Physical inactivity and associated factors among university students in South Africa

Abstract

Few studies exist investigating physical activity among university students in Africa. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of physical activity in a sample of university students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with undergraduate students that were recruited conveniently from public campus venues. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The sample included 722 university students (57.6% men and 42.4% women), with a mean age of 21.7 years (SD=8.8). Results indicate that 33% of students engaged in low physical activity, 47.6% in moderate and 19.4% in high physical activity. In bivariate analysis, lack of sense of control (personal mastery) was found to be associated with physical inactivity. Sociodemographic variables (gender, subjective wealth status) and health variables (subjective health status, depression, substance use, fruits and vegetables consumption and sleep duration) were not associated with low physical activity. The high prevalence of physical inactivity among university students found in this study calls for strategic intervention by relevant professionals in higher educational institutions.

Keywords: Physical activity, risk factors, university students, South Africa.