Health Promotion Project for University Students at a South African University: Results of a Pilot Survey

Abstract

Globally, chronic diseases place a tremendous burden on health care systems all over the world. The increased prevalence of chronic diseases is mainly influenced by industrialization and decreased levels of physical activity. A cross-sectional qualitative and quantitative pilot survey, using a self-administered questionnaire and focus group discussions, was conducted with 73 students to assess the need for and feasibility of a health promotion program for university students at a rural South African university. The results of this survey suggest that there is a need for a health promotion program aimed at young adults who attend university.

Keywords:

• Southern Africa
• university students
• health promotion intervention

Notes

The authors wish to thank Raymond Chiruka and Andrew Gwaze for the recruitment of the participants and assisting with the administration of the study. We thank all participants for their time and effort. We also thank all team members of all departments involved in the development of the survey and conduct of the study. This study was made possible through grant award R34MH078803 from the National Institute of Mental Health.