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Social-Ecological Factors Predict College Students’ Physical Activities and Sedentary Behavior

Author

Listed:
  • Tao Zhang

    (Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA)

  • Joonyoung Lee

    (Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA)

  • Xiaoxia Zhang

    (Department of Kinesiology, Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA)

  • Xiangli Gu

    (Department of Kinesiology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA)

Abstract

Guided by the socio-ecological model, the aim of this study was to investigate the predictive strengths of individual, social, and physical environmental factors toward different intensities of physical activity (PA; vigorous PA, moderate PA, walking) and sedentary behavior (SB) among college students. A cross-sectional research design was used. There were 287 college students ( M age = 20.75 ± 2.91; 54% female) recruited from a public research university in the Southwestern United States. Participants completed previously validated questionnaires assessing their PA, SB, and perceptions of self-efficacy, social support, and physical environment variables. Correlation and hierarchical regression analyses were performed to examine the associations and the relative contributions of those individual, social, and physical environmental factors to PA and SB, respectively. The findings indicated that self-efficacy, social support from friends, and convenience of using exercise facilities were positively correlated with vigorous PA. Self-efficacy and physical environmental factor such as convenience of using exercise facilities were significantly associated with students’ moderate PA. Physical environmental factors, including convenience of using exercise facilities, satisfaction with neighborhood services, ease of walking to public transportation stop, and detached single-family residence were significantly related to walking, while only detached single-family residence was associated to SB. The results highlight PA interventions may do well to focus on the promotion of individual and environmental variables to increase PA in college students. More evidence is needed to determine the relationships between social ecological factors and SB.

Suggested Citation

  • Tao Zhang & Joonyoung Lee & Xiaoxia Zhang & Xiangli Gu, 2022. "Social-Ecological Factors Predict College Students’ Physical Activities and Sedentary Behavior," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-12, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12873-:d:937493
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Saelens, B.E. & Sallis, J.F. & Black, J.B. & Chen, D., 2003. "Neighborhood-Based Differences in Physical Activity: An Environment Scale Evaluation," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(9), pages 1552-1558.
    2. Javier Molina-García & Cristina Menescardi & Isaac Estevan & Vladimir Martínez-Bello & Ana Queralt, 2019. "Neighborhood Built Environment and Socioeconomic Status are Associated with Active Commuting and Sedentary Behavior, but not with Leisure-Time Physical Activity, in University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-12, August.
    3. Addy, C.L. & Wilson, D.K. & Kirtland, K.A. & Ainsworth, B.E. & Sharpe, P. & Kimsey, D., 2004. "Associations of Perceived Social and Physical Environmental Supports with Physical Activity and Walking Behavior," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(3), pages 440-443.
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    2. Yichen, Ma & Chuntian, Lu, 2024. "Is lifestyle a bridge between perceived social support and depression in Chinese university students?," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).

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