Theses and Dissertations - Department of Health Science

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Browsing Theses and Dissertations - Department of Health Science by Subject "Health Sciences, General"

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    Development and validation of an instrument to assess college students' oral health knowledge, beliefs, and behavior
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Aubuchon, Stellina Marie; Turner, Lori W.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    Oral health education emphasizes the importance of brushing, flossing, and getting regular dental exams. Some examples of oral health problems that can occur without proper oral hygiene and dental care are dental caries and gingivitis. Research has shown that a relationship exists between oral health and other health related problems. The lack of awareness, education, and services regarding oral health and hygiene can cause severe unfavorable outcomes later in life. Unique oral health issues that affect today's college students include the use of smokeless tobacco, sexually transmitted diseases, and oral piercing. Although there are many studies conducted on oral health, few are targeted towards the college aged population. The purpose of this study was to develop a valid instrument based on constructs from the Health Belief Model to measure the knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of college students' regarding oral health and hygiene. The present study utilized a review of the literature and an eight-step process to develop and validate College Students Oral Health Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors (OHKBB). The most effective way to treat oral health related problems is through prevention. Oral health education is needed to ensure that college students are aware of not only the risks but also the prevention of oral diseases. The proposed research will pave the way for programs to help individuals improve their oral hygiene and reduce their risks of oral health related problems through education by identifying the specific oral health related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors that affect college students oral health.
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    An investigation of materialistic values and physical activity participation, location, and experience
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2010) Baller, Stephanie L.; Usdan, Stuart L.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    In spite of clear and much publicized health benefits, the majority of American adults do not participate in enough physical activity to satisfy established public health recommendations. In recent years, attention has been paid to social position and consumption as they are related to health and well-being. In light of increases in chronic disease and health risks associated with insufficient activity, as well as increased consumptive patterns associated with decreased well-being, studies aimed at understanding the confluence of these trends are essential. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of how materialistic values interact with the social and physical environments to influence physical activity participation, location, and the experience of being active. The present study utilized a mixed method, cross sectional design (n = 487). Increased materialism was associated with greater physical activity and appears to influence the selection of activity location, experience, and norms. The findings of this study suggest that this line of inquiry is timely, culturally relevant, and worthy of further investigation.
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    Osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors of college students: utilization of the Health Belief Model
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2009) Edmonds, Ellen; Turner, Lori W.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    The purpose of this study is to determine the level of osteoporosis knowledge, beliefs and behavior among college students. In addition, this study will examine perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers and self-efficacy related to osteoporosis prevention. Women and men of all ethnicities at the University of Central Arkansas were asked to participate in the study. The Osteoporosis Knowledge Test, Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale, Osteoporosis Self-Efficacy Scale, and Osteoporosis Preventing Behaviors Survey were utilized. Correlations were used to determine the degree of relationship between variables. After determining which independent variables were significant, a multiple regression was completed to determine prediction. Participants did not perceive themselves as susceptible to osteoporosis and perceived minimal barriers to physical activity and calcium intake. Their knowledge was minimal concerning alternate sources of calcium and less traditional forms of physical activity. Physical activity was correlated with perceived barriers, health motivation, and calcium intake. Calcium intake was correlated with perceived barriers, health motivation, and knowledge. Prevention programs should aim to increase osteoporosis knowledge of risk factors and preventing behaviors and to decrease high risk factor behaviors in adolescence when bone health can be increased. Health professionals can attempt to decrease perceived barriers to physical activity in college age individuals by providing comprehensive programs based on supported factors shown to influence behavior, including social support and self-efficacy.