Physical activity context and type preferences among Emirati university students

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Physical activity interventions may be successful if they match the preferences of the target population. However, little is known about the physical activity interests of people from non-Western cultures. The aim of the study was to assess Emirati university students’ preferences for physical activity context and type. Methods: This was a cross sectional study in which a convenience sample of Emirati university students (n=628) completed a self-administered online survey assessing preferences for physical activity context and type. Responses were collapsed into agreement and non- agreement. Frequency data were derived to identify common responses for males and females. Results: The majority of the sample was female (69.1%), with an average age of 20.6 (SD 2.9) years and an average BMI of 24.6 (SD 5.9). Both males and females preferred activities that include a fun element (84%, 88.5% respectively). The leading types of activity were walking (71.4%) for females and swimming (56.5%) for males. Female students were also interested in swimming (61.7%) and jogging (43.1%) and activities done at a fixed time/scheduled session (74.7%), and that involve little or no cost (73.7%). Male students were also interested in walking (56%) and jogging (50.8%) and activities where they can choose the intensity (74.2%), and that are done alone (71.6%). Conclusion: These results can inform physical activity planning for university students in the UAE. Walking, swimming and jogging opportunities may be popular. Opportunities need to prioritise having fun over other types of outcomes (e.g., health). Male students may not be attracted to group-based options, but female students may be interested in organised sessions e.g., activity classes. Activity costs may be an issue for female students. Future research could explore the uptake and maintenance of activity options among university students, based on activity attributes.