Physical Activity and Its Barriers and Facilitators among University Students in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases worldwide. This study investigated physical activity (PA) level among university students in Qatar and assessed other lifestyle and demographic factors associated with PA. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2017 and February 2018. A self-administered questionnaire, comprising questions from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and other validated questionnaires, was used to assess PA and other lifestyle behaviors, including sedentary behavior, stress, sleep, dietary habits, and smoking habits. The results were reported according to the STROBE guidelines. A total of 370 students (response rate = 95.6%) were recruited from eight universities via quota sampling. The prevalence of physically active students—as per the World Health Organization’s recommendation for PA of 150–300 min/week—was 64.9% (75.2% in males and 58.3% in females). Females and students >20 years old were half as likely to be active compared with males and younger students. More males enjoyed getting regular exercise (83.6% vs. 67.7%, p-value = 0.002). Time spent sitting was similar during weekdays and weekends (mean time ± SD = 480.8 ± 277.7 min/week vs. 492.1 ± 265.0 min/week). Sports facilities and green spaces appear to help increase PA among university students in Qatar. Public health interventions should focus on improving PA-related perception and knowledge among students to further increase PA participation.

Application of theoretical domains framework to explore the enablers and barriers to physical activity among university staff and students: a qualitative study

“…This finding supports previous research [64,65], indicating that the proximity of university campuses to parks (i.e., green spaces) may encourage staff and students to engage in more routine PA. This is possibly because parks offer people the chance to spend ample time with colleagues, friends, or family away from the clamour and hassles in the city, bond with nature and engage in PA [66].…”

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the proportion of physically active children and adults worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Prevalence patterns of people meeting the WHO PA guidelines by age group (adults vs. children) and sex during the pandemic are likely due to the persistence of previously identified barriers to PA, such as lack of time, social support, and motivation. It has been demonstrated that personal and social barriers to PA are higher among females than males in several countries (13,(53)(54)(55)(56)(57). These barriers include the traditional roles and family obligations ascribed to women, as well as a lack of social support, less freedom, and less access to facilities to engage in PA as compared to males.…”

Comparing the Metabolic Profiles Associated with Fitness Status between Insulin-Sensitive and Insulin-Resistant Non-Obese Individuals

“…Individuals with an HOMA-IR less than or equal to 1.85 were categorized as IS, whereas those with an HOMA-IR greater than 1.85 were categorized as IR. Physically active participants were identified as those who walk at least two days per week for more than 150 min [24][25][26][27]. Inclusion criteria included young (20-30 years old), lean/overweight (BMI: 20-30 kg/m 2 ), healthy (no chronic diseases) individuals.…”

“…Among all participants, 51.5% were males and 54.6% were IS, including 22.5% sedentary (ISS) and 32.2% active (ISA), whereas 45.4% were IR, including 24.4% sedentary (IRS) and 20.9% active (IRA) (Figure 1). identified as those who walk at least two days per week for more than 150 min [24][25][26][27].…”