Psychosocial Correlates of Physical Activity Participation among Nigerian University Students
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Studies on psychosocial correlates of Physical Activity (PA) in a previously unexplored cultural context of sub-Sahara Africa are sparse. This study assessed psychosocial correlates of PA among Nigerian university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 1600 students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile – Ife, Nigeria. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess PA at 7-day recall (MET-min/week) while psychosocial variables of Exercise Self-Efficacy (ESE), Perceived Barriers to PA (PBPA) and parental Socio-economic Status (SES) were assessed using ESE, PBPA and SES questionnaires respectively. However, 1399 completed the study yielding a response rate of 87.4%. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was at p < 0.05. Results: A majority of the respondents, 89.4% reported sufficient PA. High self-efficacy was twice more likely in male (OR = 2.19, C.I. = 1.16 – 4.12) than female counterpart (OR = 0.46, C.I. = 0.29 – 0.72). Significant association was found between high self-efficacy and sufficient PA (OR = 2.19, C.I. = 1.16 – 4.12) (p< 0.05). Perceived barrier items such as time constraints, exercise facilities do not have convenient schedule and exercise causes fatigue were significantly correlated with PA (p< 0.05). Conclusions: A majority of the surveyed Nigerian university students demonstrated sufficient PA over the course of seven days. Perceived self-efficacy was significantly associated with sufficient PA while perceived barrier and parental socio-economic status were not.
Language: English
Topic: Physical Activity and Health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2330077520