Motivation and Hesitation Factors associated with Physical Activity (PA) among Adults in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

Introduction: Physical inactivity is among the highest contributor to obesity and mortality in adults worldwide. On the other hand, increased physical activity is likely associated with body fitness and reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Limited evidence on the understanding of factors associated with motivation and hesitation towards PA in a specific community of adults. Hence, this study aimed to determine the level of physical activity and the factors associated with motivation and hesitation factors towards physical activity among adults in Kuantan.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study with 217 adults in Kuantan, Pahang, completed the online questionnaires. The questionnaires include three parts; sociodemographic, International Physical Activity Questionnaires-short form (IPAQ-SF) and perceived factors associated with physical activity scale among adults in Kuantan. Data analysis was done by using SPSS version 20.0. Independent sample T-test and One-way ANOVA test were used to analyze the data.
 Results: The majority of adults in Kuantan, Pahang were physically inactive (47%), while 33.6% of the respondents engaged in moderate physical activity and only 19.4% were physically active. Reducing stress was perceived to be the key motivating factor for PA, while lack of time was perceived to be the major hesitation factor towards PA among adults in Kuantan. The findings also revealed that there is a significant association between age and motivating factors elements which are having fun and relaxing the mind (p<0.05).
 Conclusion: This study concludes that knowing the motivation and hesitation factors towards PA in adults may benefit the relevant authorities in planning fitness activities and programs. A future study with larger sample size and gender-specific is recommended.