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Objective <p>This study aimed to explore the motivational factors influencing physical activity among college students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Saudi Arabia.</p> Methods <p>An observational, cross-cultural, and cross-sectional study was conducted at two universities in Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan University (PSU) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). Data were collected on family and PE teacher influence, availability of sports facilities and resources, persistence in physical activity, social interaction, and physical activity frequency across life stages.</p> Results <p>Significant differences were observed between PSU and KFUPM students in family and teacher influence, access to facilities, and engagement in physical activity. PSU students reported higher levels of family support, teacher influence, and access to facilities and resources, which correlated with greater engagement in physical activities. Conversely, despite having fewer resources, KFUPM students demonstrated higher social interaction in physical activities. Regression analysis revealed that for KFUPM, social interaction within physical education was a key predictor of physical activity frequency, while for PSU, persistence and engagement were primary, with family influence as a secondary factor.</p> Conclusion <p>The findings underscore the role of institutional support, resource availability, and social factors in promoting physical activity among STEM students. PSU’s supportive environment and access to sports facilities significantly contribute to higher physical activity engagement. In contrast, KFUPM’s emphasis on social interactions highlights the role of peer networks in fostering engagement. These insights emphasize the importance of universities establishing comprehensive support systems designed to enhance student engagement in physical activities.</p> Trial registration <p>The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Prince Sultan University (Approval Number PSU IRB2022010101).</p>

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Motivational determinants of physical activity: a cross-sectional comparative study between two STEM student populations in Saudi Arabia

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月24日

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  • Pablo Prieto-González,
  • Martin Pacholek

摘要

Objective

This study aimed to explore the motivational factors influencing physical activity among college students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

An observational, cross-cultural, and cross-sectional study was conducted at two universities in Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan University (PSU) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). Data were collected on family and PE teacher influence, availability of sports facilities and resources, persistence in physical activity, social interaction, and physical activity frequency across life stages.

Results

Significant differences were observed between PSU and KFUPM students in family and teacher influence, access to facilities, and engagement in physical activity. PSU students reported higher levels of family support, teacher influence, and access to facilities and resources, which correlated with greater engagement in physical activities. Conversely, despite having fewer resources, KFUPM students demonstrated higher social interaction in physical activities. Regression analysis revealed that for KFUPM, social interaction within physical education was a key predictor of physical activity frequency, while for PSU, persistence and engagement were primary, with family influence as a secondary factor.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the role of institutional support, resource availability, and social factors in promoting physical activity among STEM students. PSU’s supportive environment and access to sports facilities significantly contribute to higher physical activity engagement. In contrast, KFUPM’s emphasis on social interactions highlights the role of peer networks in fostering engagement. These insights emphasize the importance of universities establishing comprehensive support systems designed to enhance student engagement in physical activities.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Prince Sultan University (Approval Number PSU IRB2022010101).