Psychosocial correlates of physical activity in low income college students

The importance of physical activity as a health promoting behavior has been well documented. Exploring the psychosocial correlates of physical activity has shown promise in explaining the decision process that underlies physical activity behavior. Although there is supporting evidence that low income populations participate in less physical activity and physical activity levels decline with age, research on low income populations is sparse. The present study utilizes constructs of Pender's Health Promotion Model to explain physical activity behavior in a sample of 85 low income college students attending a four year university in New Jersey. The purpose of this cross sectional descriptive study was to add to the body of knowledge that explains physical activity in targeted populations. This study used hierarchical and simultaneous multiple regressions to test the relationship of social support, self efficacy, and commitment to a plan of physical activity on physical activity behavior. Results indicated that the overall regression model is statistically significant (F(3,81)=7.124, p<.0005) and 21% of the variance in physical activity scores is explained by these three constructs collectively, however, independently only the unique contribution of commitment to a plan of physical activity is significantly associated with physical activity. Additional findings indicate the commitment to a plan of physical activity significantly mediates the relationship of social support on physical activity behavior and also mediates the relationship of self efficacy on physical activity behavior.