Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in A Sample of University Students: A Descriptive Study

Edwin Gustavo Estrada-Araoz , Jhemy Quispe-Aquise , Guido Ayay-Arista , Gilber Chura-Quispe , Neil Anthony Quipo-Conde , Freddy Abel Rivera-Mamani , Maribel Mamani-Roque

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Abstract

Background/purpose. Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing various chronic diseases. However, despite its well-documented benefits, many people encounter multiple barriers to participating in it. The present research aimed to analyze the perceived barriers to physical activity in a sample of Peruvian university students.

Materials/methods. To achieve this, a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 239 students of both sexes, who were administered the Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ), an instrument with adequate metric properties.

Results. It was found that the mean of the perceived barriers to physical activity was 29.12 (SD = 11.517), which, when compared to the possible maximum and minimum values, was categorized at a moderate level. Additionally, the main barriers identified were lack of energy (M = 4.80, SD = 2.280), lack of resources (M = 4.54, SD = 1.985), and lack of time (M = 4.50, SD = 1.951). On the other hand, it was observed that women and people who were not employed perceived more barriers to engaging in physical activity compared to men and those who were employed, respectively.

Conclusion. It was concluded that the perceived barriers to physical activity were categorized at a moderate level, highlighting lack of energy, lack of resources, and lack of time as the main factors. Therefore, it is recommended that institutional strategies such as sports spaces, accessible programs, awareness campaigns, stress management workshops, and partnerships with sports centers be implemented to promote student well-being.

Keywords: Barriers, physical activity, exercise, university students, well-being

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