Levels of Physical Activity, Patterns, and Perceived Barriers, Among University Students in Oman: A cross-Sectional Study


Amal Al Siyabi graduated as a medical doctor from Sultan Qaboos University (2007) and is now a specialist in Public Health, having graduated from the ScHARR MPH in 2020. Amal currently works as the head of Community and Health Partnership in the Ministry of Health, Oman. She focuses on healthy cities and  villages, and physical activity as a focal point in Oman. She is also a member of the national committee of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances prevention.

Her Masters' dissertation project looked at the patterns of physical activity and perceived barriers to physical activity among University students in Oman, drawing on networks of students and using snowball sampling methods to achieve high levels of coverage of her target population. She was supervised by Dr Hannah Jordan.

Amal went on to publish her findings in the International Journal of Science and Economics.

Authors

Amal Al Siyabi, Ozayr Mahomed, Huda Al Siyabi, Sitwat Usman Langrial, Salah T. Al Awaidy

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, pattern, and the perceived barriers, of physical activity among Omani university students studying in Oman.

Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire using the short-form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was disseminated to a selected sample of university students, from their second academic year onwards through Whats AppTM. Descriptive, Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to measure patterns, levels and associated factors.

Results: Overall 44% were classified as highly active, 30% as moderately active, and 26% as lowly active or inactive. Younger students (< 22 years), male students, respondents with a positive perception of weight (normal or below), and self-perceived physically active (moderate to high) were more likely to engage in moderate to high physical activity. Students in university for < 4 years (OR: 2.69) and students were members of sports youth clubs (OR: 2.76) were significantly more likely to engage in moderate or high physical activity. Lack of motivation was the top barrier of physical activity.

Conclusions: More than a quarter of surveyed Omani university students were physically inactive which has the potential to have a detrimental effect on their health and well-being. Therefore, creating a conducive environment is essential for improving short and long-term health outcomes.