Catalyzing transdisciplinary studies in public health: a college health survey and data platform.
Researchers, educators, and service providers recognize that health behaviors and conditions are interdependent, yet they are too often addressed compartmentally. This "silo" approach is unfortunate because it leads to inefficiencies and less effective approaches to prevention. This article describes a process designed to promote better understanding of the interrelatedness of health behaviors and outcomes through a multidimensional Internet-based health survey aimed at undergraduate college students. In addition, we describe a data-sharing platform whereby faculty and students from across disciplines may access the raw data for a variety of uses. An analysis is performed illustrating a syndemic between binge drinking, sexually transmitted diseases, and using alcohol or drugs prior to sexual intercourse. Potential applications of the multidomain survey are discussed, as well as lessons learned and limitations of this approach.
Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47404, USA. rgassman@indiana.edu
Ruth A
RA
Gassman
Jon
J
Agley
Jeanne D
JD
Johnston
Susan E
SE
Middlestadt
Marieke
M
van Puymbroeck
Ahmed H
AH
YoussefAgha
D000293:Adolescent; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015146:Midwestern United States; D011634:Public Health; D012106:Research; D012309:Risk-Taking; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult