Impact of a University-based Program on Obese College Students' Physical Activity Behaviors, Attitudes, and Self-efficacy

Abstract

Background: More than one third of college students are either overweight or obese, making college campuses an ideal setting to target at risk behaviors while tailoring programs to the evolving lifestyle of college students. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 15-week, campus-based lifestyle modification program on obese college students with regard to physical activity behaviors, attitudes, and self-efficacy. Methods: Eighteen college students completed pre- and postintervention surveys that measured participants' behaviors, attitudes, stage of change, self-efficacy, social support, environmental factors, and body mass index. The PACE Adult Measure was used to assess physical activity variables for the study. Results: The intervention was successful at increasing physical activity level and self-efficacy and decreasing body mass index (BMI) when comparing pre and post measures (P < .05). Discussion: The results of this study suggest that collaborative programming on college campuses targeted toward obese individuals is beneficial in increasing physical activity and self-efficacy. Future research should examine the long-term impact of these on-campus collaborative programs on college students' health and well-being. Translation in Health Education Practice: The findings support the implementation of similar programming aimed to improve physical activity outcomes on a college campus.