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Palma-Leal X, Rodríguez-Rodríguez F, Campos-Garzón P, Castillo-Paredes A, Chillón P. New Self-Report Measures of Commuting Behaviors to University and Their Association with Sociodemographic Characteristics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312557. [PMID: 34886286 PMCID: PMC8657066 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Active commuting provides an opportunity for increased physical activity levels by a simple, inexpensive, and easy way to be incorporated in daily routines and could be considered a steppingstone for achieving a sustainable society since it provides physical, psychological, environmental, and economic benefits. Objective: (a) to describe the commuting patterns to and from university in students regarding gender, (b) to provide new self-report variables to measure the active commuting behavior, and (c) to examine the sociodemographic characteristics associated with commuting behaviors. Material and Methods: A total of 1257 university students (52.4% females) participated (22.4 ± 5.6 years old) from three Chilean universities located in different cities. Results: 56.1% of women and 42.0% men use public bus to and from university. The commuting energy expenditure was higher in active commuting followed by public and private modes of commuting (p < 0.001). The most active commuters were those older (men: OR = 3.637; 95% CI = 1.63, 8.10; women: OR = 8.841; 95% CI = 3.94, 13.78), those who lived in university residence (men: OR = 12.432; 95% CI = 4.39, 35.19; women: OR = 3.952; 95% CI = 1.31, 11.85), belonged to low socioeconomic level (men: OR = 3.820; 95% CI = 1.43, 10.18; women: OR = 4.936; 95% CI = 1.63, 14.90), and to public universities (men: OR = 26.757; 95% CI = 10.63, 67.34; women: OR = 8.029; 95% CI = 3.00, 21.48). Conclusion: The sociodemographic characteristics may influence in the mode of commuting to university. New variables of commuting behaviors may be efficient to quantify the physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Palma-Leal
- PROFITH Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (X.P.-L.); (P.C.-G.)
- IRyS Group, School of Physical Education, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2340000, Chile;
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- IRyS Group, School of Physical Education, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2340000, Chile;
| | - Pablo Campos-Garzón
- PROFITH Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (X.P.-L.); (P.C.-G.)
| | - Antonio Castillo-Paredes
- Grupo AFySE, Investigación en Actividad Física y Salud Escolar, Escuela de Pedagogía en Educación Física, Facultad de Educación, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago 8370035, Chile;
| | - Palma Chillón
- PROFITH Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (X.P.-L.); (P.C.-G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-600-706-999
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Barranco-Ruiz Y, Cruz León C, Villa-González E, Palma Leal X, Chillón P, Rodríguez-Rodríguez F. Active Commuting to University and its Association with Sociodemographic Factors and Physical Activity Levels in Chilean Students. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55050152. [PMID: 31108867 PMCID: PMC6571990 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Active commuting to and from university (ACU) could be a strategy to increase physical activity levels (PA) and promote health in young university students. We aimed to a) examine the patterns of commuting to university in Chilean students; b) the association between the mode of commuting to and from university and socio-demographic factors and PA-levels. Materials and Methods: A total of 496 university students (21.6 ± 2.4 years old) from two universities from Valparaíso (central coast of Chile) participated in this study. Personal data, home address, socio-economic status, PA, and the usual mode of commuting to and from the university were self-reported by a questionnaire. The commute distances were objectively measured using Google-Maps-software. Associations were examined using binary logistic regressions. Results: The main mode of commuting was by bus (to university: 55.2% vs. from university: 59.3%; p < 0.001). The least used mode was cycling (1.4% to and from university). Students living >5-km from university were less active commuters than those living in closer distances: (2-5 km, odds ratio (OR): 4.424, 95% and 95% confidence intervals (CI): 2.443-8.011, p < 0.001; 2 km, OR: 143.052, 95% CI: 55.154-371.030, p < 0.001). Students with low PA-levels were less active commuters than those with medium (OR: 1.446; 95% CI: 0.864-2.421; p = 0.160) or higher levels (OR: 1.880; 95% CI: 1.880-1.094; p = 0.022). Students who lived between 2 and 5 km, presented a significant association to be active commuters when they showed medium PA-levels (OR: 5.244, 95% CI: 1.358-20.246; p = 0.016). Conclusions: Chilean university students from Valparaíso are mainly passive commuters using public transport as the main mode of commuting to and from university; longer distances from home to the university are associated with low PA levels. ACU in distances between 2-5 km (mainly walking) could contribute to having medium PA-levels in Chilean university students. Thus, promoting the ACU walking to and from the university in such distances could be an effective strategy to increase the overall PA levels in Chilean university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaira Barranco-Ruiz
- PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity (PROFITH) Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Camino de Alfacar, 21, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Carolina Cruz León
- IRyS Research Group, School of Physical Education, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Av. El Bosque 1290, Viña del Mar 2530388, Chile.
| | - Emilio Villa-González
- PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity (PROFITH) Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Camino de Alfacar, 21, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Ximena Palma Leal
- Departamento de Educación Física, Deportes y Recreación DEFIDER, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaíso 2390123, Chile.
| | - Palma Chillón
- PROmoting FITness and Health through Physical Activity (PROFITH) Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Camino de Alfacar, 21, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando Rodríguez-Rodríguez
- IRyS Research Group, School of Physical Education, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Av. El Bosque 1290, Viña del Mar 2530388, Chile.
