A qualitative assessment of college students' perceptions of health behaviors

American Journal of Health Studies, Spring-Summer, 2003 by Raffy R. Luquis, Erica Garcia, Darlene Ashford

8. What are the assumptions/beliefs about alcohol use among students? What are the reasons for binge drinking (5 drinks) or getting drunk?

9. What influence college students to smoke cigarettes (i.e., tobacco)? What are the beliefs about smoking on campus?

Perceptions of Sexual Behaviors

10. What are the personal beliefs about sexuality among people your age? What influences these views/beliefs?

11. What issues related to sexuality do you and your peers face during the years in college? What kind of sexual practices are acceptable or unacceptable to people your age?

12. How would you feel about seeking examination or treatment for a STD? How do you feel about discussing your sexual history with a new sexual partner?

13. What are your views on contraception? Who should be responsible for contraception? Should the University provide free or low cost contraceptives and condoms to students?

Table 2. Process to Develop a Questioning Route.

1. Brainstorming

2. Phrasing the Questions

a. Use Open-Ended Questions

b. Avoid Asking Why

c. Keep Question Simple

d. Be Caution About Giving Examples

3. Sequencing the Questions

a. General Before Specific

b. Positive Questions Before Negative Ones

c. Uncued Questions Before Cued Questions

4. Estimating Time for Questions

5. Getting Feedback from Others

6. Testing the Questions

Note: Process taken from Krueger, R. A. and Casey, M. A. (2000). Focus groups: A practical guide for applied research. (3rd Ed.), Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Table 3. Students' Health Issues and Concerns.

1. Physical activity and eating habits

2. Difficulties keeping a balance between classes, work, and social life while in college

3. Limited recreational and fitness facilities on campus

4. Suggestions for improvement of health promotion activities:

a. Schedule events at a variety of times--possibly late afternoon or evening

b. Schedule events close to or in residence halls

c. Use and increase advertisement of activities on campus

d. Expand hours of operation of recreational facilities

Table 4. Students' Perceptions and Issues Regarding Substance Use.

1. Most college students use some type of drugs

2. Alcohol, tobacco, ecstasy; marijuana, and acid are the drugs of choice

3. Alcohol is commonly used by students

4. Alcohol use is socially acceptable and expected in college

5. Alcohol and drugs are used as a coping mechanism for stress

6. Tobacco use associated with drinking

Table 5. Students' Perceptions and Issues Concerning Sexuality.

1. Sexual activity at this age is socially acceptable and expected in college.

2. Abstinence until marriage is important.

3. The use of alcohol and drugs increase likelihood of having sexual intercourse.

4. Students are primarily concerned about pregnancy, but also with STDs, condom use, and sexual responsibility.

5. They were concerned about confidentiality when using the University health center, hence, they preferred to get sexual health services elsewhere.

REFERENCES

Baumgartner, T. A., and Strong, C. H. (1998). Conducting and Reading Research in Health and Human Performance. (2nd Ed.), Massachusetts: McGraw-Hill.