Aspects of Physical Activity and Its Relationship to the Health of College-aged Students Among Rural and Urban Communities

Abstract Aspects of Physical Activity and Its Relationship to the Health of College-aged Students Among Rural and Urban Communities Purpose: Research indicates that there is a correlation between physical activity and overall wellbeing. One way to further this research is to gain a better understanding of the physical health status of college students and the relationship between their physical activity and whether they live in a rural or urban setting. Understanding the overall health status of college students and whether or not it correlates to their physical activity and where their home is located is important in understanding long term effects the student may deal with later in life. The purpose of this study is to identify the aspects that affect and influence physical activity in college students, as well as compare the prevalence of physical activity with one\u27s general health. The differences and/or the similarities between rural and urban community\u27s physical activity and overall health will is the primary focus of this research study. The three research questions addressed are as followed: (a) How many days per week do you engage in physical activity? (b) Where do you live when you are not attending college? and (c) How many times per year are you diagnosed with an illness? Methods: Approval for the study was obtained from the university institutional review board. Data is being collected using a self-report 18-item questionnaire from 200 undergraduate college students from various majors. The questionnaire includes information regarding current physical activity level, access to athletic facilities, participant\u27s hometown and its relationship with their overall health. We expect to find the factors that influence the accessibility and willingness to resources necessary to participate in physical activity. This instrument will also be used to assess the overall health of our college students from their respective communities. Results: Data collection still in process. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS V23 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results will be available for presentation for the conference if abstract is accepted. Conclusion: The conclusion will be determined when analysis of data is fully completed