ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS, SELF-EFFICACY AND PERCEIVED BARRIERS AMONG ADULT SAUDI WOMEN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL DESCRIPTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: It is well known that physical activity (PA) is vital to improve and sustain health and prevent chronic diseases. Unfortunately, the growth of sedentary behaviour is a global phenomenon. Women in Saudi Arabia have alarming levels of inactivity. Various factors have been identified as hindering their participation in PA including culture and individual beliefs, in addition to social, geographical and environmental aspects. This study aimed to ascertain the current status of adult Saudi women’s PA levels, simultaneously assessing the effects of self-efficacy, socio demographic characteristics and perceived barriers. Methods: The study used a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design using an anonymous self-reported web-based survey. This survey was created using Qualtrics platform and was distributed via a link through social media apps. A sample of 509 Saudi women were recruited using non-probability purposive sampling. Participants provided information related to their PA level, self-efficacy and perceived barriers using pre-existing and validated questionaries. The data was analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and the study findings were viewed in the context of the socio-ecological model. Results: The study sample demonstrated high levels of PA. (54%) of the respondents participated in vigorous PA, (30%) had insufficient PA, meaning that they took part in less than 600 MET m/week, thereby indicating that (69.9%) of the sample is sufficiently active. Self-efficacy amongst the sample was moderate with simple regression showing that self-efficacy has a significant effect on the PA level (p= 0.001).” Lack of willpower” and “Lack of resources” were often perceived as being barriers to PA. However, multiple regression showed that, only “Lack of willpower” (p=0.004), “Fear of injury” (p=0.043) and “Environmental barriers” (p=0.021) have a significant effect on the level of PA. Demographic characteristics had no significant effect on PA levels. Conclusion: A large portion of the study sample (69.9%, n=356) demonstrated sufficient levels of PA, though a significant proportion had insufficient levels of PA (30.1%, n=81). Psychological determinants such as self-efficacy and willpower were found to have a significant correlation with PA performance. Future initiatives and health promotion strategies targeted at Saudi women could employ the knowledge obtained from this study in developing psychologically based policies to improve self-control and increase self-efficacy, as well as considering barriers and facilitators on multiple levels of influence (intrapersonal/ interpersonal/ environmental / Community and public policies).