Facilitators and barriers to sports participation among Students at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences, Lweza, Wakiso District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/g7js4c62Keywords:
Sports participation, Facilitators and barriers, Physical activity, Mildmay Institute of Health SciencesAbstract
Background:
The study aims to identify the facilitators and barriers to sports participation among Students at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences, Lweza, Wakiso District.
Methodology:
This study employed a cross-sectional study design. The study population comprised all registered students at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences during the study period. A stratified random sampling technique was used. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data.
Results:
Slightly more than half of the respondents were male (104, 51.9%), while females constituted 96 (48.1%). The majority of participants were aged 21–24 years (124, 61.8%), followed by those aged 25 years and above (47, 23.7%), while participants aged 18–20 years were the least represented (29, 14.5%). Mental well-being (stress relief) was the major factor at 89.5% 179 respondents followed by physical health (motivation for physical activity and weight management) at 76.4% 153 respondents and 74.4% 149 respondents, and then enjoyment remained a core drive for 139 respondents 69.6% of students). 61.1% can access facilities, with a significant 78 students; 38.9% cannot. Regarding institutional support, 74 of 200 (36.8% feel there is a lack of financial support, and 80 of 200 respondents (40.3% feel there is a lack of available programs or competitions. 76.9% of students cited personal time constraints as a barrier, which makes it the most significant. 70% reported having health issues or physical limitations that prevent participation; 73.3% expressed safety concerns, fearing injuries.
Conclusion:The findings revealed that students possess positive attitudes towards sports participation and recognize its importance in promoting physical and mental health.
Recommendations:Future studies should employ qualitative research methods to explore in depth the reasons behind students’ perceptions of health limitations and fear of injury during sports participation.
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