Physical activity and exercise levels, and their relationship with selected health factors in college students

Abstract

This study assessed physical activity and exercise levels, and their relationship with selected health factors such as health concerns, self-assessed health status, and health behavior, in college students. A cross-sectional self-reported questionnaire based on the widely used CDC/ACSM and ACSM guidelines were used for this purpose. The questionnaire survey was conducted among 3,596 college freshmen (mean age, 18.5±0.7 years). The survey collected data on physical activity and exercise levels and certain factors related to health, such as concern about health, overall health status, rest, stress, breakfast, and nutritional balance. The study participants were divided into four groups based on the results of the survey: DN (did not meet the CDC/ACSM and ACSM criteria; comprising 46.7% of the males and 61.3% of the females); M (met the CDC/ACSM criteria; 29.1% of the males and 25.7% of the females); V (met the ACSM criteria; 16.4% of the males and 7.8% of the females); MV (met both the CDC/ACSM and ACSM criteria; 7.8% of the males and 5.2% of the females). Compared with the results of the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey in the United States, in 1995, the percentage of participants in the V group in this survey was lower, whereas that in the M group was higher. For the DN group, it is assumed that the percentages recorded in this survey were lower than those in the United States survey. Most people in the DN group—931 (87.7%) of 1,061 males, and 686 (84.7%) of 810 females—reported that they will begin physical activity or exercise, or are already active; however these group members did not meet the guidelines. For males, scores reflecting concerns about health, overall condition, breakfast, and nutritional balance were higher in the DM group than in the DN group; for females, these scores were higher in the DM group than in the DN group. Additional research is required to ascertain methods for improving the physical activity and exercise habits of college students.