The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54935

Dixie L. Dennis, PhD, Departments of Social Work and Physical Education, Salisbury University, 1101 Camden Ave., 204 Caruthers Hall, Salisbury, MD 21801, 410.677.5428, DLDennis@salisbury.edu and Susan M. Muller, PhD, Department of Physical Education, Salisbury University, Maggs Complex, Salisbury, MD 21801.

Although external motivators for weight control abound (e.g., weight loss centers, physicians pleas/instructions, dietary programs), the prevalence of overweight/obesity has markedly increased among adolescents. Study objective: to determine the degree of spirituality, an often-overlooked internal motivator, as it relates to overweight/obesity among college students. Method: A survey—Life Attitude Profile-Revised (LAP-R)—was administered in October, 2002 among a cohort group of college freshman enrolled in a required-for-graduation course. Data included spirituality and control-over-life LAP-R mean scores as well as self-report heights and weights for determining Body Mass Index (BMI). Results: Among 527 college freshmen (average age 19.2 + 2.08), the mean BMI was 23 + 4.7. 19.2% of students were overweight (BMI 25-29) and 9.5% were obese (>30 BMI). Obese students had the lowest mean spirituality scores (mean = 28.22) compared to overweight (mean 40.31) and normal (mean 41.81) students. While overweight and obese students’ control-over-life mean subscales were similar (44.28 & 45.67 respectively), normal BMI students’ mean scores were lower (39.60). Conclusions: Students’ degree of spirituality is related to their body weight as well as action to maintain a healthy weight. The strongest link between less spirituality and BMI was found in obese students. While students with the normal and overweight BMIs reporting they were in less control of their lives, their actions toward maintaining healthy body weight revealed otherwise. To address the nation’s adolescent obesity epidemic, the authors will present strategies suitable for addressing spirituality in a variety of settings (schools, universities, communities, worksites, and medical facilities).

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the sessions, session lerners will be able to:
• articulate the difference between religion and spirituality, especially as they relate to health behaviors such as diet and exercise;
• list 2 indicators that link unhealthy spirituality to obesity in adolescents, and;
• develope spirituality programs suitable for adolescents in school, university, worksite, community, and particularly medical settings.

Keywords: Adolescent Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.