ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FRESHMAN RESIDENCE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the relationship between freshman residence and physical activity behaviors on Indiana University’s Bloomington campus (IUB). Methods: A random sample of freshman (n=1200) were sent an email including a URL link to a web-based survey to assess their physical activity behaviors during the 2013 spring semester. Additional emails were sent via Listservs through instructors of some identified classes with freshman attendees. First year eligible students (taking ≥ 12 credit hours, living on campus, non-collegiate athletes) were asked to complete the survey for the opportunity to win a $50 gift to iTunes. Demographic variables including age, weight and height [in order to calculate body mass index (BMI)], vehicle on campus, and major were collected. Other variables assessed were related to campus residence and physical activity behaviors, including minutes per week of moderate and vigorous physical activity, active transportation, and fitness facility usage. Results: Eighty-eight students completed the survey. Overall, 68.8% of students met the physical activity guidelines for moderate and vigorous physical activity and nearly 70% were of a healthy weight. There was no significant difference between mean minutes of physical activity by neighborhood and insufficient statistical power to detect a significant difference by residence hall at p<0.05. Frequency of fitness facility usage was correlated with VPA (r = 0.284, p = 0.007) and at least half of the residence halls were located further than 0.25 miles away from a campus provided fitness facility. Conclusion: Neighborhood does not seem to be associated with physical activity participation. A statistically significant relationship could not be ascertained by residence hall due to inadequate sample size. Future research should include obtaining a larger sample size and further analysis of additional social and environmental factors.