Perceived health benefits and barriers to physical activity among secondary school students

Background: This study investigated the perceived health benefits and barriers to physical activity among secondary school students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A sample of 585 secondary school students (288 males, 297 females), currently taking physical education, from the city of Al-Ain, Abu-Dhabi, UAE, voluntarily participated in this study. Perceived health benefits and exercise barriers were evaluated by answering a self-filled questionnaire. The health benefit scale consisted of 40 items which were divided into 5 subscales, while the perceived exercise barrier scale consisted of 24 items divided into 4 subscales. Results: Students’ education levels played a role in the perception of health benefits and PA barriers. Gender differences existed between health benefits and barriers of PA. There was a list of selected benefits and barriers to PA among all students’ consensus in the study, with all of the health benefit statements, most on developing fitness and psychological aspects. In terms of perceived barriers, it was the environmental one such as temperature and humidity. Conclusions: Since all students’ perception to PA benefits was high, it was suggested to reschedule the time of PA and find ways to overcome most barriers.