Motivational Level of College Students in Physical Activity: A Concern for Public Health Education

Background Physical activity can be expressed as a public health factor or determinant (personal, social and environmental) that relates to human movement skills of the musculoskeletal systems that requires the intake and expenditure of kilocalories for improved wellness and healthy lifestyle, which prevents and minimizes cardiovascular related diseases, mortality and morbidity amongst college students. This study only aimed at scoring the measured and evaluated factors under motivational level of college students in physical activity a concern for public health education. Methods Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ), Motives for Physical Activity Questionnaire (MPAQ), Decisional Balance Scale Questionnaire (DBSQ) and Physical Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale Questionnaire (PESESQ) were adopted as survey instruments. The variables were analyzed using IBM SPSSv.23 Statistics, with sampled participants of (N=500), mean and standard deviation (MSD) age of (28.59.5) with a response rate of (100 %), ranged from (19-38) years, selected using a process of simple random sampling method. Results A significant difference was recorded regarding the variables tested with highest scores displayed as follows under behavioural regulation in exercise, intrinsic motivation scored [t = 2.496], under motives for physical activity, competence scored [t = 9.332], under decisional balance scale, disadvantages (cons) scored [t = 5.419] and under physical exercise self-efficacy scale, when I am busy (self-efficacy) scored [t = -.079] in tables 2, 4, 6& 8. The results were tested @ significance level pless than0.05. Conclusion and Recommendation In the final analysis, the greater majority of respondents recorded significant values with respect to intrinsic motivation, competence, disadvantages and when I am busy. It was recommended that, a mandatory course in physical health education be instituted in schools and colleges to help educate pupils and students about physical activity and therapy before graduation to help maximize motivational level and minimize/prevent cardiovascular related diseases, morbidity and mortality.