Zhang Lu, Zhong Tao, Dong Kui
College of International Studies, National University of Defense Technology, Nanjing, China.
College of Sport and Health, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
Front Public Health. 2025 May 21;13:1597480. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1597480. eCollection 2025.
Regular physical activity is widely recognized for its health benefits, including improved cardiovascular function and reduced risk of chronic diseases. However, insufficient physical activity remains prevalent among university students, many of whom fail to meet recommended guidelines. University-based physical education (PE) programs play a critical role in fostering active lifestyles and promoting health-oriented behaviors among young adults. This study aimed to examine the association between participation in PE classes and the adoption of health-oriented behaviors among Chinese college students, particularly in the 3 and 4 years, when participation in PE is voluntary.
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,902 3- and 4-year university students (mean age: 20.94 years; 59.2% female). The survey collected data on demographic (age and gender), socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), and some health-related behaviors such as dietary habits, smoking status, physical activity levels, and frequency of PE class attendance.
Results showed 44.23% of students were physically inactive, 8.1% were smokers, and 61.18% had an unhealthy diet. Male students had higher rates of smoking, obesity, and unhealthy diets compared to females. Participation in PE classes was associated with lower risks of obesity, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity. Logistic regression analyses confirmed that PE attendance was a protective factor against these unhealthy behaviors, with significant gender-based differences observed in lifestyle patterns.
This study highlights the importance of PE in promoting healthier lifestyles among university students and underscores the need for continued access to structured PE programs throughout the undergraduate years.
规律的体育活动因其对健康的益处而被广泛认可，包括改善心血管功能和降低慢性病风险。然而，体育活动不足在大学生中仍然普遍存在，其中许多人未达到推荐的指导标准。基于大学的体育教育项目在培养年轻人积极的生活方式和促进以健康为导向的行为方面发挥着关键作用。本研究旨在探讨中国大学生参加体育课与采用以健康为导向的行为之间的关联，特别是在本科三、四年级，此时参加体育课程是自愿的。
对1902名本科三、四年级学生（平均年龄：20.94岁；59.2%为女性）进行了一项横断面研究。该调查收集了有关人口统计学（年龄和性别）、社会经济地位、体重指数（BMI）以及一些与健康相关的行为的数据，如饮食习惯、吸烟状况、体育活动水平和体育课出勤频率。
结果显示，44.23%的学生身体活动不足，8.1%的学生吸烟，61.18%的学生饮食不健康。与女性相比，男性学生的吸烟、肥胖和不健康饮食发生率更高。参加体育课与肥胖、不健康饮食和身体活动不足的风险较低相关。逻辑回归分析证实，参加体育课是预防这些不健康行为的保护因素，在生活方式模式上观察到显著的性别差异。
本研究强调了体育教育在促进大学生更健康生活方式方面的重要性，并强调在整个本科阶段持续提供结构化体育课程的必要性。
