22nd Annual Student Research Conference
Comparison of Self-care Behaviors Among Freshmen at Truman State University
Mallory N. Ramos*, Taelor M. Cash, and Morgan A. Shahan
Dr. Janice Clark Young, Faculty Mentor
College freshmen often make medical decisions for the first time. Self-care is an excellent way to learn medical responsibility and reduce medical costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavior change of Truman State University freshman after self-care presentations. A 10-item survey was developed for this study. Participants (N=120) were tested before and after the presentation. Results indicated participants were more likely than before to use a self-care book to answer health questions in the next 3 months. Using this information, a second survey was developed to determine whether students used self-care resources before contacting a medical professional. Surveys were distributed at the Student Health Center to identify the number of students who had attended a self-care presentation and used the information learned. Since TSU freshmen were more likely to use self-care resources after one self-care presentation, it is recommended to incorporate self-care education to all freshmen.
Keywords: Self-care, Health care utilization, Freshmen, Health Center
Topic(s):Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 57-1
Location: VH 1320
Time: 2:45