Assessment of physical activity level, self-efficacy and perceived barriers to physical activity among adult Saudi women

OBJECTIVES: Generally, physical activity (PA) is accepted to have a crucial role in sustaining and improving individuals’ health. Consequently, it is considered a viable solution to the public health challenge of chronic diseases, particularly as sedentary behaviour is becoming a considerable concern worldwide. Therefore, this study focused on PA levels among adult Saudi women, and assessed the effects of self-efficacy, socio-demographic characteristics and perceived barriers on PA level. METHODS: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design involving a self-reported web-based survey. The sample included 509 Saudi women recruited through purposive sampling. Data were collected with validated pre-existing questionnaires. The information provided by participants included their PA levels, self-efficacy and perceived barriers to PA. RESULTS: The survey's completion rate was 51%. Analysis of the study sample responses indicated that the participants' had high levels of PA: 54% participated in vigorous PA, whereas 30% had insufficient PA (less than 600 MET m/week). In the sample, self-efficacy was moderate, and simple regression indicated that self-efficacy significantly affected the levels of PA (p = 0.001). The leading barriers to PA were a lack of resources and willpower. However, multiple regression indicated that only lack of willpower (p = 0.004), fear of injury (p = 0.043) and environmental barriers (p = 0.021) significantly influenced PA levels. Moreover, demographic characteristics had no significant effects on PA levels. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the study sample demonstrated sufficient levels of PA. Psychological determinants, including self-efficacy and willpower, significantly correlated with performance. The physical environment was also found to be a highly influential factor. These findings have implications for future initiatives and health promotion strategies targeted at Saudi women. The knowledge gained may be used to design theory based interventions for improving self-efficacy and willpower, while considering strategies for overcoming barriers to PA.