Physical Activity and Its Barriers and Facilitators among University Students in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Karima Chaabna, Ravinder Mamtani, Amit Abraham, Patrick Maisonneuve, Albert B. Lowenfels and Sohaila Cheema
Additional contact information
Karima Chaabna: Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar
Ravinder Mamtani: Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar
Amit Abraham: Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar
Patrick Maisonneuve: Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, IEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy
Albert B. Lowenfels: Department of Surgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, NY 10595, USA
Sohaila Cheema: Institute for Population Health, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 24144, Qatar

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 12, 1-15

Abstract: Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases worldwide. This study investigated physical activity (PA) level among university students in Qatar and assessed other lifestyle and demographic factors associated with PA. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2017 and February 2018. A self-administered questionnaire, comprising questions from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and other validated questionnaires, was used to assess PA and other lifestyle behaviors, including sedentary behavior, stress, sleep, dietary habits, and smoking habits. The results were reported according to the STROBE guidelines. A total of 370 students (response rate = 95.6%) were recruited from eight universities via quota sampling. The prevalence of physically active students—as per the World Health Organization’s recommendation for PA of 150–300 min/week—was 64.9% (75.2% in males and 58.3% in females). Females and students >20 years old were half as likely to be active compared with males and younger students. More males enjoyed getting regular exercise (83.6% vs. 67.7%, p -value = 0.002). Time spent sitting was similar during weekdays and weekends (mean time ± SD = 480.8 ± 277.7 min/week vs. 492.1 ± 265.0 min/week). Sports facilities and green spaces appear to help increase PA among university students in Qatar. Public health interventions should focus on improving PA-related perception and knowledge among students to further increase PA participation.

Keywords: physical activity; Qatar; Gulf Cooperation Council; Middle East; exercise; sedentary behavior; sex characteristics; young adult (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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