Physical inactivity and its associated factors among university students

Physical inactivity has been associated with increasing prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular and other diseases. The purpose of this study is to identify if there is an association between, self–efficacy, mental health, and physical inactivity among university students. The study comprises of 202 males and 692 females age group 18-25 years drawn from seven faculties selected using a table of random numbers. Questionnaires were used for the data collection. The findings revealed that the prevalence of physical inactivity among the respondents was 41.4%. Using a univariate analysis, the study showed that there was an association between gender (female), low family income, low self-efficacy, respondents with mental health probable cases and physical inactivity (p<0.05).Using a multivariate analysis, physical inactivity was higher among females(OR = 3.72, 95% CI = 2.399-5.788), low family income (OR = 4.51, 95% CI = 3.266 – 6.241), respondents with mental health probable cases (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.136- 2.206) and low self-efficacy for pysical activity(OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.350 - 2.578).Conclusively there is no significant decrease in physical inactivity among university students when compared with previous studies in this population, it is therefore recommended that counselling on mental health, physical activity awareness among new university students should be encouraged.

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