Understanding College Students' Physical Activity Through a Multilevel Analysis: Evidence from the 2016 ACHA-NCHA II...

Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for illness and chronic disease. Despite strong evidence supporting the benefits of regular physical activity (PA), participation declines markedly after adolescence, particularly among college students.

To examine multilevel determinants of physical activity among college students and identify key individual- and institution-level indicators associated with meeting recommended PA guidelines.

A cross-sectional multilevel analysis was conducted using a large national randomized sample of college students (n = 23,183) from multiple universities. Two hierarchical levels were defined: student level and college level. Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) was applied to account for data clustering and to assess interactions between levels of influence on PA. The primary outcome was meeting the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) PA guidelines (≥30 minutes of moderate PA on ≥5 days per week).

Overall, 29% of students reported meeting ACSM PA recommendations, while 24% reported no days of physical activity. Intention to lose weight was the strongest predictor, increasing the odds of meeting PA guidelines by 41%. Male students were 40% more likely to meet PA recommendations compared with female students. Institutional exposure to PA information was also significant; students who reported receiving PA-related information from their institutions had a 32% higher likelihood of meeting PA guidelines than those who did not.

Physical activity among college students is influenced by a complex interplay of individual and institutional factors. Interventions should address both levels by enhancing health education, promoting supportive campus environments, and implementing inclusive wellness programs. Future research should integrate multiple theoretical perspectives to better explain unexplained variations in PA behavior and inform more effective strategies to promote physical activity in university settings.