Gender Differences in Barriers To Physical Activity Among College Students Reporting Varying Levels of Regular Physical Activity

Researchers have studied the primary determinants of physical activity in an effort to enhance health promotion initiatives nationwide. These physical activity determinants have been observed to differ among various segments of the population, suggesting a further examination of physical activity barriers among differing populations. Little research has been conducted to analyze differences in determinants between university students reporting varying levels of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between gender and perception of physical activity barriers and overall physical activity level among university students. An ecological model guided a literature review where it was revealed that individual, interpersonal, and environmental barriers demonstrated to influence activity participation for college students. The study was a cross-sectional e-survey analysis of a stratified random sampling of 412 university students, where perceived barriers were measured using the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale and physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Logistic regression revealed that being male was significantly associated with being highly physically active (OR = 2.56, p=.0003). Additionally, perceptions of physical activity barriers were negatively associated to being highly physically active (OR = 0.92, p=0.0001) for both genders. The findings of this study will contribute to positive social change by providing additional knowledge regarding determinants of activity among university students, and by augmenting policy development regarding general education physical activity/fitness and educational requirements as part of the university curriculum.