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Differential Programming Needs of College Students Preferring Web-Based Versus In-Person Physical Activity Programs
Stephanie P Goldstein1, Evan M Forman1, Meghan L Butryn1
1a Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science , Drexel University.
Health Communication
|September 22, 2017
Summary
College students preferring web-based exercise programs engage less in physical activity and face more barriers. These students may benefit from programs focusing on goal-setting and problem-solving to boost self-efficacy and improve engagement.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
Background:
- College students face exercise barriers, necessitating university-based physical activity programs.
- Web-based interventions offer accessibility but struggle with engagement and outcomes compared to in-person options.
- Intervention modality preference may influence program effectiveness due to distinct student needs and patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between college students' preferred intervention modality (web-based vs. in-person) and their physical activity programming needs.
- To identify characteristics of students who prefer web-based versus in-person physical activity programs.
- To inform the design of more effective physical activity interventions for college students.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to 157 undergraduate psychology students at an urban university.
- Data collected included current physical activity patterns, exercise self-efficacy, stage of change, perceived barriers, and program modality preference.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare characteristics between students preferring web-based and in-person programs.
Main Results:
- Students preferring web-based programs reported lower physical activity levels (p=.05).
- These students also exhibited lower exercise self-efficacy (p=.01), were less likely to be in the maintenance stage of change (p<.01), and perceived more barriers (p<.01).
- Findings indicate distinct profiles for students preferring different intervention modalities.
Conclusions:
- Web-based physical activity programs may need to incorporate strategies to enhance self-efficacy, such as goal-setting and problem-solving skill development.
- A user-centered design approach is recommended to improve engagement and effectiveness of physical activity promotion programs for college students.
- Understanding modality preferences is crucial for tailoring interventions to specific student populations.