An Elective Course in Healthy Living in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program
Associate Professor James Boyd Pharm.D. and M.B.A.Associate Professor Antoine Al-Achi Ph.D.
pages: 93 - 103
- DOI: 10.1300/J060v09n04_04
- Version of record first published: 01Sep2003
Abstract:
An elective course in healthy living was introduced for the first time in our program in the fall semester of 1999. The students were introduced to various healthy styles of living that included diet, exercise, and monitoring tools. A survey was given by the end of each semester to probe the depth of students' understanding of the material. The survey focused on the following areas: exercise, diet, assessment, lifestyle changes, and the ability of students to counsel patients about several of these topics. On average, the weight and body mass index (BMI) of students upon enrollment in the course were 169.2 lbs. and 24.4, respectively. Their average blood pressure was 125/78, and their cholesterol level was 178.3 mg/dl. Upon completion of the course, the students reported in the survey that they lost, on average, 3.07 lbs. ( p = 0.0455) and reduced their cholesterol level by 6.89 mg/dl ( p = 0.0377). There was also an average decrease in the systolic blood pressure by 5.0 mm Hg ( p = 0.011). No effect on the diastolic blood pressure was observed ( p = 0.216). The average BMI was also reduced by 0.69 ( p = 0.0279). The frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise performed by students were all improved following the course ( p < 0.0001). The students were also better in monitoring their diet ( p < 0.0001) and eating a healthier diet after the course ( p < 0.0001). In terms of overall lifestyle changes in exercise and diet, the majority of students noticed an improvement. The students also felt better prepared to counsel patients in areas of exercise, diet, BMI calculation, blood pressure monitoring, and cholesterol monitoring upon completion of this course.