College students with disabilities report higher rates of food insecurity.

BACKGROUND: Increased risk of food insecurity has been reported among both college students and persons with disabilities; however, food insecurity among college students with disabilities has not been explored. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to characterize the prevalence of food insecurity among college students with and without disabilities at a northeastern university. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected between 2018 and 2020at a public northeastern university as part of the ongoing College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey. An online survey collected self-reported data, including food security and disability status. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses examined the differences in food insecurity among college students with and without disabilities. RESULTS: The sample (n = 880) was 61.6% female, predominately white (94.5%), and had a mean age of 19 ± 1.2 years. One out of eight participants (13.3%) reported a disability. Low or very low food security (13.3% and 5.5% respectively) was reported in one out of five participants, while 81.4% reported high or marginal food security (67.6% and 13.8%, respectively). Participants with a disability were more than twice as likely to report food insecurity than those without a disability (35.9% vs. 16.0%, p < 0.001). Among participants with a disability, 12.8% reported very low food security and 23.1% reported low food security, compared to 4.3% and 11.7%, respectively, among those students without disabilities (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: College students with disabilities experienced disproportionally higher rates of food insecurity than students without disabilities. Further research in diverse institutions can help to better understand and develop targeted supports for this vulnerable segment of the college population.

The Relationship between Sleep Duration and Metabolic Syndrome Severity Scores in Emerging Adults.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests sleep duration can influence metabolic systems including glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, hormone regulation, nervous system activity, and total energy expenditure (TEE), all of which are related to cardiometabolic disease risk, even in young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome severity scores (MSSS) in a sample of emerging adults (18-24 y/o). METHODS: Data were collected between 2012 and 2021 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study conducted at a midsized northeastern university. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were obtained following an overnight fast and used to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS severity scores (MSSS) were calculated using race- and sex-specific formulas. Sleep duration was calculated from the difference in self-reported bedtime and wake time acquired through an online survey. ANCOVA was used to examine the relationship between sleep duration and MetS severity score while adjusting for covariates (age, sex, BMI, physical activity level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and academic major). RESULTS: In the final sample (n = 3816), MetS (≥3 criteria) was present in 3.3% of students, while 15.4% of students presented with ≥2 MetS criteria. Mean MSSS was -0.65 ± 0.56, and the reported sleep duration was 8.2 ± 1.3 h/day. MSSS was higher among low sleepers (<7 h/day) and long sleepers (>9 h/day) compared to the reference sleepers (7-8 h/day) (-0.61 ± 0.02 and -0.63 ± 0.01 vs. -0.7 ± 0.02, respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest short (<7 h/day) and long (>9 h/day) sleep durations raise the risk of MetS in a sample of emerging adults. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of improving sleep habits on future disease risk.

Do dietary patterns differ with video game usage in college men?

Objective: To assess differences in dietary quality among college men reporting high, moderate, and non-video game usage. Participants: College men aged 18-24. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected between 2012 and 2020. Participants (n = 1259) were categorized according to self-reported video game usage: non-users (NVG), <1 h/day (MVG), and ≥1 h/day (HVG). ANCOVA identified group differences in nutrient intake from 3-day food records. Results: College men reported 30% NVG, 39% MVG, and 31% HVG. Higher saturated fat (30.2 ± 0.4 g and 30.1 ± 0.3 g, vs. 28.5 ± 0.4 g, p < .01, p < .01) and lower fruit/vegetable intake (3.00 ± 0.1 cups and 2.91 ± 0.1 cups, vs. 3.45 ± 0.1 cups, p < .00, p < .00) was observed in HVG and MVG vs. NVG. Higher discretionary calories (750 ± 13 kcals, vs. 686 ± 13 kcals, p < .00) in HVG and sodium (3922 ± 44 mg, vs. 3860 ± 50 mg, p < .02) in MVG were reported vs. NVG. Conclusion: Video game usage was associated with higher saturated fat, sodium, discretionary calories, and lower F/V intake in college men.

Eating Competence and Dietary Intake of Sexual and Gender Minority College Students.

