Race and sex differences in college student physical activity correlates.
OBJECTIVE
To assess sex/race differences on psychosocial correlates of physical activity among college students.


METHODS
Survey research protocol.


RESULTS
Students (n=636) exercised an average of 3.5 days per week, with black females being the least active. Across subgroups, health/fitness was rated as the most important motive for exercise, followed by appearance and mental health. Of the correlates, enjoyment and the use of self-management strategies were most strongly associated with activity level. Only 40% were aware that adults should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days (ie, 5) of the week for health benefits.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings highlight the importance of teaching self-management skills and fostering exercise enjoyment in health promotion programs for college students.
Department of Dietetics, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, USA.
Laura H
LH
McArthur
Thomas D
TD
Raedeke
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D011594:Psychometrics; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult