Exercise Motivations, Barriers, and Preferences of Tahfiz Students: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Exercise Motivations, Barriers, and Preferences of Tahfiz Students: A Qualitative Study Farah Wahida Ibrahim1,2, Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin1,3*, Nur Aqilah Marzuki1, Ismarulyusda Ishak1,2, Mohd Sham Othman2, Nor Malia Abd Warif1,2, Mohd Zaharen Md. Zahir4, Muhammad Toriq Yaacob5 1Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia 2Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia 3Center for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, Malaysia 4Counselling Unit, Darul Quran, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Kuala Kubu Bharu 44000, Malaysia 5Research Unit, Darul Quran, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Kuala Kubu Bharu 44000, Malaysia Abstract Background: In Malaysia, the increasing prevalence of physical inactivity is alarming. The effects of adopting a sedentary lifestyle have led to health problems such as coronary heart disease and type II diabetes mellitus, as well as increased mortality rates. Young adults, including tahfiz students, tend to be physically inactive due to much time spent sitting during lectures or studying. Therefore, an active lifestyle must be encouraged. This study aims to identify the factors that influence tahfiz students to exercise. Methods: Data from 12 male and 19 female students were collected through in-depth interviews, which were recorded and transcribed into text then subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Results show that the main motivations to exercise were body health and fitness, self-appearance, and sense of togetherness. The main themes for barriers were aversion to exercise time and commitment. In general, respondents preferred a moderate, 10–30 minute group sessions for 3–5 times per week. Conclusions: This study revealed five themes for motivations (body health and fitness, psychological wellbeing, appearance, physical support, and enforcement), and six themes for barriers to exercise (aversion to exercise, time, commitment, discomfort, no motivation, and the environment). These factors could be considered in exercise module development to improve students’ engagement. Keywords: barriers, exercise, motivation, preferences, students