Sexual and gender minority college students are underrepresented in nutrition research and may face unique challenges related to eating which impact their overall diet quality. We assessed the differences in eating competence and dietary intake between sexual and gender minority (SGM) and cisgender heterosexual (CH) college students. Participants (n = 2645) reported sexual orientation, gender identity and completed the Eating Competence Satter Inventory (ecSI 2.0™ through an online questionnaire. Three-day food records examined dietary intake. Intake was compared to recommendations for nutrients of public health concern. Chi-square and ANCOVA examined differences between eating competence and dietary intake. There were no differences in total ecSI 2.0™ scores. Subscale scores for Eating Attitudes and Contextual Skills were significantly higher in CH vs. SGM students (13.4 ± 0.1 vs. 12.4 ± 0.4 p = 0.01 and 10.7 ± 0.1 vs. 9.9 ± 0.3, p = 0.01, respectively). Most students (40.8%) met one nutrient recommendation. The proportion of students meeting nutrient recommendations were similar for SGM and CH. SGM populations may struggle with attitudes and eating behaviors. Dietary intake of SGM and CH students were similarly inadequate when compared to recommendations.

Development and Validation of the Short Healthy Eating Index Survey with a College Population to Assess Dietary Quality and Intake.

Because diet quality (DQ) is associated with risk of chronic disease and is a common construct assessed in health-related research, validated tools to assess DQ are needed that have low respondent and researcher burden. Thus, content experts develop the Short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI) tool and an associated scoring system. The sHEI scoring system was then refined using a classification and regression tree (CRT) algorithm methodology with an iterative feedback process with expert review and input. The sHEI scoring system was then validated using a concurrent criterion validation process that included the sHEI DQ scores (calculated from responses from 50 participants) being compared to the participants' Healthy Eating Index scores derived from 24 h recalls. The total HEI score from the CRT algorithm highly correlated with the 24 h recall HEI score (0.79). For individual food group items, the correlation between the CRT algorithm scoring and the 24 h recall data scoring ranged from 0.44 for refined grains to 0.64 for whole fruits. The sHEI appears to be a valid tool for estimating overall dietary quality and individual items (with correlations > 0.49) for fruits, vegetables, dairy, added sugar, sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages, and calcium.

eB4CAST Approach Improves Science Communication With Stakeholders in a College-Based Health Program.

Communicating scientific results with community partners is often lacking in intervention programs, thus eB4CAST was developed to facilitate impact sharing. This article investigated using the eB4CAST dissemination tool to communicate impact from a campus-based obesity prevention program. Data from Get Fruved RCT university sites collected at baseline were used to generate eB4CAST reports. Experts (n = 13) and RCT sites (n = 15) were asked to provide feedback on eB4CAST reports based on appeal, understanding, and clarity. On all Likert items, participants rated above 7 on each (out of 10). Positive responses from open-ended questions included eB4CAST reports being clear, visually appealing, and aid in program understanding. Overall, eB4CAST was successful in relaying data and information for the Get Fruved program, thus a means for science communication that could be used in interventions. Utilizing infographics to report data and information is a feasible way to disseminate and communicate in a cost-effective, timely manner.

Redesign, Field-Testing, and Validation of the Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports (PACES) Audit.

This paper describes the redesign, field-testing, and convergent validity of a practical tool-Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports (PACES) audit. Methods. The audit includes two parts: (1) PACES-Programs, which is comprised of questions regarding populations served, fees, programs (recreation/fitness classes and intramurals), proximity, adequacy of facilities, and marketing, and (2) PACES-Facilities, which is comprised of questions regarding built environment (aesthetics, bike racks, stairs, and universal design), recreation equipment, staff, amenities, and access. Each item criterion is specifically scored using a five-point, semantic-differential scale ranging from limited to extensive environmental support. A few questions utilize select all that apply for a summed score. PACES training, interrater reliability, and data collection are all accessible via an online portal. PACES was tested on 76 college campuses. Convergent validity was examined by comparing the PACES-Programs questions to Healthy Campus Initiatives-Programs questions (HCI-Programs) and comparing the PACES-Facilities questions to questions contained in the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) Instrument. Statistical analyses included Cronbach's alpha, ANOVA, latent profile analysis, and Spearman correlations. Results. The PACES-Programs audit includes 10 items for a potential total of 73 points (α = 0.72) and PACES-Facilities audit includes 15 items for a potential total of 77 points (α = 0.837). Most (77.8%) of the 153 facilities assessed scored in the most healthful range (20-42), which was mainly due to the extensiveness of the aerobic equipment/amenities and the competence/accessibility of staff. Significant differences in PACES-Total and PACES-Programs scores were associated with campus size and PACES-Facilities across regions. For the paired validation assessments, correlations were significant between PACES-Programs and HCI-Programs ((n=41) r=0.498, p < 0.001) and PACES-Facilities and PARA (n=29) for both features (r=0.417, p=0.024) and amenities (r=0.612, p < 0.001), indicating moderate convergent validity. Conclusion. The PACES audit is a valid, reliable tool for assessing the quality of recreation facilities and programs in a variety of college campus environments.

Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among U.S. college students: a multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: College students may be vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited financial resources, decreased buying power of federal aid, and rising costs of tuition, housing, and food. This study assessed the prevalence of food insecurity and its sociodemographic, health, academic, and food pantry correlates among first-year college students in the United States. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year students (n = 855) across eight U.S. universities. Food security status was assessed using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Adult Food Security Survey Module. Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Eating Attitudes Test-26 were used to assess perceived stress, sleep quality, and disordered eating behaviors, respectively. Participants self-reported their grade point average (GPA) and completed questions related to meal plan enrollment and utilization of on-campus food pantries. RESULTS: Of participating students, 19% were food-insecure, and an additional 25.3% were at risk of food insecurity. Students who identified as a racial minority, lived off-campus, received a Pell grant, reported a parental education of high school or less, and did not participate in a meal plan were more likely to be food-insecure. Multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and meal plan enrollment indicated that food-insecure students had significantly higher odds of poor sleep quality (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.43-3.76), high stress (OR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.66-8.11), disordered eating behaviors (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.20-4.90), and a GPA < 3.0 (OR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.19-3.07) compared to food-secure students. Finally, while half of the students (56.4%) with an on-campus pantry were aware of its existence, only 22.2% of food-insecure students endorsed utilizing the pantry for food acquisition. CONCLUSIONS: Food insecurity among first-year college students is highly prevalent and has implications for academic performance and health outcomes. Higher education institutions should screen for food insecurity and implement policy and programmatic initiatives to promote a healthier college experience. Campus food pantries may be useful as short-term relief; however, its limited use by students suggest the need for additional solutions with a rights-based approach to food insecurity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02941497.

Development and Validation of the Policies, Opportunities, Initiatives and Notable Topics (POINTS) Audit for Campuses and Worksites.

Background: Workplace or campus wellness/obesity-prevention policies and initiatives can improve health. Research tools to assess worksite or campus policies/initiatives are scarce. Thus, the aim of this research is to develop and validate the policies, opportunities, initiatives, and notable topics (POINTS) audit. Methods: POINTS was developed and refined via expert review, pilot-testing, and field testing. Trained researchers completed a web-based review from a student-focus or employee-focus regarding 34 health-promoting topics for colleges. Each topic was evaluated on a 0⁻2 scale: 0 = no policy/initiative, 1 = initiatives, 2 = written policy. When a written policy was detected, additional policy support questions (administered, monitored, reviewed) were completed. Results: Cronbach's Alpha for the student-focused POINTS audit was α = 0.787 (34 items, possible points = 65), and for the employee-focused POINTS audit was α = 0.807 (26 items, possible points = 50). A total of 115 student-focused and 33 employee-focused audits were completed. Although there was little evidence of policy presence beyond stimulant standards (smoking and alcohol), there were extensive examples of health initiatives. The student-focused POINTS audit was validated using the Healthier Campus Initiative's survey. Conclusions: POINTS is a web-based audit tool that is valid and useful for pre-assessment, advocacy, benchmarking, and tracking policies for health and well-being for students (campus) and employees (worksite).

Development and Validation of the Vending Evaluation for Nutrient-Density (VEND)ing Audit.

Background: This paper describes the development and validation of the Vending Evaluation for Nutrient-Density (VEND)ing audit to comprehensively evaluate vended products based upon healthfulness, price and promotion, and machine accessibility. Methods: A novel vending nutrient-density score was created to determine the healthfulness of vended snack/beverage products. Field tested in United States colleges, VENDing audit (∑nutrient-density + 10 × % healthy products) and Support sub-scores (price + promotion + accessibility) were calculated for snack/beverage machines. Higher scores indicate more healthful vending options and supports for choosing healthfully. Nutrition Environment Measures Survey-Vending (NEMS-V) was used to validate the nutrient-density score for a sub-sample of machines. Sensitivity and specificity were computed by comparing the number of healthy snacks/beverages determined by NEMS-V and the VENDing nutrient-density scores. Results: Researchers conducted the VENDing audit on 228 snack/beverage vending machines at 9 universities within the United States and used both VENDing and NEMS-V on 33 snack and 52 beverage vending machines. Mean VENDing audit scores were 4.5 ± 2.0 (2.6, 3.4) and 2.6 ± 2.0 (0, 12) for snack/beverage machines, respectively. The number of products considered healthy assessed with both the VENDing nutrient-density scores and the NEMS-V were positively correlated for beverages (r = 0.687, p < 0.001) and snacks (r = 0.366, p < 0.05). The sensitivity was excellent for beverages (0.83) and moderate for snacks (0.69); while the specificity was moderate for both beverages (0.66) and snacks (0.50). Conclusions: The VENDing audit uses unique, valid, and reliable nutrient-density scoring to evaluate snacks/beverages along a continuum of healthful criteria and comprehensively evaluates the full vending environment.

