Student activity and sport study Ireland (SASSI): understanding the physical activity behaviour of university students

Increasing physical activity (PA) is a key element of health promotion strategies and the identification of periods when populations are susceptible to behaviour change is vital. One of these periods occurs during tertiary education, where increasing numbers of the population now spend their early adulthood (i.e. 18-24 years old). University life is a period associated with decreased PA, even though students often have the opportunities available to be physically active. The purpose of this thesis was to: (i) assess the validity and reliability of three PA self-report instruments for use in university populations; (ii) examine the clustering of PA with other health-related behaviours; (iii) examine the clustering of PA behaviours across the recreational and transport life domains and identify psychosocial and environmental factors that relate to these clusters. As part of the Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland (2016), data were collected in three phases. A health and well-being assessment collected survey and accelerometer data in students (n = 463, 53% male, 22.2 ± 4.5 years) from five Irish universities. An online survey collected data on students’ (n = 8,122; 49.1% male; 23.17 ± 6.75 years) PA beliefs, attitudes, and health-related behaviours from 31 Irish universities. A university environmental audit tool gathered responses from university personnel (n = 70) regarding the university environment and provision for PA and sport from thirty-three universities. Data from each phase was used to understand the factors influencing PA behaviours in students, guided by Social Cognitive Theory and Ecological Model. Four papers are contained within this thesis. In paper 1, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form was found to have acceptable validity and reliability, when compared to accelerometer measured PA. Paper 2 identified clusters of health-related behaviours in students and showed that certain sub-groups have an increased likelihood of being classified in a risky cluster (e.g. low PA and smoking). Paper 3 identified clusters based on PA patterns across the transport and recreational life domains. Increases in motivation and planning (both action and coping) can promote the likelihood of students’ being categorised in clusters containing a PA behaviour. In paper 4, the relationship of the university environment for PA and sport on students’ PA cluster placement was examined. Findings suggest that a high provision of organisational structures, indoor facilities, and sport clubs improve students’ chances of being classified in a cluster containing a PA behaviour. This thesis provides the following substantive and updated insights regarding the PA behaviours of Irish university students. PA promotion should be used as part of multi behavioural interventions that target those at risk. Components for increasing motivation, action- and coping planning should be employed in order to increase students’ PA engagement while at university. Interventions targeting students should be accompanied by the promotion of PA through the university campus environment. Campuses should have adequate resources and supports in place to provide a range of PA opportunities and facilities for the whole student population

A systematic review of the use and reporting of evaluation frameworks within evaluations of physical activity interventions

Background: Evaluation of physical activity interventions is vital to inform, and justify, evidence-based policy and practice to support population-wide changes in physical activity. Several evaluation frameworks and guidance documents have been developed to facilitate the evaluation and reporting of evaluation studies in public health. However, there is a lack of evidence about whether frameworks are being used to guide evaluation. There continues to be claims of poor and inconsistent reporting in evaluation studies. The aim of this review was to assess the use of evaluation frameworks and the quality of reporting of how they were applied within evaluation studies of physical activity interventions. Objectives:1. To identify whether evaluation frameworks are reported to have been used within evaluation studies of physical activity interventions, and which frameworks have been used. 2. To appraise the quality of reporting with regards to how evaluation frameworks have been used. Method: We developed a checklist of indicators to enable a critical appraisal of the use and reporting of different evaluation frameworks in evaluation studies. We conducted a systematic search and review of evaluation studies published between 2015 and the date of the search to appraise the use and reporting of evaluation frameworks. A narrative synthesis is provided. Results: The review identified 292 evaluation studies of physical activity interventions, only 69 (23%) of these mentioned using an evaluation framework, and only 16 different frameworks were referred to. There was variation in the quality of reporting of framework use. 51 (74%) studies were identified as being explicitly based on the stated framework, however only 26 (38%) provided detailed descriptions consistently across all the checklist indicators. Details of adaptations and limitations in how frameworks were applied were less frequently reported. The review also highlighted variability in the reporting of intervention components. More consistent and precise reporting of framework and intervention components is needed. Conclusion: Evaluation frameworks can facilitate a more systematic evaluation report and we argue their limited use suggests missed opportunities to apply frameworks to guide evaluation and reporting in evaluation studies. Variability in the quality of reporting of framework use limits the comparability and transferability of evidence. Where a framework has been used, the checklist of indicators can be employed to facilitate the reporting of an evaluation study and to review the quality of an evaluation report

Student activity and sport study Ireland: protocol for a Web-based survey and environmental audit tool for assessing the impact of multiple factors on university students’ physical activity

