Background Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor contributing to unhealthy lifestyles, particularly among university students who often prioritize academic responsibilities over physical activity. Identifying barriers to physical activity in this population is crucial for designing effective interventions. This study aimed to identify and analyze perceived barriers to physical activity among students of the Sirjan Faculty of Medical Sciences in 2023. Methods A descriptive–analytical study was conducted among 212 students of the Sirjan Faculty of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using a quota sampling method. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire (age, sex, marital status, employment status, field of study, academic year, residence type, weekly fast-food and breakfast consumption) and the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (Arzu et al., 2006), consisting of 12 items across two subscales: internal and external barriers. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were confirmed in prior research. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analyses, and multiple regression at a significance level of 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 22.59 ± 5.06 years, and 51.4% were female. The mean total score for external barriers (16.10 ± 5.35) was significantly higher than internal barriers (15.11 ± 5.17, p < 0.05). The most significant perceived barriers were parental prioritization of academic success (3.27 ± 1.32) and limited leisure time due to academic workload (2.94 ± 1.37). Female students reported higher external barrier scores than males (17.02 ± 5.48 vs. 15.12 ± 4.95; t = 2.71, p = 0.007). No significant associations were found between age, BMI, academic year, or marital status and total barrier scores. Multiple regression analysis indicated that selected demographic variables did not significantly predict perceived barriers F (4245) = 1.42, p = 0.23). Conclusion External factors, particularly academic and parental expectations, represent major barriers to physical activity among university students. Interventions targeting these external constraints may promote active lifestyles and improve student well-being.

Exploring obstacles to physical activity among university students in southeast of Iran

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发表日期：

2026年6月14日

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Mina Beitollahi,
Batool Tirgari,
Mohsen Shahba,
Mansooreh Azizzadeh Forouzi

摘要

Background

Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor contributing to unhealthy lifestyles, particularly among university students who often prioritize academic responsibilities over physical activity. Identifying barriers to physical activity in this population is crucial for designing effective interventions. This study aimed to identify and analyze perceived barriers to physical activity among students of the Sirjan Faculty of Medical Sciences in 2023.

Methods

A descriptive–analytical study was conducted among 212 students of the Sirjan Faculty of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using a quota sampling method. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire (age, sex, marital status, employment status, field of study, academic year, residence type, weekly fast-food and breakfast consumption) and the Physical Activity Barriers Questionnaire (Arzu et al., 2006), consisting of 12 items across two subscales: internal and external barriers. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were confirmed in prior research. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, one-way ANOVA, correlation analyses, and multiple regression at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

The mean age of participants was 22.59 ± 5.06 years, and 51.4% were female. The mean total score for external barriers (16.10 ± 5.35) was significantly higher than internal barriers (15.11 ± 5.17, p < 0.05). The most significant perceived barriers were parental prioritization of academic success (3.27 ± 1.32) and limited leisure time due to academic workload (2.94 ± 1.37). Female students reported higher external barrier scores than males (17.02 ± 5.48 vs. 15.12 ± 4.95; t = 2.71, p = 0.007). No significant associations were found between age, BMI, academic year, or marital status and total barrier scores. Multiple regression analysis indicated that selected demographic variables did not significantly predict perceived barriers F (4245) = 1.42, p = 0.23).

Conclusion

External factors, particularly academic and parental expectations, represent major barriers to physical activity among university students. Interventions targeting these external constraints may promote active lifestyles and improve student well-being.