Primary Motives and Barriers to Physical Activity Participation Among Students Registered at a Semi-Rural University: A Mixed-Methods Study

Physical inactivity among university students remains a global health concern, especially in semi-rural settings where unique barriers such as limited facilities, cultural norms, and inadequate transportation persist. This study aimed to identify the primary motivations and barriers to physical activity participation among students at a semi-rural university, providing insights for tailored interventions. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used. In the quantitative phase, 414 questionnaires were distributed across four faculties, with 328 completed responses analysed using t -tests and factor analysis. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 23 students, analysed through conventional content analysis. The quantitative findings revealed key motivators for physical activity, which included enjoyment (mean = 4.51, p < 0.001), social interaction (mean = 3.99, p < 0.001), and health benefits (mean = 3.27, p = 0.001). However, for barriers, heavy academic workload reached statistical significance (mean = 3.88, p < 0.001). In contrast, qualitative data uncovered additional barriers such as insufficient facilities and poor communication, which were not captured in the quantitative phase. Factor analysis identified four constructs for motivations (e.g., coaching, social, health, enjoyment) and barriers (e.g., club processes, excuses, external factors, lack of interest). Qualitative data corroborated these findings, highlighting issues such as insufficient visibility of physical activity programs, time barriers, and inconsistent coaching quality. This study underscores the importance of addressing structural barriers, such as upgrading facilities, improving communication strategies, and enhancing coaching quality, to increase physical activity participation. By implementing strategic interventions, universities can foster inclusive environments that better support students’ well-being and engagement, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles among university populations.