MODIFYING LIVING HABITS AMONG UNIVERSITY- STUDENTS AS A STRATEGY FOR PREVENTION

A behavior modification program was applied during 10 weeks to 19 coll ege students for changing their specific daily habits, as part of a gl obal program for reducing hypertension risk factors. The objetives of the program were to reduce inadequate behaviors such as salt intake an d smoking, as well a's to increase their adequate alimentary habits, s leep, physical and recreational activities. Several behavior modificat ion procedures were included in the program such as: stimulus control, information, self-reinforcement, self-monitoring, positive social rei nforcement anti cognitive tecniques. An A-B-A design was used. Results indicate that behavior modification procedures were effective for mod ifying student's daily habits, basically alimentary habits, salt intak e, sleep and recreational activities.