Development and Validation of a Simple Convenience Store SHELF Audit.

Background This paper describes the development, reliability, and convergent validity of a practical tool-the Convenience Store Supportive Healthy Environment for Life-Promoting Food (SHELF) Audit. Methods Audit items included: a variety of fresh, processed, and frozen fruits and vegetables; low-fat dairy products; healthy staples and frozen meals; healthy food incentive programs; items sold in check-out areas; portion/cup sizes; and pricing. Each audit item was scored using a five-point semantic-differential scale (1 = provides little or no support for healthful foods to 5 = provides high support for healthful foods). Convergent validity was examined by comparing the SHELF audit to Ghirardelli et al. and Laska et al. store audits. Statistical analysis included: Factor analysis, ANOVA, and Spearman correlations. Results SHELF included three factors: a Fruits/Vegetables scale (eight items, α = 0.79; total potential points = 34); a Healthy Foods scale (four items, α = 0.72; total potential points = 16); and a Supports scale (four items, α = 0.685; total potential points = 16). Only 6% of the 124 convenience stores assessed scored in the most healthful range (46⁻66). The assessed drug stores (n = 15) scored higher than convenience stores (n = 81) on the Healthy Foods and Supports scales but not the Fruits/Vegetables scale. The SHELF sub-scores were highly correlated with other audit tools indicating convergent validity. Conclusion The SHELF convenience store audit is a valid, reliable tool for assessing the degree to which convenience stores support healthfulness regarding Fruits/Vegetables, Healthy Foods, and Supports for choosing healthy.

Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling of Students' Dietary Intentions/Behaviors, BMI, and the Healthfulness of Convenience Stores.

BACKGROUND: When dietary behaviors are habitual, intentions are low, and environmental cues, such as the consumer food environment, might guide behavior. How might intentions to eat healthily and ultimately actual dietary behaviors, be influenced by the consumer food environment (including the availability and affordability of healthy foods) in convenience stores? This study will determine pathways between the healthfulness of convenience stores and college students' dietary intentions/behaviors, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Through multilevel structural equation modeling, a comparison was made of students' healthful meal intentions (HMI); intake (fruits/vegetables, %kcal/fat, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and whole-grains); and measured BMI; as well as the healthfulness of convenience stores (fruits/vegetables availability/quality, healthy food availability/affordability). Data was collected on 1401 students and 41 convenience stores across 13 US college campuses. RESULTS: Controlling for gender, HMI was negatively associated with SSBs (ß = -0.859) and %kcal/fat (ß = -1.057) and positively with whole-grains (ß = 0.186) and fruits/vegetables intake (ß = 0.267); %Kcal/fat was positively (ß = 0.098) and fruits/vegetables intake (ß = -0.055) negatively associated with BMI. Campus level, fruits/vegetables availability were positively associated to HMI (ß = 0.214, ß = 0.129) and directly/negatively to BMI (ß = -2.657, ß = -1.124). CONCLUSIONS: HMI modifies dietary behaviors, with energy from fat and fruit/vegetable intake the most predictive of weight. Availability of fruit/vegetables in convenience stores make it easier for young adults to eat well.

Shortening of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Survey Using Factor Analysis.

OBJECTIVE/INTRODUCTION: Lengthy surveys have the potential to burden users and can lead to inaccuracies. Conducting analyses to shorten existing validated surveys is beneficial. The objective, therefore, was to shorten the Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index (PSQI) for young adults. METHODS: PSQI data from 1246 college students were used. An exploratory factor analysis (FA) was utilized to shorten survey after dropping select items. Nonparametric correlation analysis (Spearman's rho) was conducted between the global sleep scores of the shortened and original surveys. Agreements tests (Kappa and McNemar's test) measured the agreement of the surveys and sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. RESULTS: Six factors were examined using maximum likelihood factoring method, applying squared multiple correlations with Promax rotation to allow for correlated variables. FA with six factors explained 100% of shared variance based on eigenvalues and accounted for 61% of variability based on variables. The FA resulted in 13 selected questions ("shortPSQI"), corresponding to 5 of the 7 components of the original survey. High correlation was found between the global scores of the original survey and the "shortPSQI" (rho = 0.94, p < 0.001). When the global score was converted to the categorical variable of good or poor sleepers, the agreement test indicated strong agreement (Kappa 0.83, 95% CI 0.79-0.86, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The validated, 19-item PSQI survey was shortened to 13 items. Tests of correlation and agreement indicate the "shortPSQI" may be an acceptable alternative to the original survey for young adults. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Data for this study was taken from the Get Fruved study, registered on October 21, 2016, on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02941497).

College Students' Health Behavior Clusters: Differences by Sex.

OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to identify clusters of weight-related behaviors by sex in a college student populations. METHODS: We conducted secondary data analysis from online surveys and physical assessments collected in Project Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH) with a convenience sample of students on 13 college campuses in the United States. We performed 2-step cluster analysis by sex to identify subgroups with homogeneous characteristics and behaviors. We used 8 derivation variables: healthy eating; eating restraints; external cues; stress; fruit/vegetable intake; calories from fat; calories from sugar-sweetened beverages; and physical activity. Contribution of derivation variables to clusters was analyzed with a MANOVA test. RESULTS: Data from 1594 students were included. Cluster analysis revealed 2-clusters labeled "Healthful Behavior" and "At-risk" for males and females with an additional "Laid Back" cluster for males. "At-risk" clusters had the highest BMI, waist circumference, elevated health risk, and stress and least healthy dietary intake and physical activity. The "Laid Back" cluster had normal weights and the lowest restrained eating, external cues sensitivity, and stress. CONCLUSION: Identified differences in characteristics and attitudes towards weight-related behaviors between males and females can be used to tailor weight management programs.

The effects of Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH): a theory-based Web-delivered intervention.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a tailored theory-based, Web-delivered intervention (Young Adults Eating and Active for Health) developed using community-based participatory research process. DESIGN: A 15-month (10-week intensive intervention with a 12-month follow-up) randomized, controlled trial delivered via Internet and e-mail. SETTING: Thirteen college campuses. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,639 college students. INTERVENTION: Twenty-one mini-educational lessons and e-mail messages (called nudges) developed with the non-diet approach and focusing on eating behavior, physical activity, stress management, and healthy weight management. Nudges were short, frequent, entertaining, and stage-tailored to each behavior, and reinforced lesson content. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: All participants were assessed at baseline, postintervention (3 months from baseline), and follow-up (15 months from baseline) for primary outcomes of weight, body mass index (BMI), fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), physical activity (PA), and perceived stress; and secondary outcomes of waist circumference, percent dietary fat, energy from sugar-sweetened beverages, servings of whole grains, self-instruction and regulation for mealtime behavior, hours of sleep, and stage of readiness for change for consuming 5 cups of FVI, completing 150 minutes of PA/wk, and managing stress on most days of the week. Demographics were collected at baseline. ANALYSIS: Chi-square analysis and mixed-models repeated measures analysis were performed to determine differences between experimental and control outcomes. RESULTS: There were no differences between experimental and control participants in BMI, weight, and waist circumference. There were small improvements in FVI (P = .001), vigorous PA in females (P = .05), fat intake (P = .002), self-instruction (P = .001), and regulation (P = .004) for mealtime behavior, and hours of sleep (P = .05) at postintervention, but improvements were not maintained at follow-up. At postintervention, a greater proportion of experimental participants were in the action/maintenance stages for FVI (P = .019) and PA (P = .002) than control. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Young Adults Eating and Active for Health is one of the first studies to use the community-based participatory research process of PRECEDE-PROCEED to develop a non-diet approach intervention. Although there were no differences between experimental and control participants in weight change or BMI, the intervention supported positive change in behaviors that may mediate excessive weight gain, such as increasing FVI and more healthful self-regulation mealtime behaviors immediately postintervention. Additional strategies to maintain the behavior changes need to be explored.

