EXERCISE CONFIDENCE AND PROFILES OF URBAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Based upon recent research, confidence in exercise participation influences exercise adoption and/or maintenance. Many universities require students to take fitness and/or wellness classes with the purpose of providing opportunities for students to increase their exercise participation levels. Prior to implementing behavioral strategies designed to increase exercise levels, it is important to establish the current characteristics of the target population. PURPOSE To assess the profiles and exercise confidence of urban, university students. METHODS Questions from the 1995 National College of Health Risk Behavior Survey were administered to university students (N=1036). The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics with Chi-square tests. RESULTS Forty-five percent of non-obese, 42% of students who are ≥25 years of age, 38% of students who had ≥3 semesters of high school PE and 48% of male students reported feeling confident that they could get up early, even on weekends to exercise. Approximately 60% of males, non-smokers and students with low stress perception reported being confident that they can exercise even when feeling depressed. When student were asked to respond to confidence in sticking to an exercise program during a stressful life change, approximately 50% of males, students with low stress perception, non-smokers and students with ≥3 semesters of high school PE reported that they can. More than 1/2 of males, students with low stress, and students with ≥3 semesters of high school PE reported that they can stick to an exercise program when family is demanding more time. However, 60% of students with high stress perception and smokers reported that they would not read or study less in order to exercise more. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of this study, a large percentage of males, students with ≥3 semesters of high school PE, non-smokers and students with low perceptions of stress displayed confidence in exercise participation.