Perceived Barriers towards Physical Activity among Female University Students

Abstract

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Lack of regular physical activity at young age able to increase the risk to get cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis later in life. The physical activity index among Malaysian teens revealed that they were more active than the rest of the ages at the age of 21. However, at 22 years of age and above, these young people attempt to decrease their PA, and at this age, most of them are university students. Therefore, the objective of this study is mainly to examine differences in internal and external attributes between active and inactive participation in physical activity among female students. A crosssectional study was conducted using convenience sampling technique. Students completed a questionnaire focusing on the barriers in physical activity. Comparison analysis was then used to examine the differences in mean scores between active and less active respondents. Both external and internal barriers in physical activity were found statistically significant difference in mean scores. External barriers in physical activity were higher values of mean score compared to internal barriers. Lack of time due to social and family responsibilities was considered as most important barriers in physical activity. Future research at large scale and targeting other population are needed in order to help nation achieved SDGs 2030 goal 3 by improving healthy lifestyle and promote well-being for all at all ages.