[Exercise self- efficacy, exercise perceived benefits and barriers among students in hormozgan university of medical sciences]

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to determine self efficacy, perceived benefit/ barriers to exercise of students in Hormozagan University of Medical sciences [HUMS]. This was a cross-sectional study. Using stratified sampling, 350 current students of HUMS were studied from November to December 2007 in Bandar Abbass, Iran. Data regarding self efficacy, perceived benefits/barriers to exercise among participants were assessed through Exercise self efficacy scale and Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale. Data were analyzed by SPPS version 1 3. In all, the data of 249 participants with mean age of 21.7 +/- 2.7 were analyzed. Among them 65 participants [26.5%] including 36 girls and 30 boys were doing physical activity. Mean scores of self efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers were 23 + 7.1, 96 +/- 12.5 and 31.9 +/- 6.1, respectively. There were statistically significant relationship between self efficacy and perceived barriers with physical activity [P<0.05]. This study revealed perceived barriers such as insufficient time, money and also tiredness due of exercise could decrease physical activity. However perceived self-efficacy and encouraging by friends and family members have a key role of doing regular physical activities