Active Commuting and Sociodemographic Factors Among University Students in Spain

Background:Commuting to university represents an opportunity to incorporate physical activity (walking or biking) into students’ daily routines. There are few studies that analyze patterns of transport in university populations. This cross-sectional study estimated energy expenditure from active commuting to university (ACU) and examined sociodemographic differences in findings.Methods:The sample included 518 students with a mean age of 22.4 years (59.7% female) from 2 urban universities in Valencia, Spain. Time spent in each mode of transport to university and sociodemographic factors was assessed by self-report.Results:Nearly 35% of the students reported walking or biking as their main mode of transport. ACU (min/wk) were highest for walkers (168) and cyclists (137) and lowest for motorbike riders (0.0) and car drivers (16). Public transport users, younger students, low socioeconomic status students, and those living ≤ 2 km from the university had higher energy expenditure from active commuting than comparison groups. Biking was highest among those living 2–5 km from the university.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that active commuting and public transit use generated substantial weekly energy expenditure, contributed to meeting physical activity recommendations, and may aid in obesity prevention.

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Active Commuting to University and its Association with Sociodemographic Factors and Physical Activity Levels in Chilean Students

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina55050152 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 55 (5) ◽

pp. 152 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Yaira Barranco-Ruiz ◽

Carolina Cruz León ◽

Emilio Villa-González ◽

Ximena Palma Leal ◽

Palma Chillón ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Economic Status ◽

Personal Data ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Active Commuting ◽

Main Mode ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

The University

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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Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Physical Activity, Self-Concept and Sociodemographic Factors in University Student

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10080966 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 966 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Félix Zurita-Ortega ◽

Silvia San Román-Mata ◽

Ramón Chacón-Cuberos ◽

Manuel Castro-Sánchez ◽

José Muros

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Religious Beliefs ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Concept ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mediterranean ◽

The University

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and to examine the relationship between MD adherence, physical activity, self-concept, and other sociodemographic factors; (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study (N = 597; 18.99 ± 0.64 years) was conducted in a sample of university students from Ceuta, Melilla, and Granada (Spain). Religious beliefs and place of residence were directly reported, while physical activity and adherence to the MD were self-reported using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED) respectively. Self-concept was evaluated using the Five-Factor Self-Concept Scale; (3) Results: Of those students reporting high levels of habitual physical activity, 82.3% also reported high adherence to the MD, with 17.7% reporting a medium adherence. Of students reporting no physical activity, 25.7% also reported medium adherence to the MD. No significant associations were found between the MD and religious beliefs. It was observed that the university campus was associated with the level of adherence to the MD (p = 0.030), with adherence being lowest in Ceuta and Melilla. Finally, the MD was associated with academic (p = 0.001) and physical self-concept (p = 0.005); 4) Conclusions: The MD should be promoted to university students, particularly those studying at Ceuta and Melilla, given the present findings of lower MD adherence. In addition, as higher MD adherence was also highlighted with more positive self-concept, its promotion would be beneficial in wider educational contexts.

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Lifestyle Factors Influencing Dietary Patterns of University Professors

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189777 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9777

Author(s):

María López-Olivares ◽

Carlos De Teresa Galván ◽

Teresa Nestares ◽

Elisabet Fernández-Gómez ◽

Carmen Enrique-Mirón

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Bachelor's Degree ◽

Eating Patterns ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

University Professors ◽

Baked Goods ◽

Diet Pattern ◽

Alcoholic Drinks ◽

The University

The objectives of this study are to identify eating patterns of university professors and to assess the relationships among sociodemographic factors in relation to lifestyle and physical activity. It is a cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational, and observational study with a representative sample of 127 educators, which covers almost the total population of university professors belonging to one of the campuses of the University of Granada (Spain). Two eating patterns were identified a posteriori through explanatory factor analysis: a Western pattern characterised by the consumption of dairy products, eggs, meat, sausages, refined oils, and butter, sugar, processed baked goods, and sugar-containing beverages and alcoholic drinks, and a Mediterranean pattern based on olive oil, fish, fruits, nuts, vegetables, pulses, cereals, and honey, which explain the 20.102 and 17.411 of variance, respectively. Significant differences are observed between the two genders with respect to anthropometric characteristics (weight and size, p <.001 in both cases) and to nutritional status (p = 0.011). Origin (p = 0.022) and level of physical activity (p = 0.010) were significantly related to adherence to a Western diet pattern. In the case of the Mediterranean diet pattern, significant differences are observed according to the professors’ type of bachelor’s degree (p = 0.37). This study provides evidence on factors having an impact on adherence to eating patterns of professors of the University of Granada, and it suggests that programmes addressed to such groups should be developed to promote health.

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Environmental and Psychosocial Barriers Affect the Active Commuting to University in Chilean Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18041818 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 1818

Author(s):

Antonio Castillo-Paredes ◽

Natalia Inostroza Jiménez ◽

Maribel Parra-Saldías ◽

Ximena Palma-Leal ◽

José Luis Felipe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Active Commuting ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physical Effort ◽

Healthy Habits ◽

Psychosocial Barriers ◽

The University

Biking and walking are active commuting, which is considered an opportunity to create healthy habits. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the main environmental and psychosocial barriers perceived by students, leading to less Active Commuting (AC) to university and to not reaching the Physical Activity (PA) recommendations. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1349 university students (637 men and 712 women) were selected. A self-reported questionnaire was applied to assess the mode of commuting, PA level and barriers to the use of the AC. Results: Women presented higher barriers associated with passive commuting than men. The main barriers for women were “involves too much planning” (OR: 5.25; 95% CI: 3.14–8.78), “It takes too much time” (OR: 4.62; 95% CI: 3.05–6.99) and “It takes too much physical effort “ (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 2.05–4.94). In men, the main barriers were “It takes too much time” (OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 2.97–5.99), “involves too much planning” (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.67–3.70) and “too much traffic along the route” (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.47–2.93). Psychosocial barriers were found in both sexes. Conclusions: Psychosocial and personal barriers were more positively associated with passive commuting than environmental barriers. Interventions at the university are necessary to improve the perception of AC and encourage personal organization to travel more actively.

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The Moderating Role of Sociodemographic Factors in the Relationship between Physical Activity and Subjective Well-Being in Chilean Children and Adolescents

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph182111190 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (21) ◽

pp. 11190

Author(s):

Sergio Fuentealba-Urra ◽

Andrés Rubio-Rivera ◽

Mònica González-Carrasco ◽

Juan Carlos Oyanedel ◽

Cristian Céspedes-Carreno

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Well Being ◽

Vulnerability Index ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Relationship

Background: The relationship between physical activity habits and well-being is widely recognized; however, the interaction that these variables have with sociodemographic factors throughout life is only partially addressed in the literature, particularly in children and adolescents. The aim of this article is to analyze the moderating effect of sociodemographic factors and the possible interaction of these moderations in the relationship between physical activity and subjective well-being in children and adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study considered a sample of 9572 children and adolescents from 10 to 19 years of age, students of primary and secondary schools in all regions of Chile. Subjective well-being and physical activity habits were measured using self-report questionnaires. Socioeconomic level was established from the school vulnerability index (SVI) of each student’s school. Results: Simple moderation analyses revealed that the higher the age and the lower the SVI, the stronger the relationship between physical activity habits and subjective well-being. From a double moderation analysis, it could be observed that the age of the subjects is the most relevant moderator in the relationship between physical activity habits and perceived well-being in young people. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering these factors and their interaction when generating programs or public policies to improve physical activity habits and well-being in children and adolescents.

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Active commuting and leisure-time physical activity among adults in western Nepal: a cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051846 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e051846

Author(s):

Susan Paudel ◽

Narayan Subedi ◽

Craig S McLachlan ◽

Ben J Smith ◽

Per Kallestrup ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Active Commuting ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with active commuting and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among adults in western Nepal.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingAdults from semiurban areas in western Nepal.Participants2815 adults aged 25–65 years who participated in the ‘Community-Based Management of Hypertension in Nepal (COBIN)’ Study. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with active commuting and LTPA.OutcomeSelf-reported participation in active commuting and LTPA.ResultsMost study participants (96%) commuted actively (walked or cycled) from one place to another. Our results showed that only a small proportion (3.7%) of participants engaged in moderate or vigorous LTPA. Compared with those in paid employment, the odds of commuting actively were higher among people working in agriculture or as labourers (OR: 4.57, 95% CI: 2.46 to 8.48), those retired/unemployed (OR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.42 to 6.25) and those in unpaid employment (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.22). Adults who were overweight or had obesity were less likely to commute actively. Compared with adults aged 25–34 years, older adults were less likely (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.72) to engage in LTPA. Women were 0.46 times less likely to engage in LTPA compared with men.ConclusionMost adults engaged in active commuting for work or travel. Less than 5% participated in any form of moderate or vigorous LTPA. Longitudinal studies incorporating objective assessment of physical activity and a range of individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors will help understand how to promote active commuting and LTPA among Nepalese adults.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02428075.

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Visual Acuity’s Association With Levels of Leisure-Time Physical Activity in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Journal of Aging and Physical Activity ◽

10.1123/japa.20.1.1 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 1-14 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mark W. Swanson ◽

Eric Bodner ◽

Patricia Sawyer ◽

Richard M. Allman

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Visual Acuity ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

University Of Alabama ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The University

Little is known about the effect of reduced vision on physical activity in older adults. This study evaluates the association of visual acuity level, self-reported vision, and ocular disease conditions with leisure-time physical activity and calculated caloric expenditure. A cross-sectional study of 911 subjects 65 yr and older from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging (SOA) cohort was conducted evaluating the association of vision-related variables to weekly kilocalorie expenditure calculated from the 17-item Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. Ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate possible associations while controlling for potential confounders. In multivariate analyses, each lower step in visual acuity below 20/50 was significantly associated with reduced odds of having a higher level of physical activity, OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67, 0.97. Reduced visual acuity appears to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity among community-dwelling adults.

