Identifying barriers to physical activity participation and engagement among college students in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): gender differences in perceived barriers.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Despite growing public health efforts worldwide, many young adults-particularly women-remain insufficiently active, often due to a complex interplay of personal, social, and environmental barriers. In the context of rapid sociocultural change in Saudi Arabia, this descriptive study aims to identify and compare perceived barriers to physical activity (PA) among male and female college students in Riyadh across key domains.

Methods

This cross-sectional observational study included 437 college students (219 females and 218 males), aged 18-25 and residing in Riyadh. Data were collected in person using a validated, self-administered questionnaire comprising 39 items across nine domains assessing barriers and behavioral aspects related to PA.

Results

Significant g

SUBMITTER: Prieto-Gonzalez P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12460344 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature