A health communication campaign designed to improve study habits and wellness: A feasibility study

Abstract

Background

Academic success and retention remain priorities on college campuses. Excessive cell phone use, test anxiety, and poor sleep habits are all associated with negative academic performance.

Objective

To assess college students’ perceptions of a health communication campaign designed to improve study habits and wellness behaviors during exams.

Method

Researchers used a cross-sectional research design to assess participants’ (n = 264) perceptions of the study tip messages. Linear regressions were conducted to determine if the number of messages read was predictive of readiness to change.

Results

Nearly all participants agreed that the messages were appealing (84.4%), believable (89.8%), relevant (91.5%), provided useful information (91.5%) and a good reminder of how to study (87.1%). Students who reported reading more messages indicated a higher level of readiness to improve their study habits (F(1,219) = 8.89, p = .003, R² = .04).

Conclusions

Students found the messages useful; their intentions to study increased the more they were exposed to messages.

Keywords:

• health communication
• intervention
• study-habits
• wellness

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.