IRB Study #: HS-FY2023-20
Welcome
What is the FRESH Study?
The Food, Rest, Exercise and Student Health (FRESH) Study is a two-year longitudinal cohort study with undergraduate students at UC Santa Cruz. We began this project in Winter 2024. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of student nutrition and factors related to cardiovascular and metabolic health as defined by the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8. This study will also help us learn more about the impact of social and environmental conditions in emerging adulthood.
This study is funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
What is Life’s Essential 8?
The American Heart Association has identified 8 factors referred to as Life’s Essential 8 that are important for ideal cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health. These factors include sleep, diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and weight status.
Why is this study important?
This is the first study in the United States to examine nutrition in relation to Life’s Essential 8 factors in college students. Findings from this study could have important policy implications for college students.
What if you received an email about this study?
Congratulations! You received an email because you were randomly selected to participate. We are inviting a random sample of second-year UCSC students to participate. Please follow the screener link in your email to see if you are eligible to participate. You could receive up to $445 in compensation for your participation.
What does study participation involve?
At your first visit, you will be asked to complete an online survey with questions about your nutritional status, demographic factors, and psychosocial factors (e.g., social support). Trained researchers will measure your anthropometrics (e.g., height, weight), collect biomarkers (involves a finger prick), and guide you through an online 24-hour dietary recall. You will be asked to wear a hip monitor for 7 consecutive days to measure your sleep and physical activity. You will also complete two additional online 24-hour dietary recalls at home. After the 7th day, you will return the hip monitor. Follow-up assessments with similar activities will occur one and two years later, for a total of 3 visits. During the first year of the study, you will also be asked to complete a brief monthly online survey.
Meet the Study Team
Principal Investigators:
- Heather Bullock, PhD (UCSC)
- Suzanna Martinez, MS, PhD (UCSF)
Postdoctoral Researcher:
- Gwen Chodur, PhD
Undergraduate Research Assistants:
- Abi Shepherd
- Arunima Dhar
- Dhruva Nidamarthi
- Cali Kimura
Questions?
Email us at fresh_study@ucsc.edu