Self-Determined Engagement in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour of College Students in Eastern Croatia - Does the Major Subject of Study Make a Difference?

Abstract

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate physical activity and sedentary behaviour of college students who study health sciences (physiotherapy) and students who study non-health-related majors (law and economics) at the same college to find out if there is any impact of their major subject of study on how they spend their leisure time, as well as to examine sex differences in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted during the winter semester of 2017. A total of 112 students volunteered to participate in the study, of whom there were 42 males (37%) and 70 females (63%). Physical activity was measured by using a short form of IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and sedentary behaviour by an SBQ (Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire). Additionally, some general questions were included, such as sex, body height , body weight and field of study. Study participants were divided into two groups, according to their major: 1. students of physiotherapy (55 participants); and 2. students of law and economics (57 participants). Results: The participants reported a high physical activity level, but also a significant amount of time spent on sedentary activities. Results showed that there was no difference in physical activity levels, but that there was a slight difference in sedentary behaviour between physiotherapy students and students of law and economics with regard to the following: total time spent in sedentary activities during weekdays (p=0.006), involvement in sitting and driving/riding in a car, bus or train on weekdays, and time spent playing computer/video games on weekend days (p=0.046). Conclusion: Presented results lead to the conclusion that the majority of students are sufficiently active, but still spend much time on sedentary activities. Students with different preferences also differ in how they spend their leisure time, but do not differ in physical activity level. (Davidovic Cvetko E, Pejic D. Self-Determined Engagement in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour of College Students in Eastern Croatia - Does the Major Subject of Study Make a Difference?. SEEMEDJ 2019; 3(2); 22-32) Keywords: physical activity, sedentary behaviour, college students