Al-Balqa Journal for Research and Studies

Published by: Deanship of Scientific Research, Al-Ahliyya Amman University

ISSN (Print Version): 1684-0615, ISSN (Online Version): 2616-2814

Open Access Journal

Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Participation in Exercise among Jordanian University Students


Volume 23, Issue No SE, 2020

Pages: 23 - 32

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Abstract

Insufficient physical activity is a risk factor for many non-communicable diseases, therefore; the purpose of this study is to examine university students’ perceived exercise benefits and barriers. This cross-sectional descriptive study used Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale to examine perceived benefits and barriers to exercise among a convenience sample of 517 university students in Jordan. Participants reported significantly higher perceived barriers to exercise than perceived benefits from exercise. The most important perceived barrier to exercise was “I am too embarrassed to exercise”. Moreover, “I will live longer if I exercise” and “exercising increases being accepted by others” were the most important perceived benefits from exercise. Students’ age was negatively correlated with perceived barriers to exercise. Unemployed students perceived more benefits from exercise than employed students. Physical activity promotion programs should assist university students to overcome perceived barriers, and further highlight the health benefits of exercise.



Keywords

Exercise, Jordan, Perceived benefits, Socio-demographic factors, University Students.


Subjects

Sports

physical education


Citation

Hamdan, K.

  (2020).

  Perceived Benefits and Barriers to Participation in Exercise among Jordanian University Students.

  Al-Balqa Journal for Research and Studies,

  23

(SE),

  23-

32.

  10.35875/1105-023-995-010