College Students' Readiness to Change in Physical Inactivity Behavior using Perfection Quotient Behavioral Model

Abstract

Background: In 2022, about 25% of U.S. adults reported engaging in no leisure-time physical activity, and among those who reported being physically active, only 24% engaged in enough physical activity to meet both aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines. Physical inactivity has been linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality, numerous chronic diseases, and negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression. Physical inactive behavior is influenced by individual and environmental influences and becomes more acute in college students. Objectives: In this study, we deploy a novel behavioral model called Perfection Quotient (PQ) and its components/ constructs Health Emotional Quotient (HEQ), Health X Quotient (HXQ), and Health Spiritual Quotient (HSQ) to explain the readiness to change for physical inactivity behavior in a sample of college students in Mississippi, USA. Methods: Cross-sectional study was undertaken at a public university in Mississippi. A random sample of 572 was drawn from 5,000 students from the university registrar’s list. A 37-item survey delivered via QualtricsTM online survey software was administered among students aged > 18 years. The survey included questions on the three constructs of PQ. The association between these three components and physical inactivity was assessed using binomial logistic regression. Results: Of the survey respondents 51.2% (n=293) reported intentions to change their physical inactivity behavior. The mean scores of the constructs of the PQ model were, HEQ = 29.81 units (SD = 5.74; observed and possible range: 0-40), HXQ = 23.67 units (SD = 4.67; observed range: 0-34; possible 0-36), HSQ = 17.78 units (SD = 4.93; observed and possible range: 0-24), PQ = 71.38 units (SD 12.18; observed range: 0-97; possible 0-100). HEQ with its components of self-awareness, mood management, and self-motivation had an odds ratio of 0.947 (95% CI: 0.905 to 0.992) and was marginally negatively associated with the likelihood of readiness to change physical inactivity behavior (p<0.02). HXQ with its components of cautiousness, independence, and competition had an odds ratio of 0.996 (95% CI: 0.944 to 1.051) and was not a significant predictor (p>0.05). HSQ with its components of self-love and love for others was marginally positively associated with the likelihood of readiness to change physical activity behavior (p<0.005) and had an odds ratio of 1.077 (95% CI: 1.022 to 1.135). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the three constructs of the PQ model need to evolve further, instrumentation augmented, and further longitudinal studies designed.