Motives and Barriers to Physical Activity Participation Among University Students

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is essential for the overall physical, mental, and psychological health of university students. However, participation rates remain low, particularly in developing regions such as Libya. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 768 university students who completed self-administered questionnaires assessing PA engagement, motivations, and barriers to participation. Results: The findings revealed that 60.5% of participants were physically inactive, highlighting a significant public health concern. Among inactive participants, the most prevalent external barriers were time constraints (3.45 ± 1.07), limited resources (3.22 ± 0.97), and lack of support (2.96 ± 1.01). values are presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD). The primary motivating factors for PA were health improvement (3.95 ± 0.96) and revitalization (3.93 ± 1.01). Notably, gender differences emerged: male students reported higher motivation for competition and enjoyment, while female students were primarily motivated by weight management. Furthermore, female students reported significantly higher scores for both internal and external barriers than their male counterparts, indicating greater challenges faced in engaging with PA. The study also found a pronounced decrease in PA levels during the college years, suggesting that the transition to university life contributes to reduced activity. Conclusions: This study highlights the critical need for focused strategies to increase student participation in PA and address the identified barriers. Understanding both motivational aspects and barriers is essential for promoting healthier lifestyles among university students in Libya, which could ultimately lead to better health outcomes and fostering a more physically active student community.