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

Authors

Farah Wahida Ibrahim, Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur 50300, MalaysiaFollow
Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin, Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur 50300, MalaysiaFollow
Nur Aqilah Marzuki, Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur 50300, MalaysiaFollow
Ismarulyusda Ishak, Biomedical Science Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan, Kuala Lumpur 50300, MalaysiaFollow
Mohd Sham Othman, Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, MalaysiaFollow
Nor Malia Abdul Warif, Center for Toxicology and Health Risk Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 50300, MalaysiaFollow
Mohd Zaharen Md. Zahir, Counselling Unit, Darul Quran, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Kuala Kubu Bharu 44000, MalaysiaFollow
Muhamad Toriq Yaacob, Research Unit, Darul Quran, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Kuala Kubu Bharu 44000, MalaysiaFollow

ORCID ID

Farah Wahida Ibrahim : 0000-0002-5844-4558

Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin : 0000-0003-1517-2115

Nur Aqilah Marzuki : 0000-0003-2526-737X

Ismarulyusda Ishak : 0000-0001-9907-8729

Mohd Sham Othman : 0000-0002-5078-2835

Nor Malia Abd Warif : 0000-0002-4704-4962

Mohd Zaharen Md. Zahir : 0000-0002-3959-2838

Muhammad Toriq Yaacob : -

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.

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Recommended Citation

Ibrahim F, Mat Ludin A, Marzuki N, Ishak I, Othman M, Abdul Warif N, et al. Exercise Motivations, Barriers, and Preferences of Tahfiz Students: A Qualitative Study. Makara J Health Res. 2022;26.

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