Physical Activity and its perceived Barriers among the University Students (Colleges of Public and Environmental Health&Nursing Sciences-University of Bahri)

Regular physical activity has long been regarded as an important component of healthy lifestyle. Many individuals do not engage in sufficient physical activity due to low perceived benefits and high perceived barriers to exercise. Cross-sectional Descriptive study conducted among students studying in both colleges of public and environmental health& nursing sciences at University of Bahri -Sudan. The aim of the study to assess the physical activity level and its perceived barriers among the students. Data was collected by using a questionnaire that included demographic data, anthropometric measurements (weight, height) and information regarding physical activity and barriers to physical activity. The sample included 280 students. Twenty nine percent their age group between 21-23 years, most of them from middle income Families. The majority of the students had normal body weight 62.8 % and 12.1 % of them were underweight, 77 % of the students were physically active, and 23 % of them were physically inactive. The top reported barrier to physical activity among students was time limitations stated by 52 % followed by lack of suitable place by 23 %. Academic load was other important barriers, for being not interested in sport as stated by (7.8 %). Significant relationship was found between gender with type of sports& leisure time (P= 0.000). The study recommended physical activity program that should address students perceived barriers to physical activity and have to be a part of colleges curricula.