Background: Increasing proportions of the global population transition through a university setting, a setting associated with engagement in behaviors that diminish health such as high levels of physical inactivity. Increasing physical activity (PA) is a key element of health promotion strategies in many countries, but a better understanding of students’ PA and how it is associated with personal, behavioral, and environmental factors is needed. Studies provide protocols to collect information regarding these factors separately; however, none have developed a validated systematic approach to gather information pertaining to all across a whole country. Objective: The purpose of this project is to examine students’ physical activity and how it is associated with personal, behavioral, and environmental factors. Methods: Student Activity and Sport Study Ireland (SASSI) is a university-based cross-sectional study that was carried out across the island of Ireland in 2014. A novel and comprehensive Web-based environmental audit tool (EAT) gathered information pertaining to the environment provided by universities for physical activity. A Web-based student survey (SS) collected information about physical activity beliefs, attitudes, motivations, and behaviors of students. The audit tool and SS were developed through rigorous consultation processes involving international experts. An institutional champion volunteered at each university to recruit, administer, and ensure the completion of both assessments. Results: Data collection was undertaken between May and December 2014. A total of 80% (33/41) of universities completed the EAT, whereas 88.31% (8122/9197) of students (49.10% [3966/8122] male; mean 23.17 [SD 6.75], years) completed the SS sufficiently. Studies are currently underway with the data collected using this protocol. Conclusions: SASSI provides a novel and comprehensive protocol for systematically assessing the PA of students and the related personal, behavioral, and actual environmental factors. The strengths of the SASSI study are presented and include high response rates and a unique dataset that can provide information to relevant stakeholders and policy makers, along with aiding the development of university environments and interventions that promote PA involvement. The weaknesses of the protocol are recognized with suggestions given to overcome them in future research. This protocol is applicable for other countries and has great potential to create harmonization of data, which would allow for direct comparisons across nations

What psychosocial factors determine the physical activity patterns of university students?

Background: Although levels of physical activity (PA) have been researched, no information on how university students organize their PA across different life domains is available. The purpose of this study is to explore if and how students organize their PA across transport and recreational domains, and to identify the psychosocial factors related to these patterns. Methods: Students from 31 Irish universities completed a supervised online survey measuring participant characteristics, psychosocial factors, and PA. Two-step cluster analysis was used to identify specific PA patterns in students. Binary logistic regressions identified factors associated with cluster membership while controlling for age, sex, household income, and perceived travel time to a university. Results: Analysis was performed on 6951 students (50.7% male; 21.51 [5.55] y). One Low Active cluster emerged. Four clusters containing a form of PA emerged including Active Commuters, Active in University, Active Outside University, and High Active. Increases in motivation and planning improved the likelihood of students being categorized in a cluster containing PA. Conclusion: One size does not fit all when it comes to students PA engagement, with 5 patterns identified. Health professionals are advised to incorporate strategies for increasing students’ motivation, action planning, and coping planning into future PA promotion efforts

Identification of health-related behavioural clusters and their association with demographic characteristics in Irish university students

Background: Students engage in risky health-related behaviours that influence their current and future health status. Health-related behaviours cluster among adults and differently based on sub-populations characteristics but research is lacking for university populations. Examining the clustering of health- related behaviours can inform our initiatives and strategies, while examining cluster members’ characteristics can help target those who can prosper most from health promotion efforts. This study examines the clustering of health-related behaviours in Irish university students, and investigates the relationship with students’ sex, age, field of study and accommodation type. Methods: An online survey was completed by 5672 Irish university students (51.3% male; 21.60 ± 5.65 years) during 2014. Two-step cluster analysis was used to understand how health-related behaviours (physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, drug use and dietary habits) cluster among male and female students. Binary logistic regressions were conducted to examine the likelihood of students falling into certain clusters based on their characteristics. Results: Five cluster groups were identified in males and four in females. A quarter of males were categorised as ideal healthy with older students and those from certain fields of study having a higher likelihood of being classified in a low physical activity and poor diet (OR = 1.06–2.89), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.03–3.04), or smoking and drug use (OR = 1.06–2.73) cluster. Forty-five percent of females were categorised as ideal healthy with older females more likely to be in a low active and smoking cluster (OR = 1.03), and less likely to be in a convenience food cluster (OR = 0.96). Females from certain fields of study were also more likely to be classified in these clusters (OR = 1.59–1.76). Students living away from their family home had in increased likelihood of being in a cluster related to a higher frequency of alcohol consumption (OR = 1.72–3.05). Conclusion: Health-related behaviours cluster among this population and need to be taken into account when designing multi-health interventions and policies. These findings can be used to target student groups at risk, leading to more efficient and successful health promotion efforts. The addition of modules providing information regarding health-related behaviours are advised in all fields of study