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A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Enablers of Physical Activity among Female Emirati University Students

Author

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  • Nicola W. Burton

    (School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane 4122, Australia)

  • Bonnie L. Barber

    (Griffith Health Executive, Griffith University, Southport 4215, Australia)

  • Asaduzzaman Khan

    (School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia)

Abstract

Interventions to promote physical activity participation should reflect social and culturally relevant influences of the target demographic. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of barriers to and enablers of physical activity participation among female Emirati university students. Five semi-structured focus groups were conducted ( n = 25). Participants were asked open-ended questions about benefits, barriers and enablers of physical activity, and recommendations to promote participation. Emergent themes were identified using Nvivo software. Commonly identified benefits included improved health, weight management, improved mood, and stress reduction. The main barriers were low family support, competing time demands from domestic and academic activities, lack of convenient access to women-only facilities, and hot weather. The main enablers and recommendations related to social support from family and friends, accessible and low-cost women-only facilities, and structured supervised sessions. Findings suggest that there are specific social-cultural influences of physical activity among female Emirati university students. Approaches to promote participation could include identifying benefits consistent with family and cultural values, using social media for education, support and modelling, on campus supervised physical activity sessions integrated with the academic timetable, low-cost women-only opportunities in the local residential area, and support for home-based activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola W. Burton & Bonnie L. Barber & Asaduzzaman Khan, 2021. "A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Enablers of Physical Activity among Female Emirati University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3380-:d:523518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Geoff P. Lovell & Walid El Ansari & John K. Parker, 2010. "Perceived Exercise Benefits and Barriers of Non-Exercising Female University Students in the United Kingdom," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-15, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chanté Johannes & Nicolette V. Roman & Sunday O. Onagbiye & Simone Titus & Lloyd L. Leach, 2024. "Strategies and Best Practices That Enhance the Physical Activity Levels of Undergraduate University Students: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-22, February.
    2. Faryal Maniyali & Otto Sanchez & Efrosini Papaconstantinou & Caroline Barakat, 2023. "Determinants of Health Care Needs in Relation to Vision Correction among Adolescents in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(16), pages 1-23, August.

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    Keywords

    women; exercise; influences; Arab; college;
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