Standing Up for Student Health: An Application of the Health Action Process Approach for Reducing Student Sedentary Behavior—Randomised Control Pilot Trial

摘要

Background Sedentary behavior ( SB ) has been associated with chronic diseases. University students are a high‐risk population for excessive SB . The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if a Health Action Process Approach ( HAPA ) based intervention, specifically action and coping planning, would increase student break frequency and decrease duration. Methods Fifty‐two university students (14 men, mean age 23.5) were randomised into an 8‐week HAPA ‐treatment (sedentary behavior) or HAPA ‐control (nutrition) group. Participants completed an SB questionnaire that assessed break frequency and duration of student SB (Baseline, Weeks 1–6 Treatment, and Weeks 7–8 Follow‐up), and received behavioral counselling on either dietary information or SB (Baseline and Week?3). Results An intent‐to‐treat analysis revealed a significant group by time interaction effect for student break frequency ( p = .05, η ρ 2 = 0.27), and a non‐significant effect for student break duration ( p = .10, η ρ 2 = 0.23). For occupational (student) break frequency and duration, the large accompanying effect sizes favored the treatment group. Conclusions The current pilot study provides preliminary evidence for the potential of a HAPA ‐based intervention for increasing student break frequency in full‐time university students.