Development of Young Adults Eating and Active for Health (YEAH) internet-based intervention via a community-based participatory research model.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a tailored, theory-based, Web-delivered intervention to prevent excessive weight gain in young adults using a Community-Based Participatory Research model. DESIGN: Investigators from 14 universities developed the intervention and supporting administrative portal using the 4 phases of the PRECEDE model. Steering committees were composed of the target audience (aged 19-24 years) and key health/wellness personnel were formed at each institution and provided information during each phase that was used to guide development of the intervention, Project YEAH (Young Adults Eating and Active for Health). Piloting results were used to refine the curriculum and identify and avoid barriers to delivery. RESULTS: Qualitative and quantitative data collected at each phase informed Project YEAH development. In Phase 1, factors of highest priority to young adults were identified. In Phase 2, environmental supports for healthful lifestyles were elucidated. In Phase 3, behavior and environmental changes considered important and changeable were identified. In Phase 4, the 10-week, theory-based, stage-tailored, interactive-learning intervention with a 10-month reinforcement period was developed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Applying the PRECEDE model with fidelity during development of Project YEAH resulted in an intervention that pilot participants found relevant and useful, gained attention, instilled confidence in the ability to apply the information, and provided a sense of satisfaction.

Metabolic syndrome: comparison of prevalence in young adults at 3 land-grant universities.

OBJECTIVE: The study examines metabolic syndrome (MetS) among college students at 3 geographically distinct US campuses. PARTICIPANTS: Undergraduates (N = 360; 68% women), 18 to 24 years of age, were recruited at each public university in January and February 2011. MetS prevalence was evaluated in 83% (n = 299) participants. METHODS: Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were collected in the fasted state. RESULTS: Twelve percent of college men and 6% of college women met the clinical definition of MetS. Males were more likely to have ≥ 2 individual MetS criteria than females (33% vs 16%; p < .05). Prevalence and individual criteria of MetS differed between the 3 regions. Obese and overweight students met significantly more MetS criteria and had higher C-reactive protein levels than normal-weight students (both p < .05). CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that MetS prevalence among college students differs by sex, weight status, and region. Further research is needed to identify effective, targeted interventions that are regionally appropriate for this population.

PACES: a Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports Audit on university campuses.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the policy and built and recreation environmental supports for physical activity on 13 university campuses. DESIGN: Environmental audit survey. SETTING: Thirteen U.S. universities, 2009. Subjects. University policies, recreation programs and facilities, and at least five additional buildings per campus. MEASURES: The Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports Audit was developed for this study. ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's B and χ(2) assessed differences by institution and building type. RESULTS: The mean obesogenic policy score was significantly lower than the desired score, ≥7 (p = .002), with only one campus scoring 10. The mean built environment audit score (5.4 ± 1.7) was low, with significant differences between institutions (p < .001) and only three campuses scoring above the desired score, ≥7. Although generally stairwells were clean and well lighted, there was a lack of signage to encourage stair use (p < .001). Overall, recreation programs (7.1 ± .7) and facilities (7.1 ± 1.2) scored well, but amenities scores were lower for satellite (2.8 ± 1.6) versus main (4.1 ± 1.8) recreation facilities (p = .04). CONCLUSION: On these 13 university campuses, recreation programs and facilities were supportive of healthful lifestyles for obesity prevention, but policies and the built environment were not. This physical activity environmental audit survey requires testing in a wider sample of postsecondary institutions to corroborate its utility and provide evidence to support initiatives to improve campus environments for physical activity.

Cardiovascular fitness, activity, and metabolic syndrome among college men and women.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the impact of below-average cardiovascular fitness and inactivity on the metabolic syndrome among an understudied population-undergraduate men and women, ages 18-24 years. METHODS: Between January, 2010, and May, 2012, we assessed anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures in a convenience sample of students (n=1610) enrolled in an introductory nutrition course at a public university. We quantified the prevalence of metabolic syndrome criteria, estimated cardiovascular fitness via a 1-mile Rockport Walk Test, and evaluated daily activity via pedometer. Subjects were classified as below-average, average, and above-average fitness based upon the Rockport Walk Test; activity levels were classified as low active, somewhat active, active, or highly active according to average steps per day. RESULTS: Those with below-average fitness (10%) were at increased risk for being overfat, having abdominal obesity, and having the metabolic syndrome as compared to those with average or above-average fitness (odds ratio: 12.4, 10.0, and 4.7, respectively; all P<0.01). Twenty percent of subjects were low active (<7500 steps/day) and had a greater number of metabolic syndrome criteria as compared to very active subjects (>12,500 steps/day) (0.94±0.05 vs. 0.73±0.05, P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Young, college-age adults with below-average cardiovascular fitness and/or low activity levels are at increased risk for obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Future studies should examine how promoting lifestyle habits that increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviors during the young adult years can improve metabolic health.