ASSESSING HEALTH AWARENESS GROWTH IN ARAB AMERICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS POST PHYSICAL EDUCATION COURSE

Abstract

The study aimed to identify differences in the level of health awareness among students enrolled in the physical education course at the Arab American University after completing the course. Additionally, it examined whether statistically significant differences were attributed to variables such as gender and college affiliation. A descriptive approach was used, with a sample of 110 students randomly selected from a population of 155. The health awareness scale included four dimensions: nutrition, personal health, physical activity, and body composition. Results indicated statistically significant improvements in health awareness levels after completing the course, particularly in nutrition and body composition. While no significant gender-based differences were observed, students in scientific colleges showed higher post-assessment health awareness levels compared to those in humanities colleges. The study recommends intensifying health awareness campaigns, especially for students in humanities colleges, and integrating physical education courses as mandatory requirements.