Background:The purpose of this study was to examine whether college students meeting the vigorous physical activity (VPA) recommendation reported less frequent symptoms of depression than those not meeting the recommendation.Methods:A secondary analysis of the Utah Higher Education Health Behavior Survey was conducted. Descriptive statistics and unconditional logistic regressions were calculated.Results:The final sample included 8621 participants (age = 21.34 ± 2.6 years). There was a difference in the frequency of depressive symptoms and VPA. Those not meeting the VPA recommendation reported having more frequent depressive symptoms than those meeting the VPA recommendation. Results were consistent by gender.Conclusion:In this sample, our data suggest VPA may be associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. These findings might be indicative of a dose–response relationship between VPA and symptoms of depression in college students.

Background: Physical activity has been identified as a behavior linked to reducing and preventing chronic disease. Physician counseling may represent an effective way to promote physical activity to a variety of populations. Still, counseling for physical activity is not broadly understood by physicians. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine primary care provider's intention to counsel patients on engaging in physical activity. Methods: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior as a guide, a questionnaire was developed to investigate behavioral determinants for counseling patients on physical activity. Participants (n=26) were primary care providers in community clinics. To identify theoretical constructs influencing behavioral intention, two regressions were performed: 1) a multiple regression using direct measures of intention (Theory Model), and 2) a forward selection regression (Best Fit Model). Results: Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control accounted for the greatest variance in intention in both the Theory Model and Best Fit Model. Conclusions: Additional investigation can identify specific determinants that impact primary care providers' intention to counsel on PA.

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Findings support the need for targeted interventions among college students to support the establishment of long-term protective behavioral patterns against chronic disease risk throughout the life course.

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