Researchers from San Francisco State University detail new studies and findings in the area of behavior
March 17th, 2009
2009 MAR 17 -- According to a study from the United States, "The rising prevalence of chronic disease in the United States signifies a need for innovative health education strategies. One approach would be to integrate holistically oriented alternative health content into university health education curricula."
"This would capitalize on growing consumer interest in alternative health practices and on the observed relationship between the use of alternative health practices and conventional preventive health behaviors. The aim of this study was to explore the potential value of alternative health curricula. The study was conducted to obtain information on demographics, attitudes, and behaviors of students enrolled in a holistic health education course. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data was collected at a public university that offers a comprehensive undergraduate holistic health curriculum. Participants were undergraduate students fulfilling general education requirements. A convenience sample of three self-selected groups was surveyed: a holistic health education course, a conventional health education course, and a human sexuality course. Outcomes included use of alternative health/complementary and alternative medicine practices, perceived effects of courses on health behaviors, intentions for future employment in a health field, and identification with holistic postmodern cultural values. Holistic health students were significantly more likely to employ alternative health practices and to report identification with holistic cultural values compared with the other two groups. Both holistic and conventional health education students were significantly more likely to report perceived positive effects of courses on health behaviors and intended future employment in a health profession. Implications for health promotion and workforce development are considered. Findings suggest potential benefits of including holistic health content in university health education curricula," wrote A. Burke and colleagues, San Francisco State University.
The researchers concluded: "Replication with a larger, representative student sample would be a logical next step."
Burke and colleagues published their study in Explore - the Journal of Science and Healing (CHARACTERISTICS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS ENROLLED IN AN ALTERNATIVE HEALTH/COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE COURSE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL COMPARISON. Explore - the Journal of Science and Healing, 2009;5(1):45-50).
For more information, contact A. Burke, San Francisco State University, Dept. of Health Education, Institute Holist Health Studies, HSS327, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA.
Publisher contact information for the Explore - the Journal of Science and Healing is: Elsevier Science Inc., 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010-1710, USA.
Keywords: United States, San Francisco, Behavior, Chronic Disease, San Francisco State University.
This article was prepared by Life Science Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Life Science Weekly via NewsRx.com.
