Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2017
Keywords
Adolescent, Adult, Female, Health Behavior, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Healthy Diet, Humans, Male, Sex Factors, Students, Universities, Young Adult
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to identify clusters of weight-related behaviors by sex in a college student populations.
METHODS: We conducted secondary data analysis from online surveys and physical assessments collected in Project Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH) with a convenience sample of students on 13 college campuses in the United States. We performed 2-step cluster analysis by sex to identify subgroups with homogeneous characteristics and behaviors. We used 8 derivation variables: healthy eating; eating restraints; external cues; stress; fruit/vegetable intake; calories from fat; calories from sugar-sweetened beverages; and physical activity. Contribution of derivation variables to clusters was analyzed with a MANOVA test.
RESULTS: Data from 1594 students were included. Cluster analysis revealed 2-clusters labeled "Healthful Behavior" and "At-risk" for males and females with an additional "Laid Back" cluster for males. "At-risk" clusters had the highest BMI, waist circumference, elevated health risk, and stress and least healthy dietary intake and physical activity. The "Laid Back" cluster had normal weights and the lowest restrained eating, external cues sensitivity, and stress.
CONCLUSION: Identified differences in characteristics and attitudes towards weight-related behaviors between males and females can be used to tailor weight management programs.
Publication Title
American Journal of Health Behavior
Volume
41
Issue
4
First Page
378
Last Page
389
Format
application/pdf
Language
en
DOI of Published Version
10.5993/AJHB.41.4.2
Publisher
PNG Publications
Rights
Works produced by employees of the U.S. Government as part of their official duties are not copyrighted within the U.S.
Recommended Citation
Colby, Sarah E.; Zhou, Wenjun; Sowers, Morgan F F.; Shelnutt, Karla; Olfert, Melissa D.; Morrell, Jesse; Koenings, Mallory; Kidd, Tandalayo; Horacek, Tanya M.; Greene, Geoffrey W.; Olfert, Melissa D.; White, Adrienne A.; Hoerr, Sharon L; Byrd-Bredbenner, Carol; and Kattelmann, Kendra, "College Students' Health Behavior Clusters: Differences by Sex." (2017). Health and Nutritional Sciences Faculty Publications. 179.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/hns_pubs/179