Physical Activity Prevalence and Awareness after an Exercise is Medicine on Campus Campaign, 2011-2013

Abstract

Exercise Is Medicine (EIM) is a global health initiative to establish physical activity. Exercise Is Medicine with Altitude (EIMA) was a campaign implemented to promote physical activity (PA) on a university campus. Objective: To evaluate awareness of the EIMA campaign and PA of students. Participants: Individuals enrolled in a regional comprehensive university. Methods: An online questionnaire was administered over three years (2011-2013). Respondents were queried on awareness of the EIMA campaign and modified BRFSS PA questions. Results: Questionnaire responses were as follows: Y1 (n = 1411), Y2 (n = 622), and Y3 (n = 888). There was a significant difference across all years for awareness of the EIMA campaign by PA level (p <.05). Awareness and PA increased during each year. During Y3 awareness increased the likelihood of being PA by 1.76. Conclusion: Results suggest that more aggressive awareness techniques should be examined in an effort to promote PA in