Comparative physical activity as a global question to assess physical activity among university students.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To assess physical activity (PA), a comparative measurement - evaluating one's own PA compared to others - may be an appropriate method. In previous studies, the use of comparative measurements led to an effect known as unrealistic comparative optimism (UCO) - people being unrealistically optimistic about their behavior. Our aim was to use this comparative measurement in university students to quantify the prevalence of UCO at the group level and to draw conclusions on its validity.

Methods

We used data from the Nutrition and Physical Activity in Adolescence Study (NuPhA), a cross-sectional online survey that included only self-reports (n = 689). To assess PA among students, they were asked to rate their PA level compared to that of their same-aged fellow students

SUBMITTER: Diehl K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7923472 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature