Exercise Perceptions, Barriers, and Self-Efficacy Among Adults in Kuwait During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic led to strict public-health restrictions that affected opportunities for physical movement, including exercise participation. Understanding psychosocial factors of exercise under these conditions is vital for developing exercise promotion strategies. This study aimed to compare exercise perceptions and self-efficacy between exercising and non-exercising adults (>21 years old) in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adults living in Kuwait during June and July 2020. Exercise status was self-reported based on a 150-min weekly exercise threshold. Participants completed the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS) and the Barriers-Specific Self-Efficacy Scale (BARSE). Data were analysed using independent t-tests to assess group differences and multivariable binary logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with being an exerciser. A total of 929 individuals participated in the study, of which 54% were categorised as exercisers. Exercisers reported significantly higher perceived benefits, barriers, and BARSE scores compared to non-exercisers. Binary logistic regression indicated that higher perceived benefits and barriers and higher BARSE scores were significantly associated with exercise status. In addition, holding a diploma or university education, postgraduate education, being employed, and being single were associated with higher odds of engaging in exercise while older adults were associated with lower odds of engaging in exercise. Positive exercise perceptions and higher barrier-specific self-efficacy were significantly associated with exercise participation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait.