The Effectiveness of Course-Based Health Education Interventions Towards Increased Physical Activity Among College Students

The Effectiveness of Course-Based Health Education Interventions Towards Increased Physical Activity Among College Students by Jay M. Martin M.S., Seattle Pacific University, 2001 B.S., Black Hills State University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University May 2017 Abstract Despite the many health benefits, physical activity participation among those between 18 to 24 years is in significant decline during the college-age years. Postsecondary education has been identified as an ideal environment where young adults should be targeted for physical activity participation. However, a limited number of studies have assessed the effectiveness of college-level health education and physical education program interventions to increase physical activity levels among college students. The purpose of this study was to examine current physical activity levels of college age students who have completed a college-level health education course and laboratory to gain a better understanding for developing and improving interventions targeted at increasing physical activity behaviors. The study employed a quantitative method using the Godin LeisureTime Exercise Questionnaire, Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 and the Processes of Change Physical Activity Questionnaire 4.1, each designed specifically to assess leisuretime physical activity behaviors and identify patterns, habits, and how shifts in physical activity behavior occur. Study subjects included candidates who had completed a collegelevel health education lecture course and laboratory. Study findings showed no statistical significance regarding attitudes or behaviors about physical activity regardless of gender, class standing, or age. Although data analysis for this study provided no statistical significance, the findings are consistent with peer-reviewed literature, which suggests course-based physical activity programs only have been found to be minimally effective on long-term behavior change for increasing physical activity among college age students.Despite the many health benefits, physical activity participation among those between 18 to 24 years is in significant decline during the college-age years. Postsecondary education has been identified as an ideal environment where young adults should be targeted for physical activity participation. However, a limited number of studies have assessed the effectiveness of college-level health education and physical education program interventions to increase physical activity levels among college students. The purpose of this study was to examine current physical activity levels of college age students who have completed a college-level health education course and laboratory to gain a better understanding for developing and improving interventions targeted at increasing physical activity behaviors. The study employed a quantitative method using the Godin LeisureTime Exercise Questionnaire, Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 and the Processes of Change Physical Activity Questionnaire 4.1, each designed specifically to assess leisuretime physical activity behaviors and identify patterns, habits, and how shifts in physical activity behavior occur. Study subjects included candidates who had completed a collegelevel health education lecture course and laboratory. Study findings showed no statistical significance regarding attitudes or behaviors about physical activity regardless of gender, class standing, or age. Although data analysis for this study provided no statistical significance, the findings are consistent with peer-reviewed literature, which suggests course-based physical activity programs only have been found to be minimally effective on long-term behavior change for increasing physical activity among college age students. The Effectiveness of Course-Based Health Education Interventions Towards Increased Physical Activity Among College Students by Jay M. Martin M.S., Seattle Pacific University, 2001 B.S., Black Hills State University, 1996 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Services Walden University May 2017 Dedication I dedicate this dissertation to James R. and Eleanor D. Martin, two of the best parents any child could have ever asked for. Also, I would like to dedicate this dissertation to Sifu Bruce Lee, “Your inspiration continues to guide us toward our personal liberation. ” Acknowledgments I would like to thank all of the teachers I have had in my journey to completing my lifelong goal of earning this degree. From Hazelwood Elementary School, McKnight Middle School, Renton High School, Black Hills State University, Seattle Pacific University and Walden University, thank you all for your guidance and inspiration you have given to myself and my classmates. To my instructors in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps, Recruit Training Command, Naval Hospital Corps School, and Field Medical Service School. I want to thank you for instilling in me confidence that even the most challenging of situations can be overcome with determination, focus, and teamwork. Semper Fi, Oorah! I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Rob Schurrer, to your mentorship, guidance, and friendship, I will be forever grateful. I would also like to thank Dr. Raymond Thron and Dr. Ronald Hudak, for their continued patience and guidance through this research project. Finally, to all of the people I have been fortunate enough to meet along my journey through life both in and out of the education spectrum; it is with our experiences which continue to motivate me towards pursuing the goal of actualizing oneself and to fulfilling the ultimate human achievement of leaving the world a little better for having been here