Effects of Perceptions of The Immediate Surroundings on Obesity and Physical Activity Levels in University Students

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of perception of the close environment on obesity and physical activity levels in university students. Included in this study were 113 students between 18–25 years of age, taking into account that there may be erroneous and missing data according to the 95% confidence level in the pre-sample size calculation table according to the confidence level and acceptable error for the research, 10% more than the recommended sample size was calculated and 113 students participated. Up to 20% of the participants were fitted with a pedometer and heart rate monitor for 1 day to determine their objective physical activity levels. Height measurement, body weight measurement, bioimpedance analysis, International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), pedometer, heart rate, and Immediate Walkability Perception Questionnaire (IWPQ) were applied to the participants. As a result, a significant relationship was found between the number of steps and the shops, facilities, and other nearby places in the vicinity (P < 0.05; r = –0.353). At the same time, a significant relationship was observed between the stores, facilities, and other nearby places in the vicinity and the level of physical activity (P < 0.13; r = –234). Relationships were found between the body mass index (BMI), Body fat percentage, and abdominal circumference data, which are considered as obesity indicators, and the sub-dimensions of the perception of walkability in the immediate environment, but none of these were statistically significant.