Standing Up For Student Health: An Application Of The Health Action Process Approach For Reducing Student Sedentary Behavior.

Author

Wuyou -. Sui, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Arts

Program

Kinesiology

Supervisor

Dr. Harry Prapavessis

Abstract

Sedentary behavior (SB) has been associated with chronic diseases, such as Hypertension and Obesity; the risk appears greater the longer one engages in SB. University Students are a high-risk population for excessive SB due to academic responsibilities. Increasing frequency/length of breaks from sitting is an effective way to attenuate effects of SB. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) is a proven health behavior change model for behaviors like nutrition, but has yet to show effectiveness for increasing non-sedentary behaviors. Forty-five university students (12 Males, Mean age 23.3) were randomized into HAPA-intervention (sedentary behavior) or HAPA-control (nutrition) groups. Occupational Student and Non-Occupational Screen Time Break Frequency and Duration were assessed at eight time points (Baseline, Week 1-6 Treatment, Follow-up). Moderate to large non-significant effects (η_ρ² = 0.10 – 0.23) were found favoring the intervention group for all measures. Findings suggest a HAPA-based intervention has potential to break up SB in university students.

Recommended Citation

Sui, Wuyou -., "Standing Up For Student Health: An Application Of The Health Action Process Approach For Reducing Student Sedentary Behavior." (2016). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4067.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4067