An Analysis of Health Promotion and Risk Behaviors of Freshman College Students in a Rural Southern Setting

This study described health promotion and risk behaviors of entering college students in a rural southern setting. A sample of 251 students completed the Health Promotion and Health Risk Survey during a testing period that included other academic surveys. Results indicated that participants believe they are in control of their health. In addition, participants reported that happiness and health were the most important personal values for them. When compared with the National College Health Risk Behavior data, participants in this study were significantly lower in many of the health risk behaviors.