Relationship between knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of undergraduate university students regarding physical activity

Abstract

The lack of physical activity is a major public health concern affecting many university students worldwide. Physical inactivity increases the risk of many negative health conditions, including obesity, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast and colon cancers. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of undergraduate university students regarding physical activity. This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design. A total of 177 undergraduate students were conveniently recruited to participate in the study, males and females aged 18 years and older, in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (CHS) at a university in the Western Cape.