Examining Barriers to Participation in Physical Activity: A Study of Adults

Examining Barriers to Participation in Physical  Activity: A Study of Adults

Hakan Yapici^1* , Fatma Hilal Yagin ² , Büsra Emlek ¹ ,  Emirhan Uca¹ , Erdem Ayyıldız³ ,     Farruh Ahmedov⁴ , Elijah Gtonga Rintaugu⁵ , Samer Badri AL-Mhanna^6,7

¹Faculty of Sport Sciences, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Türkiye

²Department of Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Türkiye

³Faculty of Sport Sciences, Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University, Tekirdağ, Türkiye

⁴Department of Coordination of Scientific Works, Samarkand State University, Uzbekistan

⁵Department of Recreation and Sports Management, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

⁶Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

⁷Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India

ABSTRACT

Background: This study aimed to investigate barriers to physical activity among adults based on various demographic variables.

Methods: A total of 606 adults (221 males and 385 females) aged 45 years and older from Kirikkale province participated in this study. Data were collected using a questionnaire method. A demographic information form was employed to gather participants' data, including age, gender, place of residence, socioeconomic status, and chronic health conditions. The Physical Activity Barriers Scale was used to assess barriers to physical activity. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0 software.

Result: The analysis of the data revealed that there was no significant difference in physical activity barriers between genders. However, significant differences were observed in all sub-dimensions of physical activity barriers across different age groups, socioeconomic statuses, regions of residence, and chronic health conditions.

Conclusions: The study identified several common barriers to physical activity, including time constraints, limited space, economic factors, health issues, and personal circumstances. To address these disparities, it is crucial to create environments conducive to physical activity, implement appropriate interventions to overcome these obstacles, and provide opportunities for individuals to engage in physical activity, promoting a healthy and high-quality lifestyle for all.

Keywords: obstacle, adults, physical inactivity, sedantary life, regular exercise