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Barriers to Physical Activity among Full-Time Students: A Case Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Regina Márcia Ferreira Silva

    (Education Department, Goiano Federal Institute, Ceres 76300-000, Brazil)

  • Lauryane Fonseca Terra

    (Education Department, Goiano Federal Institute, Ceres 76300-000, Brazil)

  • Michele da Silva Valadão Fernandes

    (Education Department, Goiano Federal Institute, Ceres 76300-000, Brazil)

  • Priscilla Rayanne E. Silva Noll

    (Education Department, Goiano Federal Institute, Ceres 76300-000, Brazil)

  • Luiz Carlos de Abreu

    (Public Health Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória 29075-910, Brazil)

  • Matias Noll

    (Education Department, Goiano Federal Institute, Ceres 76300-000, Brazil)

Abstract

(1) Background: Physical inactivity is a major public health problem that affects a significant number of adolescents throughout the world. Attaining regular physical activity is a major challenge for adolescents who study full-time. This study aimed to examine the associations between barriers to physical activity, physical activity levels, and time exposed to sedentary behavior during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic among adolescent full-time students at an institute of professional and technical education. (2) Methods: We employed mixed methods in this case study, which enrolled 119 adolescent students (52.9% of whom were female). More specifically, we applied the Barriers to Physical Activity Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and conducted semi-structured interviews. Our statistical analysis was based on Poisson regression with robust variance, and our qualitative analysis was based on content analysis. (3) Results: The adolescents frequently presented with a “low” level of physical activity (44.4%, n = 52). The following barriers were associated with a low level of physical activity: lack of time (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.546; confidence interval (CI) 1.111–2.151), lack of motivation (PR 1.573; CI 1.102–2.245), preference for other activities (PR 1.521; CI 1.073–2.155), lack of facilities close to home (PR 1.576; CI 1.077–2.307), laziness (PR 1.463; CI 1.031–2.076), and no way of getting to a facility (PR 1.619; CI 1.005–2.606). (4) Conclusions: We observed that physical activity barriers in the psychological, cognitive, emotional, and environmental dimensions were associated with low levels of physical activity. The students reported that full-time study was a barrier to physical activity that contributed negatively to their physical activity levels and time exposed to sedentary behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Regina Márcia Ferreira Silva & Lauryane Fonseca Terra & Michele da Silva Valadão Fernandes & Priscilla Rayanne E. Silva Noll & Luiz Carlos de Abreu & Matias Noll, 2022. "Barriers to Physical Activity among Full-Time Students: A Case Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:11896-:d:921146
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. David Manzano-Sánchez & María Victoria Palop-Montoro & Milagros Arteaga-Checa & Alfonso Valero-Valenzuela, 2022. "Analysis of Adolescent Physical Activity Levels and Their Relationship with Body Image and Nutritional Habits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-14, March.
    2. João Martins & João Costa & Hugo Sarmento & Adilson Marques & Cláudio Farias & Marcos Onofre & Miguel González Valeiro, 2021. "Adolescents’ Perspectives on the Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity: An Updated Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-25, May.
    3. Frater, Jillian & Kingham, Simon, 2018. "Gender equity in health and the influence of intrapersonal factors on adolescent girls' decisions to bicycle to school," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 130-138.
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