•  
  •  
 

DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS BY SEX AND AREA OF STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Roughly 30% of college students do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines and many students report high levels of sedentary behavior (SED). Limited data alludes that PA differences can vary by class level, gender, age, and living facilities. However, focusing on different areas of study among college students potentially provides insight on differences in PA and SED behaviors among students. The examination of college students’ PA and SED behaviors according to area of study may lead to a more targeted approach for PA promotion and SED reduction on the university campus. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore differences in PA and SED among college students by sex and area of study. METHODS: Male (n=23; 19.87±1.5yo) and female (n=60; 19.7±1.3 yo) college students were assessed for PA and SED over 7 days via accelerometry using the ActiGraph GT9X and activPAL3, respectively. Two-way ANOVAs assessed differences in PA and SED according to area of study (Education, Engineering, Arts & sciences, Business/public affairs/journalism, and other), sex (Male and Female), and the interaction of these two factors. RESULTS: On average, students engaged in 64.0±21.9min/day of moderate-intensity PA, 8.8±9.2 minutes/day of vigorous-intensity PA, and 7.6±1.5 hours/day of SED. There were no significant differences in moderate-intensity PA by area of study (p=0.636), sex (p=0.601) or the combination of these factors (p=0.507). Vigorous-intensity PA however, was higher among males in Education (32.5±4.5min/day) and Engineering (16.4±3.2min/day) compared to females in those areas of study (6.9±2.2 and 5.7±3.2, respectively). There were no significant differences in SED by area of study (p=0.286), sex (p=0.363), or the interaction of these factors (p=0.498). CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity PA and SED did not differ by area of study, sex, or any combination of these factors. However, males in Education and Engineering compared to females in the same area of study, showed a higher level of vigorous PA per day. More research may be required using more representative samples to see if any type of PA or SED differs by sex or area of study. For vigorous PA, more targeted health promotion messaging can be displayed in these areas of campus in order to help promote more PA and ultimately a healthier lifestyle for those who reported less vigorous PA per day.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS