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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Changes in physical activity, diet, sleep, and mental well-being when starting university: A qualitative exploration of Australian student experiences
Journal of American college health, Vol.72(9), pp.3715-3724
12/2024
PMID: 37014766
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Objective: To explore young adult's experiences of how starting university influenced their physical activity, diet, sleep, and mental well-being, and barriers and enablers to health behavior change. Participants: University students aged 18-25 years. Methods: Three focus groups were conducted in November 2019. Inductive thematic approach was utilized to identify themes. Results: Students (female: n = 13, male: n = 2, other gender identity: n = 1, 21.2 (1.6) years) reported mental well-being, physical activity levels, diet quality and sleep health were negatively affected. Stress, study demands, university timetabling, not prioritizing physical activity, cost and availability of healthy foods, and difficulty falling asleep were key barriers. Health behavior change interventions aiming to support mental well-being need to include both information and support features. Conclusions: There is a significant opportunity to improve the transition to university for young adults. Findings highlight areas to target in future interventions to improve physical activity, diet, and sleep of university students.
Details
- Title
- Changes in physical activity, diet, sleep, and mental well-being when starting university: A qualitative exploration of Australian student experiences
- Creators
- Stina Oftedal - University of Newcastle AustraliaSasha Fenton - University of Newcastle AustraliaVibeke Hansen - Southern Cross UniversityMegan C. Whatnall - University of Newcastle AustraliaLee M. Ashton - University of Newcastle AustraliaRebecca L. Haslam - University of Newcastle AustraliaMelinda J. Hutchesson - University of Newcastle AustraliaMitch J. Duncan - University of Newcastle Australia
- Publication Details
- Journal of American college health, Vol.72(9), pp.3715-3724
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- Professor Duncan was supported by a Career Development Fellowship (APP1141606) from the National Health and Medical Research Council.
- Identifiers
- 991013121011102368
- Copyright
- © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article