Physical activity, health-related quality of life, and perceived barriers among the Alfaisal University Community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
4 affiliations
- 1Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University
- 2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Alfaisal University
- 3Jazan Health Cluster
- 4Department of Pharmacology & Biostatistics, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University
Abstract
Physical activity is an important component of health promotion, yet its relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) within university populations in Saudi Arabia remains insufficiently understood. This cross-sectional study examined physical activity, HRQoL, and perceived barriers to physical activity among 353 students, faculty, and staff at Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, HRQoL using the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS, and perceived barriers using the Barriers to Being Active Quiz. Multivariable regression models were used to examine associations after adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Moderate physical activity was the most frequently reported activity category. Physical activity level was not significantly associated with either HRQoL outcome after adjustment. Compared with low physical activity, high physical activity was associated with neither EQ-VAS (B = 4.055, BCa 95% CI: −2.082 to 10.426, p = 0.197) nor EQ-5D-5L index scores (B = −0.005, BCa 95% CI: −0.035 to 0.028, p = 0.824). Pre-existing mental health conditions were associated with lower EQ-VAS (B = −11.891, p = 0.010) and index scores (B = −0.088, p = 0.001), while pre-existing physical conditions were associated with lower index scores (B = −0.042, p = 0.013). Female participants had higher odds of being in a lower physical activity category than males (adjusted OR = 1.897, 95% CI: 1.267–2.840, p = 0.002), whereas Saudi participants had lower odds of being in a lower physical activity category than non-Saudi participants (adjusted OR = 0.589, 95% CI: 0.396–0.875, p = 0.009). Lack of time, energy, and willpower were the most frequently reported barriers to physical activity. These findings suggest that, within this predominantly young academic population, underlying health status may be an important correlate of HRQoL, whereas physical activity level was not independently associated with HRQoL. University health promotion strategies may therefore benefit from integrating physical activity initiatives with mental health support and interventions addressing common behavioral barriers.
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BibTeX
@article{alsouss2026physical,
title = {{Physical activity, health-related quality of life, and perceived barriers among the Alfaisal University Community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study}},
author = {Yara O. Alsouss and Omar Z. Ameer and Ghaidaa A. Alfaraj and Peter M. B. Cahusac and Abdullah Ibrahim Al Sharif and Noara Alhusseini},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1999364},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1999364/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Physical activity, health-related quality of life, and perceived barriers among the Alfaisal University Community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
AU - Yara O. Alsouss
AU - Omar Z. Ameer
AU - Ghaidaa A. Alfaraj
AU - Peter M. B. Cahusac
AU - Abdullah Ibrahim Al Sharif
AU - Noara Alhusseini
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1999364
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1999364/full
AB - Physical activity is an important component of health promotion, yet its relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) within university populations in Saudi Arabia remains insufficiently understood. This cross-sectional study examined physical activity, HRQoL, and perceived barriers to physical activity among 353 students, faculty, and staff at Alfaisal University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form, HRQoL using the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS, and perceived barriers using the Barriers to Being Active Quiz. Multivariable regression models were used to examine associations after adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related factors. Moderate physical activity was the most frequently reported activity category. Physical activity level was not significantly associated with either HRQoL outcome after adjustment. Compared with low physical activity, high physical activity was associated with neither EQ-VAS (B = 4.055, BCa 95% CI: −2.082 to 10.426, p = 0.197) nor EQ-5D-5L index scores (B = −0.005, BCa 95% CI: −0.035 to 0.028, p = 0.824). Pre-existing mental health conditions were associated with lower EQ-VAS (B = −11.891, p = 0.010) and index scores (B = −0.088, p = 0.001), while pre-existing physical conditions were associated with lower index scores (B = −0.042, p = 0.013). Female participants had higher odds of being in a lower physical activity category than males (adjusted OR = 1.897, 95% CI: 1.267–2.840, p = 0.002), whereas Saudi participants had lower odds of being in a lower physical activity category than non-Saudi participants (adjusted OR = 0.589, 95% CI: 0.396–0.875, p = 0.009). Lack of time, energy, and willpower were the most frequently reported barriers to physical activity. These findings suggest that, within this predominantly young academic population, underlying health status may be an important correlate of HRQoL, whereas physical activity level was not independently associated with HRQoL. University health promotion strategies may therefore benefit from integrating physical activity initiatives with mental health support and interventions addressing common behavioral barriers.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -