Physical Activity among College Students. University of Cincinnati. A thesis submitted to the. Division of Graduate Studies and Research

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2 Physical Activity Among College Students 1 Physical Activity among College Students University of Cincinnati A thesis submitted to the Division of Graduate Studies and Research University of Cincinnati In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science In the School of Human Services of College of Education, Criminal Justice & Human Services 2014 By Angelica M. Hardee M.S University of Cincinnati, 2014 Dr. Rebecca Vidourek, Chair Dr. Keith King, Committee Member 1

3 Physical Activity Among College Students 2 Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine physical activity behaviors among college students. Analyses were also conducted to examine whether or not physical activity differed based on sex, grade level, and participants personal attitudes. A convenience sample of 177 participants was surveyed during the spring semester of The sample included participants from a variety of general education courses. Descriptive statistics, one-way analyses of variance, and multivariate analyses of variance were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that overall participants physical activity did not differ based on grade level. Results revealed that physical activity significantly differed based on sex. Significant differences in physical activity attitudes were found based on recent physical activity. Personal attitudes were not significantly associated with grade level or recent physical activity. Study findings suggest that physical activity programs for college students may be warranted. Recommendations are included for future studies. 2

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5 Physical Activity Among College Students 3 Table of Contents Table Contents.3 Introduction..5 Methods 9 Participants...9 Instrumentation 9 Procedure.9 Data Analysis Results 11 Discussion.. 12 References

6 Physical Activity Among College Students 4 List of Tables Table 1. Recent Physical Activity Based on Sex and Grade Level Table 2. Physical Activity Attitudes Table 3. Physical Activity Attitudes Based on Sex Table 4. Physical Activity Attitudes Based on Grade Level Table 5. Physical Activity Attitudes Based Recent Physical Activity 4

7 Physical Activity Among College Students 5 Introduction In the United States more than one third (34.9%) of adults are obese (Journal of American Medicine [JAMA], 2014). Obesity continues to be a rising epidemic and a burden to the United States healthcare system. According to National Health and Nutrition Examination , more than 2 in 3 adults are considered to be overweight or obese. In 2007, the prevalence of obesity was greater than 30% in more than 30 states. In comparison to previous decades, adult obesity rates are doubling and childhood obesity rates are tripling (Ogden, Carroll, Kit, Flegal, 2010). According to the U.S. Surgeon General, greater than 60% of adults do not engage in regular physical activity whereas approximately 25% of adults do not engage in any type of physical activity beyond their daily activities (Pate, Pratt, Blair, 1995). As the obesity epidemic is national concern, the problem is also of concern among college students. In 2007, the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) indicated obesity was increasing among the college population. Of the students surveyed 21.6% were overweight and 12.5% were obese (American College Health Association [ACHA], 2011). Studies suggest that approximately 30-35% of college students are overweight or obese based on body mass index (BMI) (Ferrara, Nobrega, Dulfan, 2013). Unfortunately, the results of other studies strongly suggest that the number of overweight and obese adolescents and young adults continues to increase, resulting in higher percentages of young adults with diabetes and at risk for heart disease (Ferrara, et al., 2013). Even though there is a growing number of overweight and obese college students, studies indicate that only 40% participate in any kind of regular physical activity, with 30% or more of all students not participating in any exercise at all on a weekly basis (Huang, Harris, Lee, Nazir, Born, Kaur, 2003). In 2012, a study suggested that more than half of college students do not 5

8 Physical Activity Among College Students 6 meet the minimum goal of 150 minutes of physical activity each week or approximately 30 minutes of exercise at least five days per week, suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (CDC, 2012). One major contributor to obesity is a lack of physical activity (Pate, Pratt, Blair,1995). Of students surveyed in the National College Health Assessment, 23.6% of college students had not participated in aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes in the past 7 days. Also, 40.5% of students surveyed had not participated in vigorous physical activity for 20 minutes (American College Health Assessment [ACHA], 2011). Specifically, research of the college population indicates 18% of college students do not participate in any vigorous or moderate physical activity (Pauline, 2013). Additional studies found that 42% of college students participated in vigorous physical activity three or more times per week whereas 20% of students participated in moderate physical activity (Pauline, 2013). The CDC and the American College on Sports Medicine found that only 35% of women and 39% of men from ages have engaged in moderate physical activity based on the CDC guidelines (Jones, Ainsworth, Croft, 1998). Recent statistics indicate that 25% of undergraduate females are overweight or obese (Greene et al., 2012). Furthermore, 20% of females and 15% of males did not engage in any moderate or vigorous physical activity (Pauline, 2013). Although females report lower levels of physical activity on average than males, many studies indicate that sex was not found to moderate any component of physical activity (Lightfoot & Blanchard, 2011). A major determinant of obesity is inactivity (Ajibade, 2011). According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there are numerous causes for overweight and obesity. These conditions result from an energy imbalance that involves the intake of too many calories and lack of physical activity. In addition, body weight is the result of genes, metabolism, 6

9 Physical Activity Among College Students 7 environment, culture and socioeconomic status among other factors (CDC, 2012). Obesity has physical, psychological, social and economic consequences (CDC, 2012). The lack of physical activity health consequences includes heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers (endometrial, breast and colon), hypertension, stroke, sleep apnea and some respiratory problems. The medical care costs of obesity in the United States are increasing and in 2008, costs totaled approximately $147 billion (Finkelstein, 2009). Studies found that physical activity declines from high school to college students. Regular exercise promotes consistency in your sleep cycle and can be effective in the management of insomnia (Dinger, Brittain, & Hutchinson, 2014). Short-term effects of no exercise also include greater difficulty in the management of stress, difficulty falling and staying asleep, and general fatigue (Dinger, Brittain, & Hutchinson, 2014). Research indicates a nationwide trend between the number of college students classified as overweight according to BMI calculations (Lightfoot & Blanchard, 2011). Research reveals that females were more motivated to be physically active to manage their weight, increase positive appearance, maintain and increase health, and to manage stress (Pauline, 2013). Conversely, males are motivated by the challenge of activity, increased strength and endurance, competition, affiliation with others, and social recognition (Pauline, 2013). Additional research is warranted to explore sex differences in physical activity particularly among college students. Statement of the Problem The purpose of this study is to investigate physical activity among college students and determine whether or not physical activity differed based on sex and grade level. In addition, physical activity attitudes are examined. More specifically, the following research questions 7

10 Physical Activity Among College Students 8 are examined: 1) What is the extent of recent physical activity (past 7 days) among college students? 2) Does recent physical activity attitudes differ based on sex and grade? 3) Do physical activity attitudes differ based on sex, grade, and recent physical activity? 4) Do personal attitudes differ based on sex and grade? Methods Participants A convenience sample of students from University of Cincinnati served as participants in the study. Based on the university total population 22,893, a power analysis found that a sample of 150 students was needed to participate. Participants were students currently enrolled in a sample of several general education courses at one metropolitan university. Participation was voluntary and no incentives were offered. Instrumentation Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, a survey was developed to determine participants involvement in physical activity attitudes and participants personal attitudes toward self. The first section of the survey addressed physical activity practices (N = 6 items). The questions asked participants to list the number of days they participated in physical activity and sedentary activities. The second section listed statements based on physical activity attitudes and personal attitudes toward self for participants to answer (N = 22 items). Lastly, the third section of the survey requested students to provide demographic and background information (N = 7 items), which included age, sex, grade level, race/ethnicity, living accommodations, height, weight and perceived health status. 8

11 Physical Activity Among College Students 9 Procedures The study proposal, survey instrument, informal and formal consent forms were approved by researcher s thesis committee and submitted to the University of Cincinnati Institutional Review Board (IRB) for approval. The University IRB approved this study. The primary researcher selected instructors of general education courses from the University s list of course offerings. These courses consisted of a variety of general education courses including: Biology, English, History, Criminal Justice, and Psychology. The researcher ed the instructors requesting permission for the survey to be distributed in their courses during 2013 spring semester. The researcher sent the course instructor the survey with an attached cover letter explaining the purpose of the study. Those who agreed were asked to the researcher days and times of classes, the number of sections, and students in each section. Once permission was obtained from instructors, surveys were distributed during class time in spring semester. Data Analysis Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 21.0 for Windows). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic and background characteristics of the respondents. A series of analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) were performed to examine the research questions. When MANOVAs were found to be significant, then univariate F-tests were subsequently performed to identify the specific items in the subscale that were significant. An alpha level of.05 was used to avoid committing a Type 1 error. 9

12 Physical Activity Among College Students 10 Results Demographic Characteristics A total of 172 college students completed the survey. All completed surveys were included in final data analysis. Of the respondents, 54.2% were male and 43.5% were female. Students were comprised of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Freshman comprised 48.6% of the sample, 10.7% were sophomores, 13.6% were juniors, 15.8% were seniors, and 8.5% were graduate students. The majority (37.9%) reported living in dormitories, 30.5% lived in apartments and 24.3% reported living at home with parents. Age range of participants was from The majority (51.4%) of participants were between the ages of 18 and 19. Regarding race/ethnicity, 83.1% of the participants were White, 5.6% were Asian, 4.5% were African American, 2.3% were Hispanic, 1.7% were Multiracial, and 0.6% of participants identified as other. The majority of the participants reported that they wanted to lose weight (46.3%) whereas 13.6% wanted to stay the same weight and 13.6% wanted to gain weight. Lastly, 7.3% reported that they were not trying to do anything with their weight. Recent Physical Activity Students were asked in the past 7 days whether or not they participated in physical activity that made their heartbeat fast and made them breathe hard for at least 30 minutes (e.g. basketball, running, swimming aerobics etc.). The number of days for each activity raged from 0-7. Of those days 24.9% of students reported being physically active 7 out of past 7 days. Students reported a mean of 4.71 days (SD=10.299). Concerning physical activity that did not make heartbeat fast or breathe increase for at least 30 minutes (e.g. walking, slow bicycling etc.), participants reported a mean of 4.86 days (SD=10.378). 10

13 Physical Activity Among College Students 11 Recent Physical Activity Based on Sex and Grade Level An ANOVA was conducted to determine if recent physical activity differed based on sex and grade level (Table 1). Results demonstrated grade level does not significantly affect participant s recent physical activity. Participant s sex was found to be significant with female participants reporting higher levels of physical activity than males. Results found there were no significant differences based on grade level. Physical Activity Attitudes Based on Sex, Grade Level and Recent Physical Activity Regarding physical activity attitudes (Table 2), a series of multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) were performed. More specifically, these MANOVAs assessed the physical activity attitudes of participants based on their sex, grade level and recent physical activity (Tables 3-5). Results revealed physical activity attitudes did not significantly differ based on sex and grade level. Lastly, physical activity attitudes were found to significantly differ based on recent physical activity. Personal Attitudes Based on Sex and Grade Level To examine personal attitudes toward self, a MANOVA was conducted to determine if personal attitudes differed based on sex, grade or recent physical activity. Results reveal that personal attitudes were significantly associated with sex of females (M=4.16, SD=.974) having more positive attitudes towards self than males (M=3.85, SD =.917). Personal attitudes were not significantly associated with grade level with freshman/sophomores (M=4.01, SD=.956) reporting similar personal attitudes with juniors/seniors/graduate students (M = 3.97, SD=.953). Lastly, personal attitudes were not significantly associated with recent physical activity. The number of days of physical activity ranged from 0 to 7. Students reported a mean of 3.93 days 11

14 Physical Activity Among College Students 12 (SD=.829), for 0 days of exercise in the past 7 days, and a mean of 3.99 days (SD=.965)for students who participated in exercise within the past 7 days. Discussion Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Many college students are included in the growing number of individuals that are overweight and obese. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and associated with many health risks, like Type II diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. In regards to physical consequences, many major health organizations have come to an understanding that obesity is linked to serious medical conditions including high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, arthritis, sleep disturbances, and breathing problems (King, Vidourek, English, Merianos, 2014). Even though research suggests college students are knowledgeable of the benefits of physical activity, the American College Health Association- National College Health Assessment reported that there is little progress made in regards to improving college student s physical activity (Dinger, Brittain, & Hutchinson, 2014). Studies reveal that more than half of college students do not meet the recommended guidelines of physical activity (King et al., 2014). Previous studies show that both male and female college students indicate that their main reason for physical activity is to improve their physical appearance (Bridges, Guan, Keating, Pinero, 2005). Other studies suggest that the benefits and cues to exercise are associated with participation in physical activity (Greene et al., 2012). Such results should be considered when developing and implementing strategies aimed at increasing physical activity among college students. Research shows that if students are inactive while in college they are more likely to be inactive post-college, placing them at increased risk for obesity and health related consequences (King et al., 2014). The National College Health Risk Behavior Survey [NCHRBS] found that 42% of college students participated in vigorous 12

15 Physical Activity Among College Students 13 physical activity at least three times a week whereas approximately 20% of students participated in moderate physical activity (Pate, Pratt, Blair, 1995). Research suggests that women may be more motivated to engage in physical activity to manage weight, increase positive appearance, increase positive health status, and to manage stress (Greene, et al., 2012). Furthermore, findings demonstrated that men were motivated by performance and ego- oriented factors, such as challenge, strength and endurance, competition, affiliation, and social recognition (Pauline, 2013). The present study found approximately one in four college students are physically active daily. The majority of college students are not participating in daily physical activity to avoid short and long term health consequences. In order to improve physical activity, college health professionals should implement various motivational programs targeted towards encouraging college students to increase their physical activity. Upon examining the data, the present study demonstrated grade level did not significantly affect participant s recent physical activity. This finding differs from previous studies conducted by Bridges and colleagues (2005). Previous research revealed physical activity declined during students for years in college, which was not found in the current study. One possible explanation for this finding may be that fact that 48.6% of participants in this study self-reported as freshman. Future research should include even representation based on grade level. Thus, additional research in this area is warranted. Finally, results indicated that personal attitudes were significantly associated with sex, but not associated with grade level. s have more positive attitudes toward self than did males. However, the present study found participant s personal attitudes were not significantly associated with their recent physical activity. 13

16 Physical Activity Among College Students 14 Targeting various areas such as physical activity promotion and increasing positive physical activity attitudes may enhance physical activity levels among college students. It is vital to cultivate positive social norms towards physical activity. Recommendations include motivational signage around campus, encouraging students to walk, or using the stairs instead of the elevator. If university s on-campus exercise facilities are inadequate, improving exercise facilities in order to encourage usage may be an important step in increasing physical activity. Implementation of competitions and challenges may also an effective method for increasing students excitement and participation in physical activity. For traditionally commuter campuses, encouraging commuter students to walk, bicycle or try other physically active transportation to campus may also increase physical activity levels. Lastly, implementation of programs may target increasing physical activity attitudes as a method of increasing actual behavior. Study Limitations The following limitations should be noted. Participants were enrolled in one Midwestern school; therefore, results may not generalize to students in other areas. All data was selfreported, which may create bias. In addition, as data was self-reported, information may be inaccurate due to memory recall from students. Lastly, students may have responded to survey questions in a socially accepted manner. Recommendations for Future Research Findings from this study add to the literature by providing a more in-depth understanding of college students behaviors regarding physical activity as well as their attitudes toward physical activity. Interestingly, recent physical activity did not differ based on sex and personal attitudes toward self. Study findings suggest that physical activity attitudes may play a role in engagement in physical activity. College health professionals and others working with college 14

17 Physical Activity Among College Students 15 students may target physical activity attitudes as a possible method of increasing physical activity. Additional research is warranted which examines knowledge of physical activity, importance of being physically active, and specific cues to action. 15

18 Physical Activity Among College Students 16 References Ajibade, P. (2011). Physical activity patterns by campus housing status among African American female college students. Journal of Black Studies, 42(4), American College Health Association. (2002). Healthy College 2010: Making it happen. Baltimore: American College Health Association. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Preventing chronic diseases: Investing wisely in health. Preventing heart disease and stroke. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dinger, M.K., Brittain, D.R., & Hutchinson, S.R. (2014). Association between physical activity and health-related factors in a national sample of college students. Journal of American College Health, 61(1), Ferrara C.M., Nobrega C., & Dulfan F. (2013) Obesity, diet, and physical activity behaviors of students in health-related professions. College Student Journal, 47(3), Finkelstein, E.A., Trogdon, J.G., Cohen, J.W., & Dietz, W. (2009). Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: Payer- and service-specific estimates. Health Affairs, 28(5), Flegal, K.M., Carroll, M.D., Kit, B.K., & Ogden, C.L. (2012). Prevalence of obesity and trends in the distribution of body mass index among US adults. Journal of the American Medical Association, 307(5), Greene, G., White, A., Hoerr, S., Lohse, B., Schembre, S., Riebe, D., &... Phillips, B. (2012). Impact of an online healthful eating and physical activity program for college students. American Journal of Health Promotion: AJHP, 27(2), e47-e58. 16

19 Physical Activity Among College Students 17 Huang, T.K., Harris, K.J., Lee, R.E., Nazir, N., Born, W., & Kaur, H. (2003). Assessing overweight, obesity, diet and physical activity in college students. Journal American College Health Association, 52(2), Jones, D., Ainsworth, B., & Croft, J. (1998). Moderate leisure-time physical activity: Who is meeting the public health recommendations? A national cross-sectional study. Archives of Family Medicine, 7, King KA., Vidourek RA., English L., Merianos AL., (2014). Vigorous physical activity among college students: using the health belief model to assess involvement and social support. Archives of Exercise in Health and Disease, 4(2): Lightfoot, K., & Blanchard, C. (2011). Does race or sex moderate the perceived built environment/physical activity relationship in college students? Behavioral Medicine, 37(2), Ogden, C.L., Carroll, M.D., Kit, B.K., & Flegal, K.M., (2012) Prevalence of obesity and trends in body mass index among US children and adolescents, Journal of the American Medical Association, 307(5), Pate, R., Pratt, M., & Blair S. (1995). Physical activity and public health: A recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. Journal of American Medical Association. 273, Pauline, J.S. (2013). Physical activity behaviors, motivation, and self-efficacy among college students. College Student Journal, 47(7),

20 Physical Activity Among College Students 18 Racette, S.B., Deusinger, S.S., Strube, M.J., Highstein, G.R., & Deusinger, R.H.(2005) Weight changes, exercise, and dietary patterns during freshman and sophomore years of college. Journal of American College Health, 53(6), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Overweight and obesity: Cause and consequences. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 18

21 Physical Activity Among College Students 19 Table 1. Recent Physical Activity Based on Sex and Grade Level Item Sex Grade Level M (SD) F p 3.15 (1.858) 4.19 (.556) 3.71 (2.013) 3.51 (.886)

22 Physical Activity Among College Students 20 Table 2. Physical Activity Attitudes Physical Activity Attitudes M SD I have enough time to include physical activity in my day I am physically motivated to be physically active Being physically active is convenient I have a safe place to go participate in physical activity I like being physically active I can find time to be physically active at least 3 times during the week Including physical active in my life makes me feel better Being physically active is fun Being physically active helps me deal with stress in my life I am confident I can physically active It is important to me to include physical activity in my life My days are so busy that I cannot fit in physical activity I have too much homework to do physical activity I do not have the equipment I need to be physically active Being physically active costs too much money I would rather watch television than do physical activity Being physically active is boring N=172; Means based on a 5 point scale (1= Strongly Disagree; 5 = Strongly Agree)

23 Physical Activity Among College Students 21 Table 3. Physical Activity Attitudes based on Sex Physical Activity Attitudes Mean Std. Deviation I have enough time to include physical activity in my day. I am motivated to be physically active. Being physically active is convenient. I have a safe place to go to participate in physical activity. I like being physically active I can find to be physically active at least 3 times during the week. Including physical activity in my life males me feel better. Being physically active is fun. I am confident I can be physically active. It is important to me include physical activity in my life. My days are so busy that I cannot fit it in my physical activity. I have too much homework to do physical activity. I do not have equipment I need to be physically active. I would rather watch television than do physical activity. Being physically active is boring N=172 Means based on a 5 point scale (1=Strongly Disagree; 5 Strongly Agree)

24 Physical Activity Among College Students 22 Table 4. Physical Activity Attitudes Based on Grade Level Physical Activity Attitudes Mean Std. Deviation I have enough time to include physical activity in my day. I am motivated to be physically active. Being physically active is convenient. I have a safe place to go to participate in physical activity. I like being physically active I can find to be physically active at least 3 times during the week. Including physical activity in my life males me feel better. Being physically active is fun. I am confident I can be physically active. It is important to me include physical activity in my life. My days are so busy that I cannot fit it in my physical activity. I have too much homework to do physical activity. I do not have equipment I need to be physically active. I would rather watch television than do physical activity. Being physically active is boring N=172 Means based on a 5 point scale (1=Strongly Disagree; 5 Strongly Agree)

25 Physical Activity Among College Students 23 Table 5. Physical Activity Attitudes Based on Recent Physical Activity Physical Activity Attitudes Mean Std. Deviation I have enough time to include physical activity in my day. I am motivated to be physically active. Being physically active is convenient. I have a safe place to go to participate in physical activity. I like being physically active I can find to be physically active at least 3 times during the week. Including physical activity in my life males me feel better. Being physically active is fun. I am confident I can be physically active. It is important to me include physical activity in my life. My days are so busy that I cannot fit it in my physical activity. I have too much homework to do physical activity. I do not have equipment I need to be physically active. I would rather watch television than do physical activity. Being physically active is boring N=172 Means based on a 5 point scale (1=Strongly Disagree; 5 Strongly Agree)