ERIC Number: EJ1044067
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Associations of Weight Status, Social Factors, and Active Travel among College Students
Bopp, Melissa; Behrens, Timothy K.; Velecina, Rachel
American Journal of Health Education, v45 n6 p358-367 2014
Background: Active travel (AT) is associated with various health benefits and may help prevent the decline in physical activity during college years. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of several factors with AT to campus by weight status. Methods: Students at a large northeastern US campus completed an online survey about demographics, height/weight, frequency and mode of travel to/around campus, and environmental influences for travel choices. Participants were dichotomized into healthy weight ( < 25 kg/m2, n = 552, 72.3%) and overweight ( = 25 kg/m2, n = 211, 27.7%) categories. Descriptive and inferential analyses examined relationships and differences between weight categories. Logistic regression models examined the associations with demographic, psychological, residential, social, and environmental variables with participation in AT. Results: Participants were primarily white (85.3%) and female (62.7%). Healthy weight students were more likely to report AT to campus and AT as their primary mode of travel on campus compared to overweight students. Discussion: These findings provide insight on the association of weight status with environmental and community influences for AT and identifies possible targets for intervention. Translation to Health Education Practice: College health educators can use these findings to set relevant policy and environment goals to target student AT participation.
Descriptors: College Students, Body Weight, Social Influences, Travel, Physical Activity Level, Correlation, Online Surveys, Environmental Influences, Obesity, Regression (Statistics), Racial Differences, Gender Differences, Student Surveys, Student Characteristics, Likert Scales, Transportation, Self Efficacy, Place of Residence, Proximity
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A