英文摘要 |
Adolescent obesity is highly associated with increased risk of a multitude of health problems, and increased physical activity is one of the best strategies to stop obesity epidemic. Research findings have suggested that most Taiwanese adolescents do not actively engaged in regular physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine college freshmen’s physical activity level and factors associated with their physical activity level one year before they enrolled at an university in Taiwan. This crosssectional study surveyed college freshmen who participated in the health assessment program at one university in southern Taiwan in 2004. A total of 1910 freshmen (64.1 male, 35.9% female) completed self-report measures of physical activity and their cognitions about physical activity. The findings suggested that 23.8% freshmen reported to have regular physical activity. No statistically significant difference in the amount of physical activity was found among the four groups with different body mass index. Based on the results of regression analysis, exercise self-efficacy, past exercise experiences, social support for exercise, barriers for exercise, and gender explained 16.5% of the variance in physical activity among college freshmen. Furthermore, exercise self-efficacy was the strongest factor that accounted for 12.1% variance of physical activity. The results suggested that school administration should aim at increasing social support for exercise and exercise self-efficacy to promote physical activity among college freshmen. |