Physical activity and lifestyle habits of male undergraduate students

Abstract

Introduction: Irrefutable evidence exists that unacceptably low levels of physical activity (PA) exist worldwide in spite of an extensive body of empirical evidence, which demonstrates the physical and psychological health benefits of physical activity. Physical activity is associated with a lower mortality rate for both younger and older male generations. Young male adults attending universities gain increased control over their lifestyles. However, they may not necessarily develop positive behaviours like regular participation in physical activity. Aims: The main aim of the study was to investigate the PA levels, lifestyle habits and body composition among male students at a university in South Africa. Three objectives were set out for this research: to determine the physical activity levels of male undergraduate students at the University of the Free State, to establish the lifestyle profile and body composition of undergraduate male students at the University of the Free State and to determine the impact of ethnicity on physical activity levels, lifestyle habits and body composition of male students at the University of the Free State. Methods: A quantitative approach was followed, using a one-time non-randomized cross-sectional study approach. Quantitative methods such as questionnaires and assessments were used. After obtaining ethical clearance, participants were asked to complete the Belloc and Breslow’s lifestyle questionnaire. The IPAQ was also completed to determine self-reported fitness levels. Anthropometry testing was then conducted on the participants. Results: The physical activity levels of the students was determined with 91% participating in PA. However there was a decline in the participation in physical activity through first year (90%) to third year (87.5%). This decline was also evident in the mean MET minutes/week from first year through to third year. The majority of the students were considered to be moderately healthy. There was however no statistically significant associations (p<0.05) between ethnicity and year groups and the physical activity and lifestyle habits of male university students. Conclusion: The students demonstrated high levels of physical activity and are knowledgeable to the health benefits, however there was a decline in the physical activity frequency as well as the mean MET minutes/week from first year through to third year. An interesting finding was a shift in the health categories from low to healthy. There was a slight increase in the body fat percentage of the students which could be attributed to the decline in the mean MET minutes/week.