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Brown R, Murphy S. Contrasting staff and student views on alcohol education provision in a UK university. DRUGS (ABINGDON, ENGLAND) 2018; 26:229-237. [PMID: 31058270 PMCID: PMC6474724 DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2018.1475548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol education and awareness aims to teach individuals the risks of excess consumption. It is common in UK universities, despite limited evidence of success with student cohorts. This research explored the development and delivery of such alcohol activities at one UK university. In-depth, one-to-one interviews were carried out with non-academic staff and with first-year students. These aimed to understand the development of alcohol awareness messages and staff involvement in delivery, as well as exploring student responses to key alcohol educational activities. Results indicate that alcohol is a normalized aspect of UK student identity and is accepted as such by students and staff. Despite this, there is a widely held view that the university has a responsibility to provide alcohol education and awareness, which forms the basis of current practice on campus. This reflects perception of education interventions as non-coercive and acceptable within the staff-student relationship, with limited support for more interventionist approaches with a group engaging in a legal behavior with strong cultural associations. However, staff approval of education as appropriate for this audience is contradicted by students, who reject these same approaches as reminiscent of school, instead favoring self-directed learning or peer-led programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Brown
- DECIPHer, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Simon Murphy
- DECIPHer, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Prevalence of sleep disorders and their impact on academic performance in medical students/University of Duhok. Sleep Biol Rhythms 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s41105-017-0134-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Aceijas C, Waldhäusl S, Lambert N, Cassar S, Bello-Corassa R. Determinants of health-related lifestyles among university students. Perspect Public Health 2016; 137:227-236. [DOI: 10.1177/1757913916666875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate students’ health-related lifestyles and to identify barriers and social determinants of healthier lifestyles. Methods: An online survey, two focus groups and three in-depth interviews across 2014/2015. A stratified by school size and random sample ( n = 468) of university students answered a 67-item questionnaire comprising six scales: Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, Rapid Eating and Activity Assessment for Patients–Short Version, CAGE, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale short version, and ad hoc scale for drug use/misuse. Stratified by gender, χ2 tests were run to test associations/estimate risks and three multivariate Logistic Regression models were adjusted. A thematic approach guided the analysis of qualitative data. Results: A total of 60% of the respondents were insufficiently physically active, 47% had an unbalanced diet and 30% had low mental wellbeing. Alcohol drinkers versus abstinent were almost equally distributed. A total of 42% of alcohol drinkers reported getting drunk at least once a month. Smokers accounted for 16% of the respondents. Identified risk factors for suboptimal physical activity were as follows: being a woman, not using the university gym and smoking. Risk factors for unbalanced diet were low mental wellbeing and drug use. Poor mental wellbeing was predicted by unbalanced diet, not feeling like shopping and cooking frequently, and a lack of help-seeking behaviour in cases of distress. Qualitative analysis revealed seven thematic categories: transition to new life, university environment and systems, finances, academic pressure, health promotion on campus and recommendations. Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence that the health-related lifestyles of the student population are worrying and suggests that the trend in chronic diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyles sustained over years might be unlikely to change in future generations. University students’ health-related lifestyle is a concern. Nine out of the identified 10 predictors of problematic physical activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing, were environmental/societal or institutional barriers. Universities must expand corporate responsibilities to include the promotion of health as part of their core values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Aceijas
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, The Burroughs Hendon, Town Hall Extension Building, UK
| | - Sabrina Waldhäusl
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Science and Technology, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Nicky Lambert
- Department of Mental Health, Social Work and Integrative Medicine, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Simon Cassar
- Wellbeing Service, Middlesex University, London, UK
| | - Rafael Bello-Corassa
- Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Student perceptions of a healthy university. Public Health 2015; 129:674-83. [PMID: 25957852 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2015.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED As complex environments within which individuals and populations operate, universities present important contexts for understanding and addressing health issues. The healthy university is an example of the settings approach, which adopts a whole system perspective, aiming to make places within which people, learn, live, work and play supportive to health and well-being. The UK Healthy Universities Network has formulated an online toolkit, which includes a Self-Review Tool, intended to enable universities to assess what actions they need to take to develop as a healthy university. This paper presents findings from consultative research undertaken with students from universities in England, Scotland and Wales, which explored what they believe, represents a healthy university. METHODS Student surveys and focus groups were used to collect data across eleven universities in England, Scotland and Wales. A priori themes were used to develop our own model for a healthy university, and for the thematic coding phase of analysis. FINDINGS A healthy university would promote student health and well-being in every aspect of its business from its facilities and environment through to its curriculum. Access to reasonably priced healthy food and exercise facilities were key features of a healthy university for students in this study. The Self-Review Tool has provided a crucial start for universities undertaking the journey towards becoming a healthy university. In looking to the future both universities and the UK Healthy Universities Network will now need to look at what students want from their whole university experience, and consider how the Self-Review Tool can help universities embrace a more explicit conceptual framework. CONCLUSION The concept of a healthy university that can tailor its facilities and supportive environments to the needs of its students will go some way to developing students who are active global citizens and who are more likely to value and prioritise health and well-being, in the short and long term through to their adult lives.
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Molina-Garcia J, Castillo I, Queralt A, Sallis JF. Bicycling to university: evaluation of a bicycle-sharing program in Spain. Health Promot Int 2013; 30:350-8. [DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dat045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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