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Murphy J, MacDonncha C, Murphy MH, Murphy N, Woods CB. How Does the University Environment Relate to Student's Physical Activity Patterns in Ireland. J Phys Act Health 2024; 21:829-836. [PMID: 38917991 DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying factors related to physical activity in university students can aid the development of health promotion interventions, but there is limited research regarding the influence of university environments. This study examined the relationship between level of provision for university environments that aim to promote physical activity and self-reported physical activity patterns of students. METHODS An environmental audit tool was completed by universities (n = 28) on the island of Ireland to acquire information about physical activity opportunities, resources, and supports offered. Students (N = 6951; 50.7% male; 21.51 [5.55] y) completed an online survey, providing responses about their active transport and recreational physical activity behaviors. Binary logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between environmental factors that support physical activity and clustered physical activity patterns, while controlling for gender, age, and university size. RESULTS Universities with a high provision for organizational structures and internal partnerships, indoor facilities, and sport clubs increase the odds of their students having more active physical activity patterns. Increased provision of investment and personnel was seen to have a mixed relationship with students' physical activity engagement, highlighting the need to understand where resources are needed and not just increase them. CONCLUSIONS It is important for universities to have adequate organizational structures with internal partnerships to understand how resources can be maximized to support physical activity engagement across the whole student population. University campuses hold the potential for increasing student engagement in physical activity, and these findings can help inform campus-wide initiatives that foster active student populations for improving overall long-term health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey Murphy
- Centre for Exercise Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ciaran MacDonncha
- Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Marie H Murphy
- Center for Exercise Medicine, Physical Activity and Health, Sports and Exercise Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Belfast, United Kingdom
- School of Education and Sport, The University of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh Murphy
- School of Health Sciences, South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland
| | - Catherine B Woods
- Physical Activity for Health Research Cluster, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Anderson KJ, Spink KS, Bhargava S. To move or not to move while on campus: Examining the influence of others. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:841-848. [PMID: 35380933 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2058880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the influence of dynamic and trending descriptive norms on increasing physical activity and decreasing the sedentary behaviors of university students while on campus. PARTICIPANTS One-hundred fifty-six university students from a Canadian university completed this study. METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to receive one of four online messages containing normative information about the on-campus behavior of university students. On-campus physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured pre- and post-message. RESULTS The results revealed that students exposed to the trending norm reported a greater decrease in sedentary behavior than students in the control condition, p = .007. CONCLUSION Results provide preliminary experimental evidence that trending norm messages may serve to decrease the sedentary behavior of students while on campus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karly J Anderson
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Kevin S Spink
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Sahya Bhargava
- College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
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Tafireyi CGS, Grace JM. Status of the Health Promoting University (HPU) globally and its relevance for emerging African HPUs: an integrative review and bibliometric analysis. Glob Health Promot 2024:17579759241235109. [PMID: 38520053 DOI: 10.1177/17579759241235109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Health Promoting Universities (HPU) concept is undertheorized, with no African university belonging to the International Network of Health Promoting Universities (IHPU). AIM The study aimed to investigate the status of the HPU concept globally to inform emerging HPUs, more specifically in Africa, regarding its implementation. METHODS An integrative literature review of studies conducted between 1 January 2013 and 5 November 2023 was conducted from online databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, CINAHL and Medline). A VOS bibliometric analysis viewer was used to extract and analyze further relevant information that could have been missed in the review. RESULTS From 1128 records, 22 (N = 22) articles including two reports met the inclusion criteria. The main findings were that: (1) the HPU network is growing as a global network though undertheorized and less reported on, (2) the implementation of the HPU depends on a plethora of underpinning philosophies such as salutogenic and whole systems approach, and diverse programs and initiatives, 3) the terms HPU and healthy universities are often used interchangeably but the whole systems approach appears to be consistent in many HPU interventions. However, five contextual challenges that emanated from this review were discussed, including the definition of the HPU concept, theories for the HPU concept, measurement of the HPU concept, coordination and methods for measuring the HPU concept status. These challenges present obstacles to measuring the status of the HPU concept beyond the number of affiliated universities and HPU initiatives. CONCLUSION Despite the challenges, the HPU concept is gaining momentum globally, as evidenced by the growing list of universities (HPU network) involved and the proliferation of interventions/initiatives targeting university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecil G S Tafireyi
