File
Raigangar V.1, Hasan H.2, Wan Muda W.A.M.3, Jan Mohammed H.J.3
1University of Sharjah, Physiotherapy, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 2University of Sharjah, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 3Univesiti Sains Malaysia, Health Sciences, Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Background: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rapidly developing country with a multicultural population. It is well documented that there is increased consumption of fast food with limited engagement in regular physical activity. Physical inactivity has frequently been linked to increasing risk factors for obesity and obesity related disorders especially cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In the Gulf region, researchers have cited lack of time and weather restrictions as one of the main barriers to exercise, however benefits have not been sufficiently explored. Since perceived benefits can positively enhance engagement in physical activity this study was undertaken to explore the perceived benefits to exercise using the Exercise Benefits Scale.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore the perceived benefits to exercise using the Exercise Benefits Scale in the University of Sharjah community, UAE.
Methods: This cross-sectional study using the 43 item Exercise benefits and barriers scale was conducted via an email link on which the questionnaire was uploaded. The link was sent to faculty, staff and students at the University of Sharjah. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee at the University of Sharjah. A total of 205 responses were obtained over a two weeks period. Responses were recorded on a Likert scale from 4 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree). The Exercise benefits scale had five subscales: life enhancement, physical performance, psychological outlook, social interaction and preventive health.
Results: The perceived exercise benefit items sub-scale with the highest score was observed in the physical performance subscale (3.47±0.55), while the social interaction subscale showed the lowest score (2.87±0.71). The participants had significantly greater total perceived benefits than perceived barriers of exercise with a mean of 3.28±0.22 vs. 2.21±0.3 (p 0.001).
Conclusion(s): Participants from the University community perceived greater benefits than barriers towards exercising, with the predominant benefit being enhanced physical fitness, however they did not consider it as a means for social interaction. Community programs especially to encourage social inclusion by involving family and friends need to be designed in light of these findings to improve participation in physical activity.
Implications: Socialization , a very important aspect of the UAE culture is mainly done during meal times. The findings of this study suggest that providing opportunities for social inclusion in the form of organized group exercise classes with family and friends must be implemented. This can be done through the utilization of innovative technology and media to create interactive environments within sports centres in the University community as well as outside. While being fun, such programs may provide vital bonding time with family and friends and motivate all members to participate in regular physical activity as a team.
Funding acknowledgements: This study was not funded.
Topic: Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing
Ethics approval: Ethical approval was obtained from the Research and Ethics Committee at the University of Sharjah.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
