Assessment of Physical Activity, Exercise Self-Efficacy, and Stages of Change in College Students Using a Street-Based Survey Method

Abstract

This study assessed the level of physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and stages of change for exercise behavior among college students at a large midwestern university using a street-based survey method. The 50% response rate produced 925 student responses comprising 95% as young (≤24 years of age), 53% female, and 79% Caucasian. One-third of the students did not participate in vigorous physical activity (≤3 days/week). Based on the stages of change questionnaire, 41% of the women and 35% of the men reported they were in the precontemplation or contemplation stages, as they were not active or were not exercising on a regular basis (≤3 times per week for 20 min or longer). Exercise-self efficacy scores were significantly different as a function of exercise stage as predicted by the stages of change theory (R2=0.26, P<.0001). These results are consistent with earlier reports on college students and their level of physical activity. Therefore, the low cost, ease of data collection, and the short turnaround for availability of results support the usefulness of a street-based survey of young adults on a college campus to evaluate physical activity.