College age individuals have the highest rates of e-cigarette and cannabis use compared to other age groups. Additionally, college students display many signs of poor physical and mental health including poor dietary and physical activity behaviors and high stress levels. These factors have prompted many universities to institute wellness programs to promote positive health behaviors and reduce substance use. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to these programs as many on-campus resources have been limited. This study examines the effect of a prevention and wellness intervention on health behaviors in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study’s sample consisted of 112 undergraduate college students who participated in a wellness intervention followed by follow-up surveys. The wellness intervention was a 60 minute one-on-one Zoom-based session with a trained health coach. The session focused on improving physical activity, eating, sleeping, and stress management to reduce e-cigarette use. Participants were asked to fill out follow-up surveys at 2-, 6-, and 12-weeks post wellness session. The surveys assessed frequency and duration of physical activity and sedentary behavior, sleep duration, dietary behavior, and emotional health. The students were also asked to report e-cigarette, cannabis, and alcohol use. Data was analyzed using linear mixed effects models to assess changes in self-reported measures post intervention.
Results of the data analysis showed that vigorous and moderate physical activity, general health, and emotional wellness all increased at the 2-week follow-up survey compared to baseline. There was also a statistically significant decrease in cannabis and alcohol consumption. The 6-week follow-up survey showed an increase in moderate physical activity, weekend sleep hours, general health, and emotional wellness. A decrease in sitting hours per day was also observed. Cannabis and alcohol use continued to decline during the second follow-up. The 12-week follow-up survey showed an increase in vigorous and moderate physical activity, weekend sleep hours, general health, emotional wellness, and a decrease in sitting hours per day. Reduction in cannabis and alcohol consumption was maintained.
Takeaway: Online wellness interventions may provide some benefit in reducing substance use and increasing positive health behaviors in college students.