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jeanne M Grace
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Brown CEB, Richardson K, Halil-Pizzirani B, Atkins L, Yücel M, Segrave RA. Key influences on university students' physical activity: a systematic review using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the COM-B model of human behaviour. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:418. [PMID: 38336748 PMCID: PMC10854129 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17621-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity is important for all aspects of health, yet most university students are not active enough to reap these benefits. Understanding the factors that influence physical activity in the context of behaviour change theory is valuable to inform the development of effective evidence-based interventions to increase university students' physical activity. The current systematic review a) identified barriers and facilitators to university students' physical activity, b) mapped these factors to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and COM-B model, and c) ranked the relative importance of TDF domains. METHODS Data synthesis included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research published between 01.01.2010-15.03.2023. Four databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and Scopus) were searched to identify publications on the barriers/facilitators to university students' physical activity. Data regarding study design and key findings (i.e., participant quotes, qualitative theme descriptions, and survey results) were extracted. Framework analysis was used to code barriers/facilitators to the TDF and COM-B model. Within each TDF domain, thematic analysis was used to group similar barriers/facilitators into descriptive theme labels. TDF domains were ranked by relative importance based on frequency, elaboration, and evidence of mixed barriers/facilitators. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies involving 17,771 participants met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-six barriers and facilitators mapping to twelve TDF domains and the COM-B model were identified as relevant to students' physical activity. Three TDF domains, environmental context and resources (e.g., time constraints), social influences (e.g., exercising with others), and goals (e.g., prioritisation of physical activity) were judged to be of greatest relative importance (identified in > 50% of studies). TDF domains of lower relative importance were intentions, reinforcement, emotion, beliefs about consequences, knowledge, physical skills, beliefs about capabilities, cognitive and interpersonal skills, social/professional role and identity, and behavioural regulation. No barriers/facilitators relating to the TDF domains of memory, attention and decision process, or optimism were identified. CONCLUSIONS The current findings provide a foundation to enhance the development of theory and evidence informed interventions to support university students' engagement in physical activity. Interventions that include a focus on the TDF domains 'environmental context and resources,' 'social influences,' and 'goals,' hold particular promise for promoting active student lifestyles. TRIAL REGISTRATION Prospero ID-CRD42021242170.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E B Brown
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Karyn Richardson
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lou Atkins
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Murat Yücel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rebecca A Segrave
- BrainPark, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Doré A, Kalo K, Schwab L, Reichel JL, Eisenbarth L, Strepp T, Jacob R, Enders K, Letzel S, Simon P, Dietz P, Kubiak T, Heller S. Videos using different message strategies to promote the interruption of sedentary behavior in university students during online lectures - A pilot study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1108154. [PMID: 37575097 PMCID: PMC10412984 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1108154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sedentary behavior (SB) is highly prevalent among university students and has increased during COVID-19 pandemic. As SB is associated with negative health outcomes, appropriate prevention measures in the university setting are needed. Objective This pilot study aimed at investigating the effects of videos using different message strategies to interrupt SB in the collective of university students during online lectures. Methods During online lectures, university students (N = 96) were shown one of three videos on the interruption of SB. The videos differed in their message strategies with regard to evidence type (statistical vs. narrative) and vividness (static vs. animated images). Demographics, health variables (SB intentions, SB attitudes) and selected media reception variables (identification, homophily, counterarguing) were examined as possible influence factors on the interruption of SB evoked by watching the video. Results Approximately half of the students interrupted sedentary behavior during watching the videos and students of the older age group (cut-off: median = 22 years) interrupted SB significantly more often (p = 0.046). The interruption of SB was predicted by SB intentions (p < 0.05). Identification with characters significantly predicted the intentions to reduce SB (p < 0.001), with a large effect of the overall regression model (R2corr = 0.47). Conclusion Considering the increased digitalization in general and restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic, videos seem to be a useful tool to interrupt SB among university students during online lectures. Narrative formats could facilitate the intention to reduce SB, which in turn could have a positive impact on the interruption of SB. However, further research on effective communication and message strategies is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Doré
