Poster – Research Findings Session
General Information:
Program Chair: Yes
Session Topic: First-Year Experience and Student Cardiovascular Health
Session Title: Impact of First Semester College Experience on Cardiovascular Risk Factor Development
and Implications for Campus-based Programming for Risk Reduction and Health Promotion
Institution: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Institution Affiliation: Public
Institution Type: Four-year
Institution Enrollment: 10,001 - 15,000
Special Serving Institution: No
If other, please specify:
Position Title: Associate Professor, Health & Physical Education Dept.
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Kostelnik
Address: 236 Zink Hall
City: Indiana
State: PA
Zip: 15705
Country: United States
Phone: 724-357-7645
Fax: 724-357-3777
E-mail: bkostel@iup.edu
Biographical Sketch of Program Chair:
Dr. Bob Kostelnik is Associate Professor in the Health and Physical Education Department at Indiana
University of Pennsylvania. With a Ph.D. in Athletic Administration and Master’s degree in Exercise
Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh, he is Coordinator of the Sport Science program and
Internship supervisor. Previous professional experience includes Director of Wellness, Director of Student
Life, Athletic Director, and Department Chairperson. Research interests include health status and
cardiovascular risk among college students in transition.
Audio/Visual Equipment Needed:
No AV Needed
Session Abstract:
The first year college experience includes significant lifestyle changes that may predispose students to
weight gain and subsequent cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
impact of first semester freshman experience on cardiovascular risk factor development. Discussion will
include pilot testing of a new model for educational programming designed to take place in a Living
Learning residential facility to increase first-year students’ awareness of risks and strategies to promote
health-fitness.
Research Design:
This study employed pre/post assessment of cardiovascular risk factors during the fall semester of
students’ first year. Pretesting occurred during the first three weeks of the semester, and post-testing
was completed after twelve weeks. Assessment included a lipid panel with total cholesterol, HDL and
LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose (measured by finger stick method following a 12
hour fast utilizing the Cholestech LDX system), body mass index (using Quetelet’s Index calculation), and
resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (using normal resting blood pressure protocol).
Detailed Summary:
During the first year college experience, many young adults experience significant lifestyle changes that
may negatively impact their health. Previous research has documented weight gain, as well as other
behavioral changes, likely to increase cardiovascular and other risk factors during the transition in the
new college environment. Research has also strongly suggested that multiple risk factors for heart
disease, the leading cause of mortality in the United States, actually begin in adolescence. Consequently,
young adults have increasingly become the target of research investigating strategies for cardiovascular
risk reduction and prevention. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the first
semester college experience on cardiovascular risk factor development. Study participants were thirtyone male and female freshmen, aged 18-22 years. Consent was obtained as required by the university
Institutional Review Board for Protection of Human Subjects. Pre-testing was conducted during the first
three weeks of the first semester and included a lipid panel with total cholesterol, HDL and LDL
cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose (measured by finger stick following a 12 hour fast
utilizing the Cholestech LDX system), body mass index (using Quetelet’s Index calculation), and resting
systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Post semester testing was conducted 12 weeks later. Results
indicated statistically significant increases from pre to post testing in total cholesterol (p<.000), LDL (p <
.001), fasting glucose (p < .031), weight (p < .020), and BMI (p < .005). Triglyceride levels significantly
increased (p<.015) for students living in dorms compared to those living off campus. In conclusion,
results of this study suggest that first semester college experience may have a negative impact on total
cholesterol, LDL, fasting glucose, and triglycerides. Further research on the impact of first year
experience on cardiovascular health is recommended, particularly concerning cardiovascular risk
associated with living on campus and campus-based interventions.
Implications of Research:
This study suggests that the first year college experience has a negative impact on total cholesterol, LDL
cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels. Furthermore, dorm living, as compared to living at home, may
have a negative impact on cardiovascular health, particularly as measured by triglyceride levels. These
findings support the conclusion that risk factor intervention during the first year experience may be
particularly timely and valuable. Results of this study also support the recommendation for future
research on specific risks associated with on-campus living. The current trend at many universities today
is to move from the traditional concept of dormitories to “living-learning” communities. These “living
learning” residential facilities are designed to foster positive academic and social connections for first-year
students, and present unique opportunities for continued research and development of new intervention
strategies. Successful intervention during this period of transition has the potential not only to positively
impact student health status during the first year of college, but may also result in the establishment of
long term behavior patterns that have benefit throughout the lifespan.
Additional Presenters:
Yes
Presenter 1
First Name: Robert
Last Name: Alman
Title: Assistant Professor
Institution: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Address: 110 Zink Hall
City: Indiana
State: PA
Zip Code: 15705
E-mail Address: balman@iup.edu
Phone: 724-357-4410
Country: United States
Presenter 2
First Name: Elaine
Last Name: Blair
Title: Professor
Institution: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Address: 225 Zink Hall
City: Indiana
State: PA
Zip Code: 15075
E-mail Address: eblair@iup.edu
Phone: 724-357-2770
Country: United States