Student characteristics associated with the level of physical activity in undergraduate students: An observational study

Abstract

Background:  Levels of physical activity are thought to decline from childhood to early adulthood.
Understanding the level of physical activity and its associated factors among undergraduate students is critical to promote health benefits and reduce their risk for certain diseases.

Objectives:  This study aimed to identify the factors that are associated with the level of physical activity among undergraduate students.

Methodology:  In this cross-sectional, observational study, the physical activity of 489 undergraduate
students enrolled in the University of the Philippines Manila was measured. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire Version 2. Multiple linear regression was done to analyze the association between physical activity and variables including age, sex, belonging to degree-granting units that do clinical placements, year level, current enrolment in physical education course, and membership in sportsrelated organization.

Results:  Students were, on average, physically active 112 minutes per day and sedentary 536 minutes per day. Enrolment in a physical education course (B 79, 95% CI 44 to 115), membership in sports-related organization (B 105, 95% CI 54 to 157), and sedentary time (B -0.13, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.07) were associated with the level of physical activity. These three variables explained 10% of the variance in physical activity.

Conclusion:  Undergraduate students were physically active but spent most of their day sedentary. Physical activity was associated with enrolment in a physical education course, membership in a sports-related organization, and sedentary time. Results of this study could inform decisions on strategies to facilitate active lifestyles for students to carry over healthy physical activity habits into adulthood.

Published online: July 13, 2022