Intervention Program: Mitigating Stress and Morbidity for SUNY Old Westbury Undergraduates

Intervention Program for SUNY Old Westbury Undergraduates

By Darcy Covington Public Health Department SUNY College at Old Westbury

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• Abstract and Objectives
• Literature Background
• Target Population
• Methods and Theoretical Framework
• Key Results
• Intervention Phases
• Analysis Plan
• Conclusion and Impact

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1

Abstract and Objectives

Mitigating long-term psychological stress and physical morbidity among undergraduates

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• Mitigate impact of long-term psychological stress and physical morbidity
• Change stigma surrounding stress/anxiety via accessible services
• Empower first-gen/low-income undergrads with coping techniques
• Rapid Mixed-Methods Assessment + Theory of Planned Behavior

• 75%: Moderate to High Stress
• 7%: Mod-Severe Symptoms
• Record Highs: Mental Health Issues

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2

Literature Background

National trends and studies on student stress, anxiety, and morbidity

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• 75% students report moderate-high stress (ACHA 2023)
• Depression/anxiety prevalence in college students (Beiter et al. 2015)
• Stress/coping linked to health outcomes (Brougham et al. 2009)
• First-gen students face distinct health stressors (Lederer et al. 2021)
• Mental health trends by race/ethnicity (Lipson et al. 2022)

• National data: 75% moderate-high stress
• 7% moderate-severe symptoms
• Financial/tuition anxiety primary drivers

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3

Program Objectives

Time-bound targets for health improvement and awareness

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💪 Goal 1: Physiological Health Improve coping skills and status

📉 Obj 1.1 Stress Reduction 40% participants: 5-pt PSS-10 drop (12 mo)

😴 Obj 1.2 Sleep Hygiene 50%: 20% knowledge gain, 7+ hrs sleep (6 mo)

👥 Goal 2: Stigma & Awareness Increase resource use and literacy

📈 Obj 2.1 Utilization 25% rise in first-gen UCC visits (May 2027)

💡 Obj 2.2 Literacy 75% identify 3+ resources (end of semester)

4

Methods

Rapid Mixed-Methods Assessment and Theory of Planned Behavior

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Target Population Convenience sample of 50 undergrads Primarily low-income/first-generation Face compounding stressors like impostor syndrome and financial instability

Mixed-Methods Approach Quantitative: Pulse Survey (PSS-10 + Likert somatic symptoms) Qualitative: Key Informant Interviews on treatment gap Theory of Planned Behavior: Alter subjective norms to reduce help-seeking cost

Phase 1: Baseline Establish stress baselines via surveys; confirm cohort demographics Phase 2: Implementation Health logs for symptoms/sleep; mid-program technique feedback Phase 3: Evaluation Re-admin PSS-10; focus groups on stigma/treatment gap

5

Results

National trends and local morbidity drivers

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• High stress predicts sleep deprivation (<6 hrs/night)
• Somatic complaints: headaches, GI issues
• Financial stress (tuition/jobs) drives anxiety/burnout
• Seniors: 4 yrs allostatic load → hypertension/fatigue risk

• <6 hrs: Avg Nightly Sleep
• High: Somatic Complaints
• Elevated: Allostatic Load
• Financial: Primary Driver

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> This intervention is more than a wellness luxury; it is a professional requirement to address systemic health disparities.

— Darcy Covington

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Normalize help-seeking to prevent chronic morbidity Foster resilience for first-gen/low-income students

Thank you! Questions? Contact Darcy Covington

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