Evaluation of a university health and wellness course on student outcomes and behaviors at a large Midwestern university

Background: College students comprise a diverse population with unique access to health education via courses. The effects of college courses are important considering that students are in a growth and change period where they begin to solidify lifelong health behaviors. Research on the impact of these classes is important, for it may influence university policies, funding, and course requirements. Historically, research on the effect of such courses has found inconsistent results. Methods: The current study aimed to expand the current body of literature by analyzing the influence of a Personal and Community Health course at a large Midwestern university on students through a pre-post test design. Demographics, health indicators, perceived wellness, locus of control, self-efficacy, knowledge, and behaviors as they relate to health were measured through the International Health and Behaviour Survey, the Perceived Wellness Survey, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Over 300 students participated in the survey, and preliminary results show mixed results across different measures, consistent with past research. Analyses being conducted include paired sample t-tests to determine changes in measure responses across the semester, and multiple regression to determine if any demographic factors mediate change in measures. Discussion: This presentation will highlight the major findings of the research, as well as provides suggestions for university instructors, health educators, and administrators for positively influencing the wellness of their students through courses.