Understanding weight management perceptions in first-year college students using the health belief model.
OBJECTIVE
To examine weight management barriers, using the Health Belief Model, in first-year college students.


METHODS
First-year college students (n = 45), with data collected in April, May, and November 2013.


METHODS
Nominal group technique sessions (n = 8) were conducted.


RESULTS
First-year students recognize benefits to weight management beyond physical attractiveness to quality-of-life domains, including social (eg, bonding opportunities and energy to socially engage) and mental health (eg, stress management). Men believe that weight management is important for career/financial reasons, whereas women voiced that it will allow them to live a full, independent life with a high level of multitasking. Men believed that their barriers were external (eg, campus resources/programs), whereas females perceived their barriers to be internal (eg, poor time management).


CONCLUSIONS
College students are challenged by weight management and want the institution to provide resources, including curriculum, to help them manage their physical activity and nutrition behaviors.
a Department of Kinesiology , East Carolina University , Greenville , North Carolina.
Bhibha M
BM
Das
Ellen M
EM
Evans
D000293:Adolescent; D000068959:Body Weight Maintenance; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010465:Perception; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
Health Belief Model; college students; nutrition; physical activity; weight management