χ2 = 7.64, 13.77, 6.25 respectively; p = <.05). Online students scored reported significantly higher scores for the Intellectual domain than the face to face lab group (χ2 = 6.259; p = .04). There were no significant differences between lab and face to face groups for the Social, Spiritual and Physical Domains. Face to face lecture students reported significantly lower scores for the Psychological and Emotional Domains as well as Total PWS, (U = 44831, 41684 and 44248 respectively; p = <.05). Online lecture students scored higher in the Intellectual Domain compared to face to face lecture students (U = 44759). There were no significant differences between face to face or online lecture groups for the PWS Social, Spiritual and Physical Domains.

Conclusions: Health and physical educators can utilize these findings to better understand wellness students who select an online course format.

Learning Areas:
Program planning
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Analyze perceived wellness among college students who self-selected into online or face-to-face basic studies’ wellness courses Discuss the usefulness of a better understanding of students who select an online course format

Keywords: Wellness, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have planned, implemented and evaluated wellness activities for college students. I also teach community health education.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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