Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Thesis

Keywords

Women college students--Health and hygiene--Iowa; Community college students--Health and hygiene--Iowa; Women college students--Health and hygiene; Iowa;

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the health concerns ofreentry nontraditional women students in a community college in the state oflowa. This group was surveyed in May of2000 at the end of the spring semester. Three hundred nontraditional women students were randomly selected from a population of2,164 names supplied to the researcher by the office of admissions. The women were sent a 103- questionnaire survey accompanied by a cover letter and an informed consent. The categories covered were: (a) demographics, (b) tobacco use, (c) alcohol use, (d) personal relationship issues, (e) causes and management of stress, (f) health concerns specific to women, (g) child and infant care, (h) physical fitness and nutrition, (i) health self-care (j) sexual and emotional awareness, which included questions regarding violence against women, (k) spirituality and values, and (1) oral health.

Nontraditional women who return to school often elect to attend a community college. Along with academics they often are struggling to balance many roles. It is important for the community college to be aware of the special health needs ofthis population. Also, accommodations should be made by the community college to assist this student population with class schedule, transportation, child-care, financial aid, housing, and a counseling staff who are equipped to assist with concerns other than academics.

Recommendations for each of these 11 categories are suggested in order to assist the community college with this most important responsibility. In order to assist the growing population of nontraditional women students to become successful in improving their lifestyle and contributing to the wellness of our nation, it is essential community colleges strive to accommodate this special population of nontraditional women students.

Year of Submission

2002

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Diane Depken

Second Advisor

Dennis Cryer

Third Advisor

Michele Yehieli

Comments

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this thesis and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit a request to scholarworks@uni.edu and include clear identification of the work, preferably with URL.

Date Original

2002

Object Description

1 PDF file (124 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Share

COinS