1. Body Temple Theory HLTH 509 Social & Behavioral Theory Applications in Public Health 

2. Introduction
Assess the link between students‘ spiritual values and health behaviors 
Administered health behavior survey to over 200 students
 Are students treating their body as a temple (sleep, diet, behaviors)? 
By comparing beliefs and actual practices.

3. "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies" - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 
Foundational scripture: add narration

4. Methods Collaboration between HLTH 634 & HLTH 509
Partnered with Student Health Services (LHL)
Survey Administration
Online anonymous survey
National Public Health Week (April 3-6)
Univariate and bivariate analysis
The study was developed by students in two MPH course, both taught by Dr. James Florence.
To capture undergraduates but some graduate students also took the survey.

5. Age & Gender
228 total respondents: Female = 68%, Male = 32%

6. Classification & Residence
On campus = 115; off campus = 113

7. Health Behavior Frequencies
Again number of respondents = 228

8. Use of Tobacco Products (e.g., cigarettes/cigars, smokeless tobacco)
91% not smoked in 30 d
In an average week, how many days do you participate in the following activities?
0 Use = 97.4%; 1-2 days = 2.2%; 3-4 = 0.4%

9. Drink Alcohol for Intoxicating Effects
0 use = 91.2%; 1-2 = 7.0%; 3-4 = 1.8%

10. Use of Illicit Drugs or Drugs not Prescribed (Excluding Over-the-Counter Medicines)

11. Consume High Sugar Foods/Drinks (e.g., soda, candy, desserts)
0 use = 10.5%; 1-2 = 36.4%; 3-4 = 35.1%; 5-7 = 18%

12. Consume High Fat Foods (e.g., fatty meats, whole fat dairy, pastries)
0 use = 9.6%; 1-2 = 38.6%; 3-4 = 37.7%; 5-7 = 14%

13. Consume 5 or More Servings of Fruits and/or Vegetables
Amount ~3 ½ cups
Data from NCHA: How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you usually have per day? 0 = 8%; 5 0r more 5%; most consume mid-range.

14. Eat Breakfast
0 use = 8.3%; 1-2 = 30.3%; 3-4 = 23.2%; 5-7 = 38.2%

15. Drink Six-to-Eight 8 oz. Glasses of Water
Amount ~ 2 qts.
0 use =18 ; 1-2 = 49 ; 3-4 = 73 ; 5-7 = 88

16. Engage in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity for 30 Minutes or More
20%
31%
27%
22%
0 use = 20; 1-2 = 76; 3-4 = 78 ; 5-7 = 54
NCHA: On how many of the past 7 days did you do moderate intensity cardio or aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes?

17. Sleep 7 or More Hours Each Night
11%
32%
37%
25%
0 = 19 ; 1-2 = 66 ; 3-4 = 80 ; 5-7 = 63
NCHA question: On how many of the last 7 days did you get enough sleep so you feel rested when you wake up?

18. Engage in Screen Time After 9:00 pm (e. g
Engage in Screen Time After 9:00 pm (e.g., cell phone, television, computer)
0 = 1; 1-2 = 9; 3-4 = 44; 5-7 = 174

19. Consume Caffeine After 4:00 pm. (e.g., caffeinated coffee,tea, colas)
0 = 75; 1-2 = 83; 3-4 = 42; 5-7 = 28

20. Pray 10 Minutes or More
0 = 29; 1-2 = 79; 3-4 = 70; 5-7 = 50

21. Read Bible for 10 Minutes or More
0 = 28; 1-2 =73; 3-4 = 74; 5-7 = 53

22. Outside Influences of Behavior
Influence on Health Decisions & Actions

23. Influence of My Church
Q3 - How much of an impact do the following have on your health decisions and actions?
Number of Respondents: none = 44; minimal = 82; some = 61; great = 41
6 options, highlighted 3
Social media was third
Church fourth

24. Influence of My Family or Friends
 0 = 1.3%; 1-2 = 16%; 3-4 = 47%; 5-7 = 36%
Numbers = none = 3; minimal = 36; some = 108; great = 81

25. Influence of My Understanding of the Body as God’s Temple
Had the greatest impact even over church attendance and family or friends
0 = 0.4%; 1-2 = 14.5%; 3-4 = 44.3%; 5-7 = 40.8%

26. Temple Care

27. Avoiding the Use of Tobacco
194, 85.1% = Yes; 34, 14.9% = No

28. Avoiding Abuse of Alcohol or Drugs
Yes = 190, 83.3%; No = 38,16.7%

29. Eating a Healthy Diet
Yes = 177, 77.6%; No = 51, 22.4% So, 78% said eating a healthy diet is a part of taking care of body as God’s Temple, but the question is are they really practicing this?

30. Exercise
Yes = 158, 69.3%; No = 70, 30.7%

31. Getting Adequate Sleep
Yes = 158, 69.3%; No = 70, 30.7%

32. Relationship of Belief & Practice

33. BT Influence Vs. Days Per Week Consuming High Sugar Foods/Drinks

34. BT Influence Vs. Days Per Week Consuming Foods High in Fat

35. BT Influence Vs. Eating 5 or More Servings of Fruits & Vegetables

36. BT Influence Vs. Engaging in Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity 30 Minutes or More

37. BT Influence Vs. Days Getting 7 or More Hours of Sleep

38. Conclusions Consistent with Body Temple Concept  Tobacco
 Alcohol for intoxication
 Drug abuse
 Sugary foods
 Exercise
225 said yes to Christian 

39. Conclusions Not consistent with Body Temple Concept Sleep Fat intake
Fruit & vegetable intake
225 said yes to Christian 

40. Limitations Self-reporting bias among respondents
Concern about confidentiality
Small sample size
Survey questions relied on student interpretation (e.g., 'healthy' diet)
Which of the following items play a role in caring for your body as God’s temple? (Select all that apply

41. Presenter Information
James Florence, DrPH, MATS, MCHES
Professor
Dept. of Public & Community Health, Liberty University
Annette Florence, DrPH, MPH, MCHES
Associate Professor, Department chair
Dept. of Public & Community Health, Liberty University