Barriers to Physical Activity Participation Among University Staff: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Regular physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, yet many individuals face barriers to engage in an active lifestyle. This study aimed to identify and analyze the barriers preventing university staff from participating in PA. A cross-sectional quantitative approach was utilized, distributing surveys to a diverse sample of 238 university staff aged 19 to 77 years, with an average age of 40. The survey was designed to identify the barriers that individuals face in adhering to physical PA and collected data on various internal and external factors influencing PA participation. Younger participants reported significantly higher scores for lack of energy and motivation compared to older age groups. Additionally, female participants experienced greater internal and external barriers than their male counterparts. Furthermore, university employees experienced significantly higher internal barriers, namely a lack of energy and lack of motivation. The primary barrier to PA participation among university staff was a lack of time. This study highlights the need for supportive environments that address these obstacles to promote PA participation. The findings offer valuable insights for university administrations and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions and supportive policies to enhance the health and activity levels of university staff.