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Patterns of Change in Dietary Habits and Physical Activity during Lockdown in Spain Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020300 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 300

Author(s):

Carmen Pérez-Rodrigo ◽

Marta Gianzo Citores ◽

Gotzone Hervás Bárbara ◽

Fátima Ruiz-Litago ◽

Luis Casis Sáenz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Health Impact ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dietary Change ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Supplement Use ◽

Active Cluster

Background: Lockdown due to COVID-19 influenced food habits and lifestyles with potential negative health impact. This study aims to identify patterns of change in eating habits and physical activity during COVID-19 lockdown in Spain and to identify associations with sociodemographic factors and usual habits. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1155 adults recruited online to answer a 10-section questionnaire. The protocol assessed usual diet by means of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, usual physical activity (PA) and supplement use, dietary changes, sedentary time, PA, exposure to sunlight, sleep quality, and smoking during confinement. Patterns of dietary change were identified by factor analysis. Factor scores were included in cluster analysis together with change in PA. Results: Six patterns of dietary change were identified that together with PA changes during lockdown defined three clusters of lifestyle change: a cluster less active, a more active cluster, and a third cluster as active as usual. People who were usually less active were more likely to be classified in the cluster that increased physical activity in confinement. Scores of the Healthy Mediterranean-Style dietary pattern were higher in this group. Conclusions: Different patterns of change in lifestyles in confinement suggest the need to tailor support and advice to different population groups.

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Factors Associated with Physical Activity among Medical Students of Jazan University: A Cross-Sectional Study

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v9n4p266 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 266 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Husam Eldin Elsawi Khalafalla ◽

Mohamed Salih Mahfouz ◽

Muath Hassan Ibrahim Najmi ◽

Sayyaf Abdullah Mohammad Najmi ◽

Qasem Ali Yahya Arishi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Medical Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

High Prevalence ◽

The University ◽

Study Participants

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is one of the most important factors that affect human health; it reduces the chances of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression.OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to measure prevalence of physical activity and to determine the factors affecting the level of physical activity among medical student in Jazan University.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of medical colleges of Jazan University. A random sample of 419 was determined using most recent physical activity prevalence. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.RESULTS: There is a high prevalence of inactivity among study participants (88.1%). Females (91.7%) were more significantly (p value=0.013) inactive than males (83.8%). The most influential barrier perceived by participants is (heavy) academic work as well as lack of places for physical activity; the latter factor being more effective in hindering female students' physical activity.CONCLUSION: Results revealed that the inactivity rate was very high among medical students. The results of this study call for a well-planned intervention at the university level for improving the level of physical activity among university students.

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Mode of Commuting to School and Its Association with Physical Activity and Sedentary Habits in Young Ecuadorian Students

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph15122704 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (12) ◽

pp. 2704 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Yaira Barranco-Ruiz ◽

Alfredo Guevara-Paz ◽

Robinson Ramírez-Vélez ◽

Palma Chillón ◽

Emilio Villa-González

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Central Region ◽

School Setting ◽

Daily Physical Activity ◽

Self Report ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Active Commuting ◽

Physical Activity Levels ◽

Older Adolescents ◽

Commuting Distance

Active commuting to and from school (ACS) could help to increase daily physical activity levels in youth; however, this association remains unknown in Ecuadorian youth. Thus, the aims of this study were (1) to determine the patterns of commuting to and from school and (2) to analyze the associations between ACS, physical activity (PA), and sedentary habits in Ecuadorian youth. A total of 732 students (65.3% males), aged 10–18 years (children = 246, young adolescents = 310, older adolescents = 162) from the central region of Ecuador participated in this study. A self-report questionnaire, including the usual mode and frequency of commuting, distance from home to school (PACO-Questionnaire), and PA and sedentary habits (YAP-Questionnaire), was used. Most of the sample lived ≤2 km from school; however, they were mainly passive commuters (96%). The most common mode of commuting was by car (to school = 43.4%, from school = 31.6%; p < 0.001). Children presented significantly higher scores (0–4) in PA outside school and total PA compared with older adolescents (2.20 ± 0.97 vs. 1.97 ± 0.96; p = 0.013 and 2.30 ± 0.76 vs. 2.09 ± 0.74, p = 0.019, respectively), as well as the lowest scores in sedentary habits (1.51 ± 0.65, p < 0.001). PA at school and total PA were positively associated with ACS (OR 3.137; 95% CI, 1.918 to 5.131; p < 0.001, and OR 2.543; 95% CI, 1.428 to 4.527; p = 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, passive modes of transportation were the most frequently used to commute to and from school in young Ecuadorians. PA at school and total PA were positively associated with ACS. Thus, interventions at school setting could be an opportunity to improve PA levels and additionally ACS in youth from the central region of Ecuador.

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