ABSTRACT
Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an early intervention health education campaign to positively influence physical activity (PA) knowledge, intention, and performance among prenatal women and women of reproductive age. Methods This study employed a quantitative, quasi-experimental, control-group comparison design with nonprobability sampling methodology. Implemented in rural healthcare settings located in the Southeastern portion of the United States, participants included prenatal patients and patients of reproductive age (n = 325) from two separate obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) offices. While the intervention group was solicited from an OB/GYN office where the information-based health education campaign was implemented, the comparison group was solicited from a comparable OB/GYN office that did not implement the health education campaign. Results The women exposed to the PA health education campaign were significantly more likely to report that PA information was provided at their physician's office, scored higher on PA knowledge, and were more likely to meet the guidelines for vigorous PA and strength training (p < 0.05). Conclusions Physical activity educational campaigns are a cost effective intervention that can be implemented in healthcare settings to promote maternal and child health.
Subject(s)
Exercise , Gynecology , Health Education , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Obstetrics , Office Visits/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Health Care Surveys , Humans , Intention , Interviews as Topic , Middle Aged , Patient Education as Topic , Pregnancy , Rural Population , Southeastern United States , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between technology usage and specific health factors among college students. METHODS: The research employed was a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design; undergraduate students enrolled in spring 2012 general health education courses were recruited to participate. To explore college students' specific technology usage and health-related behaviors, a 28-item questionnaire was utilized. RESULTS: Statistical significant differences of technology usage were found between 3 of the 4 health-related behaviors under study (BMI, sleep, and nutrition) (p < .05). CONCLUSION: As technology usage continues to evolve within the college student population, health professionals need to understand its implications on health behaviors.
