ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, EXERCISE SELF-EFFICACY AND EXERCISE STAGE: TWO METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

Abstract

27 The purpose of this study was to assess the level of physical activity (days·wk−1), exerciser self-efficacy towards physical activity and stages of change for exercise behavior (Stages of Change Model, SCM) in undergraduate students at a large mid western university using two different methods of data collection. In method 1 (M1), data were collected during a three-week period by eight volunteers at eight different locations on the main campus during several different days of the week and times of the day. Students were asked to complete the written survey (n=925 undergraduate students, 95% ≤ 24 y of age, 47% female, 79% Caucasian, response rate=50%). Method 2 (M2) involved a mailed survey to a random sample of undergraduate students (n=937, 85% ≤ 24 y of age, 60% female, 83% Caucasian, response rate=29%). Data obtained in M1 revealed that students reported significantly more days of activity-induced sweating per week compared to data obtained in M2 (3.3±2.0 vs. 3.0±1.9 days·wk−1, respectively, P<.001). According to SCM, more students in M1 were classified as active (action and maintenance) when compared to M2 (62% vs. 48%, respectively, P<.001). Self-efficacy scores did not differ between M1 and M2. The low cost, ease of data collection, and short turn around for availability of results supports the usefulness of M1. Additional strategies to enhance the representation of students collected with M1 should be explored. Supported by the School of Physical Activity and Educational Services.