Assessment of cardiovascular health, sleep habits, and diets among college students by utilizing public health screening tools

Abstract

Public health significance: Many racial health disparities exist in this country, and a primary goal of public health, as a whole, is to decrease these disparities (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [HHS].1 Public health professionals have worked tirelessly in low-income areas and those with residents of racial minorities in an attempt to decrease the health disparities between these populations and the healthier people within higher socioeconomic groups. One opportunity that public health has yet to take advantage of is the Historically Black College University (HBCU); a high population of resident African American students at H.B. is the best, convenient way to access public health study. These students are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, and other lifestyle-associated diseases. These young AfricanAmericans are taking the first steps in establishing themselves as independent adults. Providing evidence-based health promotion recommendations and education for HBCU students could help them develop healthier lifestyles during an essential stage of their adult lives and have lasting benefits.