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

Author

Listed:
  • 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
    Department of Family Medicine, 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Karima Chaabna & Ravinder Mamtani & Amit Abraham & Patrick Maisonneuve & Albert B. Lowenfels & Sohaila Cheema, 2022. "Physical Activity and Its Barriers and Facilitators among University Students in Qatar: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7369-:d:839927
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sonia Chaabane & Karima Chaabna & Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy & Ravinder Mamtani & Sohaila Cheema, 2021. "Barriers and Facilitators Associated with Physical Activity in the Middle East and North Africa Region: A Systematic Overview," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-21, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Shamma AlMuraikhy & Najeha Anwardeen & Aisha Naeem & Maha Sellami & Alexander Domling & Abdelali Agouni & Mohamed A. Elrayess, 2022. "Comparing the Metabolic Profiles Associated with Fitness Status between Insulin-Sensitive and Insulin-Resistant Non-Obese Individuals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-13, September.

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