Diet and Physical Activity Intervention Strategies for College Students

To understand perceived barriers of a diverse sample of college students and their suggestions for interventions aimed at healthy eating, cooking, and physical activity.Forty students (33% Asian American, 30% mixed ethnicity) were recruited. Six focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. Coding began with a priori codes, but allowed for additional codes to emerge. Analysis of questionnaires on participants' dietary and physical activity practices and behaviors provided context for qualitative findings.Barriers included time, cost, facility quality, and intimidation. Tailoring towards a college student's lifestyle, inclusion of hands-on skill building, and online support and resources were suggested strategies.Findings provide direction for diet and physical activity interventions and policies aimed at college students.