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Physical Activity Levels Among College Students In Saudi Arabia

Physical activity levels among college students in Saudi Arabia

Sarah S Bajuaifer¹, Naif Z Alrashdi¹

¹From the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (Bajuaifer), College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh; from the Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation (Alrashdi), College of Applied Medical Sciences; from the Health and Basic Sciences Research Center (Alrashdi), Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Medical Journal|June 14, 2025

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View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Saudi college students exhibit low physical activity (PA) levels, with only 27% meeting WHO guidelines. Key barriers include lack of time and facilities, necessitating targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

Public Health
Sports Science
Higher Education

Background:

Physical activity (PA) is crucial for college students' health.
Saudi Arabia faces challenges in promoting PA among its university population.
Understanding PA levels, barriers, and facilitators is vital for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically review Saudi college students' physical activity levels.
To identify barriers and facilitators influencing physical activity engagement.
To determine the proportion of students meeting WHO physical activity recommendations.

Main Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus.
44 studies involving 29,580 Saudi college students were included.
Data on PA levels, barriers, facilitators, and guideline adherence were extracted and synthesized.

Main Results:

Only 27% of Saudi college students meet WHO PA recommendations.
Common barriers include lack of time, motivation, and facilities.
Facilitators include perceived health benefits, social support, and weight management goals.

Conclusions:

Physical activity levels among Saudi university students are alarmingly low.
Addressing barriers like time constraints and limited resources is essential.
Culturally tailored interventions and improved infrastructure are recommended to boost PA.

Keywords:

activity barriers to physical activity behavior college students exercises facilitators of physical activity physical activity

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