Physical fitness status and influencing factors among college students aged 19 ~ 22 in Shandong province, China: a cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: College students physical fitness is not just an indicator of current health but also a predictor of future well-being. The rapid socioeconomic changes and significant lifestyle shifts occurring in China, akin to global trends, underscore the need for a comprehensive understanding of college students physical fitness.

Methods: Our research focused on delineating the state of physical fitness among college students in Shandong Province and identifying the factors influencing it. Univariate chi-squared test was initially performed on all independent variables. Subsequently, statistically significant variables were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the determinants of physical fitness among college students. These findings were intended to inform targeted health interventions for this critical age group.

Results: From September to November 2024, a large-scale survey was conducted on 176,373 college students aged 19 to 22 years in Shandong Province, using a stratified random cluster sampling method. The overall physical fitness qualified rate was 92.03%, with female students slightly outperforming males. Urban students had a higher qualified rate than rural students. After adjusting for gender and household registration, multivariable logistic regression analysis identified key factors influencing physical fitness. Parental engagement in physical exercise and support for students' participation were associated with lower odds of failing fitness tests. Frequent exercise, long exercise duration, and moderate to high intensity activity were linked to better fitness outcome. Sufficient sleep and regular breakfast consumption also decreased the likelihood of failing the physical fitness tests. In contrast, excessive screen time, smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, and high fast food intake were associated with increased odds of failing physical fitness tests.

Conclusion: These findings highlighted the significant role of lifestyle factors, including parental influence, exercise frequency, duration and intensity, sleep duration, screen time, smoking, alcohol consumption, breakfast consumption habit, and fast food intake, in determining college students' physical fitness test outcomes.