Physical activity information-seeking behaviour and barriers in a sample of university undergraduate emerging adults: a cross-sectional survey
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Date
2024-06-19
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Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy
Abstract
Background
Access to physical activity information provides opportunities for enduring and relevant messaging
regarding physical activity. This may be a potential vehicle to optimise physical activity participation among emerging
adults. This study aimed to characterise the physical activity information-seeking behaviour in a sample of university
undergraduate emerging adults.
Methods
Five hundred and seventy-five undergraduate students (age = 21.7 ± 1.9 years) participated in the study. Respondents’ physical activity information-seeking behaviour was obtained using an adapted instrument, while physical activity and barriers were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale.
Results
Three hundred and fifty-one respondents (61%) of respondents sought physical activity information. The majority of these individuals (73.8%) sought physical activity information using social media. After identifying and controlling for confounders including engaging in physical activity programmes and faculty of study, having low physical activity levels was associated with a < 1 likelihood of seeking physical activity information compared to having high physical activity levels (odds ratio = 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.27–0.87; p = 0.015). However, there was no association between barriers to physical activity and physical activity information-seeking behaviour (odds ratio = 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.81–1.69; p = 0.40).
Conclusion
Undergraduate emerging adults seek physical activity information using social media to enhance their physical appearance and health.
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Citation
Idowu, O.A., Omoijahe, B., Fawole, H.O., Adeagbo, I. and Akinola, B.I., 2024. Physical activity information-seeking behaviour and barriers in a sample of university undergraduate emerging adults: a cross-sectional survey. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, 29(1), p.20.