COUNTRY: UNITED STATES
REGION: AMERICAS
Implementer: Prevention Plus Wellness, LLC
Partners: University of North Florida; funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
Program Overview: Project Fitness is based on the InShape Plus Prevention and Wellness program, which aims to reduce risky behaviors (including alcohol consumption, cigarette use, and marijuana use) and associated problem behaviors as well as to enhance health-promoting behaviors (exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress management) among college students.
Program Design: Project Fitness was implemented among 18-21 year olds at the University of North Florida. The intervention consisted of a fitness behavior screening, followed by one-on-one counseling with trained fitness specialists. Intervention content was designed based on the Behavior Fitness Model, which addresses multiple health behaviors. During the consultation participants receive information based on the results of their screening, as well as personalized goals.
Evaluation: Participating students were randomly assigned to the intervention program or the standard fitness goal plan and consultation offered at the university, in order to assess the impact of the intervention. Data were collected using the Fitness and Health Survey1, which assesses alcohol consumption, tobacco use, marijuana use, problem behaviors, exercise, nutrition, sleep quantity, use of stress management techniques, and health-related quality of life.
Key findings2: Analyses of evaluation data found statistical significant differences between intervention and controls for outcomes related to alcohol consumption. College students who received the intervention reported less frequent:
- alcohol consumption
- heavy alcohol consumption
- driving following alcohol consumption
Program Website: preventionpluswellness.com
References:
1. Werch, C., (2006). Fitness and health survey: Phase II trial. Jacksonville, Florida: University of Florida, Addictive and Health Behaviors Research Institute.
2. Werch, C. E., Moore, M. J., Bian, H., DiClemente, C. C., Ames, S. C., Weiler, R. M., et al. (2008). Efficacy of a brief image-based multiple-behavior intervention for college students. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Vol. 36(2), 149-157.
Target Audience: University/young adults (18-21 years)
Issues: Underage Drinking
Setting: University
Approach: Screening and Brief Intervention
