Perceived barriers, benefits, and determinants of physical activity among university students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Physical inactivity is a major global health risk and a growing concern among university students. In Bangladesh, where non-communicable diseases are rising, limited evidence exists on the perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity among university students. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels, perceived benefits, barriers, and associated factors among public university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 students from public universities in Bangladesh. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire incorporating sociodemographic variables, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS). Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors associated with physical activity status. Overall, 52.9% of students met the recommended physical activity threshold of IPAQ ≥ 600 MET-min/week, while 47.1% were inactive. Male students were significantly more likely to be physically active than females (AOR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.86–4.22, p < 0.001). Obese students were less likely to be active compared to those with healthy weight (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.66, p = 0.009). The highest-rated perceived benefits included “Exercise increases my muscle strength” and “Exercise improves my mental health.” Relatively high-rated barriers included “Exercise tires me” and “Exercise facilities do not have convenient schedules”. Nearly half of the university students did not meet the recommended physical activity threshold, and gender and obesity were significantly associated with physical activity status. While students value physical and psychological benefits, barriers such as inconvenient schedules and limited facilities may be linked with lower participation, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in university settings.