Physical Activity Patterns and Associated Factors Among First-Year Female University Students in Saudi Arabia: A...

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 min of moderate-intensity or 75 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity (PA) per week for adults. In Saudi Arabia, over 70% of young adults are physically inactive. This study aimed to describe PA patterns among first-year Saudi female university students and determine factors that are associated with weekly participation in vigorous PA using convenience sampling. Participants completed an anonymous online survey after providing their informed consent. The survey comprised: i) demographic information, ii) PA level assessment using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form, and iii) exercise environments. Of the 431 students (mean age 19 ± 0.64 years) who participated in the study, 40% reported no regular PA. Walking was the most common activity type (32.56%), followed by home (16.63%) and gym (10.16%) exercises. Among the students, 38.75% reported no participation in vigorous PA, 30.40% in moderate activity, and 21.81% in daily walking. The majority of students (92.5%) reported sitting for >8 h per day. The regression analyses showed that vigorous activity frequency was positively associated with regular exercise pattern (standardized β = 0.389, p < 0.001) and negatively with weekday sitting time (standardized β = -0.149, p = 0.001). Moderate PA was associated only with the exercise pattern (standardized β = 0.265, p < 0.001). Walking frequency was associated with longer walking duration (standardized β = 0.232, p < 0.001) and exercise pattern (standardized β = 0.151, p = 0.001). Physical inactivity was prevalent, with limited engagement in moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. The study's findings support institutional actions that prioritize PA promotion particularly for female college students. Academic institutions should implement targeted strategies to reduce sedentary behavior and promote structured PA programs, particularly for female students.