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

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity in a Sample of University Students: A Descriptive Study
Language: English
Authors: Edwin Gustavo Estrada-Araoz (ORCID 0000-0003-4159-934X), Jhemy Quispe-Aquise (ORCID 0000-0001-6339-3399), Guido Ayay-Arista (ORCID 0000-0002-5716-7376), Gilber Chura-Quispe (ORCID 0000-0002-3467-2695), Neil Anthony Quipo-Conde (ORCID 0009-0004-5813-5503), Freddy Abel Rivera-Mamani (ORCID 0000-0002-8881-0782), Maribel Mamani-Roque (ORCID 0000-0002-9918-8554)
Source: Educational Process: International Journal. Article e2025130 2025 15.
Availability: UNIVERSITEPARK Limited. iTOWER Plaza (No61, 9th floor) Merkez Mh Akar Cd No3, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey 34382. e-mail: editor@edupij.com; Web site: http://www.edupij.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Physical Activities, Physical Activity Level, College Students, Barriers, Student Attitudes, Energy, Resources, Time, Gender Differences, Employment Level, Foreign Countries, Social Influences, Psychological Patterns, Skills
Geographic Terms: Peru
ISSN: 2147-0901
2564-8020
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.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1475913
Database: ERIC
Description
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.
ISSN:2147-0901
2564-8020