Barriers to Physical Activity and their Association with Obesity-Related Quality of Life in College Populations
Main Article Content
Keywords
Physical activity barriers; Obesity; Quality of life; College students; Socio-ecological model
Abstract
Background: The transition to university life is often accompanied by increased sedentary behaviour, raising the risk of overweight, obesity, and reduced health-related quality of life among college students. Objective: This study examined the associations between perceived barriers to physical activity and obesity-related quality of life among college students, guided by the socio-ecological model. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 college students (60% female) using a self-administered survey. Participants reported their physical activity levels, preferred activities, primary barriers to exercise, and obesity-related quality of life using a validated instrument. Binary logistic regression was used to identify barriers independently associated with poorer obesity-related quality of life, controlling for age, sex, marital status, academic level, BMI, and physical activity participation. Results: Although 79.3% of students reported engaging in some physical activity, over half (52.1%) exercised for less than one hour per week. Walking was the most common activity. The most frequently reported barriers were academic pressure (20.0%), cost (19.3%), and exhaustion after classes (16.4%). Lack of motivation/interest was the strongest predictor of poorer obesity-related quality of life (OR = 4.39, p = .004), followed by perceptions of no suitable environment (OR = 3.49), academic pressure (OR = 3.06), exhaustion (OR = 2.66), and cost barriers (OR = 2.34). Female sex and higher BMI were also significant risk factors. Conclusion: Both psychological and structural barriers significantly contribute to reduced obesity-related quality of life among college students. Multi-level campus interventions targeting motivation, environmental access, academic time pressures, and financial support are needed to promote physical activity and improve student well-being.