- Department of Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristin Kalo
- Department of Sports Medicine, Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lisa Schwab
- Department of Sports Medicine, Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer L. Reichel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Laura Eisenbarth
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tilmann Strepp
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Robin Jacob
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kira Enders
- Department of Sports Medicine, Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Letzel
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Perikles Simon
- Department of Sports Medicine, Disease Prevention and Rehabilitation, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Pavel Dietz
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Kubiak
- Department of Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sebastian Heller
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Centre of the University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Measuring “Nudgeability”: Development of a Scale on Susceptibility to Physical Activity Nudges among College Students. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12090318. [PMID: 36135122 PMCID: PMC9495621 DOI: 10.3390/bs12090318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The current college lifestyle create more opportunities for students to develop unhealthy behaviors, especially physical inactivity. Nudging could be an effective tool to improve physical activity behaviors by changing college settings. One-nudge-fits-all leads to ineffective nudges, so it is necessary to develop a reliable and valid instrument capable of measuring the “nudgeability” of physical activity nudges for college students, which is for a higher level of nudge efficacy. Method: Developing the College Physical Activity Nudges Susceptibility Scale (CPANSS) that integrated the nudge method with the Likert scale, which is the first attempt to measure the susceptibility to nudges directly by a scale. There are four steps for developing CPANSS, including Scale Dimensions, Item Generation, Exploratory Factor Analysis (n = 294), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (n = 293) with appropriate procedures. Results: The five-factor 21-item CPANSS with good reliability and validity fitted the data reasonably well. Conclusion: The CPANSS was to provide a new tool for policymakers to design effective nudges in changing and promoting physical activity in college settings, and to provide a method for scholars to promote other healthy behaviors for different target groups.
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Busse H, Buck C, Stock C, Zeeb H, Pischke CR, Fialho PMM, Wendt C, Helmer SM. Engagement in Health Risk Behaviours before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in German University Students: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1410. [PMID: 33546344 PMCID: PMC7913592 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco and cannabis use, alcohol consumption and inactivity are health risk behaviors (HRB) of crucial importance for health and wellbeing. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students' engagement in HRB has yet received limited attention. We investigated whether HRB changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, assessed factors associated with change and profiles of HRB changes in university students. A web-based survey was conducted in May 2020, including 5021 students of four German universities (69% female, the mean age of 24.4 years (SD = 5.1)). Sixty-one percent of students reported consuming alcohol, 45.8% binge drinking, 44% inactivity, 19.4% smoking and 10.8% cannabis use. While smoking and cannabis use remained unchanged during the COVID-19 pandemic, 24.4% reported a decrease in binge drinking while 5.4% reported an increase. Changes to physical activity were most frequently reported, with 30.6% reporting an increase and 19.3% reporting a decrease in vigorous physical activity. Being female, younger age, being bored, not having a trusted person and depressive symptoms were factors associated with a change in HRB. Five substance use behavior profiles were identified, which also remained fairly unchanged. Efforts to promote student health and wellbeing continue to be required, also in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heide Busse
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (C.B.); (H.Z.)
| | - Christoph Buck
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (C.B.); (H.Z.)
| | - Christiane Stock
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.); (S.M.H.)
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology-BIPS, 28359 Bremen, Germany; (C.B.); (H.Z.)
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Claudia R. Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (C.R.P.); (P.M.M.F.)
| | - Paula Mayara Matos Fialho
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (C.R.P.); (P.M.M.F.)
| | - Claus Wendt
- Department Sociology of Health and Healthcare Systems, University Siegen, 57068 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Stefanie Maria Helmer
- Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (C.S.); (S.M.H.)
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