A study to estimate the level of physical activity and perceived benefits and barriers to exercise among women in coastal Karnataka

Background: Insufficient physical activity is a known risk factor for major non-communicable diseases. While the health benefits of physical activity are well established, women are known to have suboptimal levels of physical activity. Studying the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise can help to improve physical activity among women. Objective: To study the perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and the associated factors among women To assess the level of physical activity among the women Methodology: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among women aged 18-49 years. The Exercise Benefits and Barrier Scale (EBBS) was used to assess benefits and barriers to exercise. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity. Results: The study included 181 participants with mean (SD) age of 35.2(8.4) yrs. Enhancement of physical endurance (98.4%) and improvement of overall body functioning (97.8%) were the most commonly perceived benefits. Tiredness (52.5%) due to exercise and lack of convenient schedules in exercise facilities (52.0%) were the most common perceived barriers. According to IPAQ, (17.1%) were considered physically inactive. The level of physical activity showed a positive association with mean total and barrier EBBS score (p <0.01). Conclusion: Women perceived the benefits of exercise positively, however, they identified certain barriers to the same. The presence of inactivity and obesity among a considerable proportion, requires further action with specific intervention.