Changes in student physical health behaviour: an opportunity to turn the concept of a Healthy University into a reality:

Aims:Previous studies have reported a high prevalence of unhealthy behaviours in the student population, which the Healthy University concept is now seeking to address, by taking a settings approach to health promotion. This study investigated how far students are already seeking to make changes to improve their health behaviour while in a university setting, to help inform the development of Healthy Universities.Methods:Data on student health behaviour change, health indicators and demographics were gathered from 550 students attending two London universities, via an online questionnaire released through the student union email system at one university and through iPads at a student centre at the other.Results:In total, 84% of respondents reported making changes to try to become healthier while at university, primarily for proactive health reasons rather than reacting to a perceived health or weight issue. Universities and student unions were reported as influencing behaviour change by only five students...