FLASH College Health Study
Survey & Physical Assesments are closed!
FLASH (Following the Longitudinal Aspects of Student Health) college health study is closed! On April 2nd, 2012 an email invite was sent to all full time Cal Poly students (frosh to grad student!). The data we compiled and analyzed can be downloaded here.
FLASH Stats
| Quarter | Surveys | PAs* |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Study (Sp 08, Wtr 09, Sp 09) |
911 | 911 |
| Cohort Study Begins | ||
| Fall 2009 | 1,526 | 296 |
| Spring 2010 | 1,916 | 140 |
| Fall 2010 | 1,073 | 376 |
| Spring 2011 | 1,142 | 681 |
| Spring 2012 | 3,193 | 1,571 |
| Total | 9,761 | 3,975 |
More about FLASH
The FLASH college health study tracks the health behavior, knowledge and status of students throughout their college career. With this information, STRIDE examines the modifiable risk factors associated with weight gain, obesity and high blood pressure among undergraduate students.
The range of tests performed in the study allows our Assessment Team, a group of students trained in physical health assessments, to gain an understanding of each student's health status and their potential risk for chronic diseases. With this information, the A-Team is able to evaluate the current trends in health-related behaviors.
For more information, check out our NEW FLASH video, produced by our extremely talented videographer: Aaron Bevan.
To get up to date on FLASH, take a look at our STRIDE calendar and note any events that are tagged FLASH. It's just that easy!
Physical Assessment and Questionnaire
To participate in the study, students first filled out an online questionnaire of their health habits and perceptions. After completing this, students were evaluated by the Assessment Team (A-Team), a group of students trained in physical health assessments, who measured the height, weight, BMI, wrist circumference, pulse and blood pressure of participants.
CLICK HERE to get more information on the Physical Assessment and Questionnaire.
Freshmen Heart Health Study
During the Spring Quarter 2012, we focused on the Freshmen Heart Health Study, which involved Cholesterol and Glucose screening to help determine the risk levels of diabetes and cardiovascular disease among students.
CLICK HERE to get more information about the Freshmen Heart Health Study.
Resting Energy Expenditure (REE) Study
The REE Study is focused on determining the best way for students to effectively manage their weight. Because students generally underestimate their general nutritional intake and overestimate their physical activity, the study used a 2-part approach to accurately measure the overall health of students.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the testing procedure and equipment used in the REE study.
Vitamin D Study
This study examined vitamin D levels among students by measuring their sun exposure, skin pigmentation, vitamin D intake and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Because Vitamin D is vital to overall health, the study was designed to raise awareness to college students and to educate them on maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Vitamin D study.
How to Get Involved
As of Fall 2012, there are no FLASH studies being conducted. However, if you still have questions or would like to inquire more about any of our studies, please contact STRIDE at stride@calpoly.edu.
Previous FLASH College Health Study Findings
In October 2010, the FLASH study found that 31 percent of participating students were overweight or obese, with higher rates in males than females. Elevated blood pressure was common, as well. Seventy percent of males across BMI categories were classified as pre-hypertensive and 7.8 percent as hypertensive. Females had slightly lower rates, with 32.2 percent pre-hypertensive and 1.6 percent hypertensive.
Hypertension in males and both pre-hypertension and hypertension in females were found to be positively associated with an increased BMI. However, the study did not find an association amongst dietary factors, physical activity, or sleep with being overweight, obese, or hypertensive.
Contact Info
| Photo | Name | Position | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Jane Hurley | Program Manager | (805)756-0673 | jchurley@calpoly.edu |
 |
Matt Leu | Program Manager | (805)895-0965 | mleu@calpoly.edu |
 |
Adam Abudra | Program Manager | (805)756-0673 | aabudra@calpoly.edu |
 |
Veronika Lesiuk | Faculty Supervisor and Data Manager | (805)756-2545 | vlesiuk@calpoly.edu |
 |
Dr. Aydin Nazmi | Faculty Advisor | (805)756-6183 | nazmi@calpoly.edu |
 |
Dr. David Hey | Faculty Advisor | (805)756-5693 | dhey@calpoly.edu |
 |
Dr. Laura Hall | Faculty Advisor | (805)756-2958 | lauhall@calpoly.edu |
History of FLASH
In 2009, STRIDE Director Dr. Ann McDermott found that half of Cal Poly students tested in KINE 250 in the 2008-2009 school year had high blood pressure. As a result, a team of professors and student volunteers began the FLASH study as a way to measure the health behaviors and perceptions among college students, as well as the risk factors for elevated blood pressure.
