Association between active transport habits and physical activity levels in a diverse sample of college students in the United States

United States' universities are forgetting about equitable bicycle programming on campus

PURPOSE

Regular participation in bicycling offers many health benefits. Universities throughout the U.S. have a large proportion of underrepresented populations among students/employees (e.g., racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, disabled) who participate in cycling at lower rates. The purpose of this study was to understand the current practices of universities for implementing equitable bicycling programming to their students/faculty/staff.

METHODS

A volunteer sample of U.S. university bicycle representatives (n = 19) were interviewed to analyze current practices, barriers, motivators, and future tools for equitable programming.

RESULTS

Multiple themes emerged from the interview, including barriers to programming such as lack of personnel and finances, as well as motivators such as partnering with off-campus organizations and connecting community/university infrastructures.

CONCLUSIONS

Although various barriers exist for universities which may present decreased equitable programming, university bicycle/alternative transportation departments should consider partnering with on and off-campus organizations rooted into underrepresented populations to better provide equitable programming to these populations.

Path Analysis of Effects of First-Generation Status on Physical Activity and 4-Year College Degree Completion

PURPOSE

First-generation college students (FGCS) face a myriad of sociocultural, financial, and emotional challenges that impact their educational journey. With less academic capital and lower odds of obtaining a bachelor's degree than their non-FGCS peers, understanding the factors affecting their academic success is pivotal for social work professionals aiming to provide tailored interventions and support systems. This study delved into the potential differences between these groups concerning physical activities, which are linked to learning, cognition, and overall well-being, and evaluated their influence on degree completion.

METHOD

A path model was developed to analyze the relationship between degree completion, physical activities, FGCS status, and background variables, using a sample of 1,625 participants.

RESULTS

The model showed a strong fit (CFI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.055, SRMR = 0.010) and accounted for 29.5% of the variance in degree completion. Walking to school was positively associated with degree attainment. FGCS status was associated with decreased walking to school, reduced degree completion, and increased walking for exercise. An indirect effect suggested that FGCS were less likely to achieve their degree, potentially due to a greater reliance on transportation like buses or cars.

DISCUSSION

The findings emphasize the critical role of campus resources for FGCS. Enhancing access to fitness centers and offering affordable housing options nearer to campus may aid FGCSs' academic success. These insights can guide social work practices, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in the academic experiences of FGCS.

Gender and race/ethnicity differences in occupational activity among students

Occupational physical activity (OPA) is related to positive health outcomes and meeting overall physical activity recommendations. OPA participation typically varies across racial/ethnic groups and by gender, though little research has examined differences in OPA among college students. A cross-sectional, online survey of college students examined demographics and OPA. Participants (n = 3739) were predominately Non-Hispanic White (77.1%) and female (57.8%) aged 20.97 ± 1.52. Employed students reported greater total PA compared with non-employed students. Males reported significantly greater vigorous OPA, overall OPA, and total PA compared with females. Among employed students, OPA contributed significantly to overall PA levels. Males reported significantly greater OPA compared with females and there were several significant differences by race/ethnicity. Academic performance was related to OPA. These findings provide some insight on the OPA levels of a population group that has not been thoroughly examined.