TITLE:
Factors Related to Engaging in Physical Activity: A Mixed Methods Study of Female University Students
AUTHORS:
Afnan H. Saaty, Debra B. Reed, Weiwu Zhang, Mallory Boylan
KEYWORDS:
Physical Activity, Theory of Planned Behavior, Female University Students, Mixed Methods
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.5 No.10,
October
27,
2015
ABSTRACT: Objective: As a needs assessment for intervention, quantitative and qualitative methods were used
to examine attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intention, knowledge, and
weight control status related to physical activity in female university students within the Theory
of Planned Behavior (TPB). Methods: A two-phase mixed method design was used. In Phase I, 362
students participated in an online survey, and in Phase II, 33 students participated in five focus
group discussions. Ages of participants ranged from 18 to 45 years old, with 18 - 25 year olds
making up over 74% of the sample. Results: Attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral
control, along with weight control status of trying to lose weight, were found to be significant predictors
of intention to follow physical activity recommendations, which in turn were the strongest
predictor of physical activity. Knowledge was not found to be significant. Group discussions revealed
barriers to meeting physical activity recommendations, which included lack of companionship
and social support, lack of motivation, time and cost restrictions, and lack of privacy in
the gym. Social norms exerted both positive and negative influences. Conclusion: The mixed method
approach provided a deeper insight into the influential factors pertaining to physical activity
among female students, and results could be used in further research to develop effective interventions.