Effectiveness of Issuing Well-being Challenges to Nudge Pharmacy Students to Adopt Well-being Protective Behaviors

Am J Pharm Educ. 2020 Aug;84(8):ajpe7875. doi: 10.5688/ajpe7875.

Abstract

Objective. To assess the effectiveness of well-being challenges embedded within a pharmacy management course to influence student adoption of positive well-being behaviors. Methods. Four optional, month-long well-being challenges addressing smartphone use, gratitude, sleep, and exercise were designed and administered within a pharmacy management course. Participants completed a reflective survey documenting reasons for participation, prior behaviors, and intentions to continue the behaviors. Results. Ninety-three percent (n=126) of students enrolled in the course participated in at least one well-being challenge, and 82% (n=104) of participants completed two or more challenges. The majority of participants (ranging from 88% to 100% per challenge) indicated they intended to attempt or definitely continue the behaviors after the challenge(s) was completed. Conclusion. A strategy of well-being challenges can be an effective way to influence students to adopt well-being protective behaviors.

Keywords: behavioral economics; nudging; well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior / physiology*
  • Curriculum / statistics & numerical data
  • Education, Pharmacy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Students, Pharmacy / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires