THE PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG THE STUDENTS OF

FACULTY OF LAW AT GULU UNIVERSITY.

BY

MUKISA GEOFREY

18/U/0065/GSS

A RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND

HUMANITIES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

AWARD OF A BACHELORS OF SCIENCE EDUCATION (SPORTS SCIENCE) OF

GULU UNIVERSITY

APRIL, 2022
 DECLARATION

I, MUKISA GEOFREY, declare that this document is my own work and has never been

submitted to any institution of higher learning for any academic or related award.

Signature: Date

………………………………….. ……………………………

MUKISA GEOFREY

18/U/0065/GSS
 Approval

This proposal work done by MUKISA GEOFREY, a student of Gulu University pursuing a

Bachelor’s degree in sports science has been under my supervision for the Award of a Bachelor

of the above mentioned degree.

Sign: …………………………………………. Date: ………………………………………

Mr. ASIIMWE ISMAIL

Assistant lecturer

Sports science department

Gulu University

Supervisor

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I hereby acknowledge the following for the breathtakingly tremendous support towards my

academic success and attainment of this degree; first and most importantly, Allah the Almighty

God, without whose will I could not have accomplished anything. I appreciate my dear parents

Nabantanzi Halimah, Musoke Geofrey & Nazziwa Hadijja, and my research Supervisor Mr.

Asiimwe Ismail for the unending priceless support and guidance throughout my research. All the

other lecturers in the entire faculty of Education and humanities are not forgotten for their

various contributions. I also thank the Islamic leadership in Acholi Muslim sub region as well as

the Gulu University Muslim Students’ Association (GUMUSA) are appreciated for their various

support during my studies. Not forgetting the invaluable friend namely; Nadunga Deborah,

Luwandaga Hatib Hassan, Orishaba Leyler, Achidri Noahson, Namazzi Brenda and Nakayinda

Joan thank you all for your support may God bless you.
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

MOH Ministry of Health

NCD Non Communicable Diseases

PA Physical Activity

MoES Ministry of Education and Sports

WHO World Health Organization

IPAQ International Physical Activity Questionnaire

SPSS Statistical Software Package for Social Science

ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry

CDC Center for Disease control

HHS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

ACSM American college of sports medicine

LMIC: Low- and middle income countries.

MET: Metabolic Equivalent.

BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation.

BMR basal metabolic rate

TEE Total energy expenditure

CVD Cardiovascular Disease

ACHA American College Health Association

AIPAQ Adapted International Physical Activity Questionnaires

 ABSTRACT

Being physically active has been associated with lower risk of many non- communicable

diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity which are listed as the

main cause of death in adult mortality worldwide. Three fourth of the world’s death burden is

shared by low to middle income countries due to non-communicable diseases as a result of

physical inactivity. Therefore this study aimed at determining the prevalence of physical activity

among the students of the faculty of law at Gulu University. A cross sectional study was

conducted using a quantitative methodology; Participants were students of the faculty of law at

Gulu University and a total of 80 students volunteered to take part in the study. The data was

collected using an Adapted international questionnaire (AIPAQ) to determine the prevalence of

physical activity among participants and also to establish the personal, environmental and social

factors that affect physical activity among the study population. The Collected data was analyzed

using SPSS and presented in MET-minutes/week according to the guidelines for data processing

and analysis of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Only a small portion (21.25%)

of the participants met the weekly worldwide physical activity recommendations for moderately

active category (600-3000MET-minutes/week). The Male students were more active than the

female students. The factors that most affected physical activity among the participants included;

Lack of free time(72.5%), Fatigue(61.3%) and lack of motivation(68.8%), Cost of

Participation(66.3%), Inadequate sport facilities(78.8%) & equipment(58.8%), Inaccessibility to

sport facilities(51.2%), poor conditions of the facilities(52.5%) and lack of social support from

friends and family(66.7%).

Conclusion: The students of the faculty of law at Gulu University are physically inactive because

they prioritized studies as it was the main reason they were at the university in the first place
1 Table of Contents
1 CHAPTER ONE ..................................................................................................................................... 11
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 11
1.2 Background of the study ............................................................................................................. 11
1.3 Statement of the problem. ......................................................................................................... 13
1.4 Purpose of the study ................................................................................................................... 14
1.5 Specific objectives ....................................................................................................................... 14
1.6 Research Questions .................................................................................................................... 14
Significance of the study ................................................................................................................. 14
1.7 ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
1.8 Theoretical framework ............................................................................................................... 15
1.9 Scope of the Study ...................................................................................................................... 17
1.10 Geographical scope ..................................................................................................................... 17
1.11 Content scope ............................................................................................................................. 17
1.12 Time scope .................................................................................................................................. 17
2 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE ............................................................................ 18
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 18
Overview of Physical activity .......................................................................................................... 18
2.2 ........................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.3 Types of Physical Activities ......................................................................................................... 18
2.4 Recommended levels of Physical activity. .................................................................................. 19
2.5 How physical activity is measured .............................................................................................. 19
2.6 Benefits of engaging in physical activities .................................................................................. 20
2.7 Physical activity and Non communicable diseases ..................................................................... 22
2.8 Constraints to PA participation ................................................................................................... 23
Facilitators to Physical Activity ....................................................................................................... 24
2.9 ........................................................................................................................................................... 24
3 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 26
3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 26
3.2 Research design .......................................................................................................................... 26
3.3 Area of study ............................................................................................................................... 26
3.4 Study population ......................................................................................................................... 26
 3.5 Sample size.................................................................................................................................. 26
3.6 Data collection instrument ......................................................................................................... 27
3.7 Data collection procedure........................................................................................................... 27
3.8 Data analysis and presentation................................................................................................... 27
3.9 Ethical considerations ................................................................................................................. 28
4 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION ........................................ 29
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 29
4.2 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents...................................................................... 29
4.2.1 The age of the respondents ................................................................................................ 29
4.2.2 Gender of the respondents ................................................................................................. 30
4.2.3 Religion of the respondents ................................................................................................ 30
4.2.4 Means of transport ............................................................................................................. 31
4.2.4.1 Figure 3: A bar graph showing the means of transport frequently used by the respondents
(n=80) 31
4.2.5 Proximity to the university .................................................................................................. 31
4.3 The prevalence of physical activity among the respondents ..................................................... 32
4.3.1 Table 3: Distribution of different physical activities among the respondent according to
gender 32
Figure 4: A clustered bar graph showing the mean time spent on physical activities by each
gender. ................................................................................................................................................ 33
4.3.2 .................................................................................................................................................... 33
4.3.3 Figure 5: Level of physical activity among the respondents by MET-minutes/week ......... 34
4.4 Individual factors affecting physical activity among law students ............................................. 35
4.4.1 Table 4: Individual factors that affect physical activity among the respondents ............... 35
4.5 Environmental factors affecting physical activities among the respondents ............................. 36
4.5.1 Table 5: Environmental factors that affect physical activities among the respondents .... 36
4.6 Social factors affecting physical activities among the respondents ........................................... 37
4.6.1 Table 6: Social factors affecting physical activities among the respondents...................... 37
5 CHAPTER FIVE...................................................................................................................................... 39
5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 39
5.2 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 39
5.3 Recommendations ...................................................................................................................... 39
6 APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................ 41
7 APPENDIX I: CONSENT FORM.............................................................................................................. 41
8 .................................................................................................................................................................. 41
9 APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNARE .............................................................................................................. 42
9.1 APPENDIX: Work Plan ................................................................................................................. 46
 1 CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction

This chapter entails background to the study, problem statement, and objectives of the study,
scope of the study, duration of the study, significance of the study and limitations of the study.

1.2 Background of the study

World Health Organization (WHO, 2009) defines physical activity as any bodily movement
produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.

Globally, According to World Health Organization (WHO), More than a quarter of the world’s
adult population (1.4 billion adults) are insufficiently active. Worldwide, around 1 in 3 women
and 1 in 4 men do not do enough physical activity to stay healthy. The Levels of inactivity are
twice as high in high-income countries compared to low-income countries and there has been no
improvement in global levels of physical activity since 2001. Insufficient activity increased by
5% (from 31.6% to 36.8%) in high-income countries between 2001 and 2016(Guthold R,
Stevens G, Riley L, Bull F., 2018).

An Increased levels of physical inactivity have negative impacts on health systems, the
environment, economic development, community well-being and quality of life of an individual.
28% of adults aged 18 and over were not active enough in 2016 (men 23% and women 32%).
This means they do not meet the global recommendations of at least 150 minutes of moderate-
intensity, or 75 minutes vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. In high-income countries,
26% of men and 35% of women were insufficiently physically active, as compared to 12% of
men and 24% of women in low-income countries. Low or decreasing physical activity levels
often correspond with a high or rising gross national product (WHO 2018).

The drop in physical activity is partly due to inaction during leisure time and sedentary behavior
on the job and at home. Likewise, an increase in the use of "passive" modes of transportation
also contributes to insufficient physical activity. 81% of adolescents aged 11-17 years were
insufficiently physically active in 2016. Adolescent girls were less active than adolescent boys,
with 85% vs. 78% not meeting WHO recommendations of at least 60 minutes of moderate to
vigorous intensity physical activity per day (WHO 2016).
On the African continent in low and middle income countries of the sub Saharan Africa, the
prevalence of non-communicable diseases particularly diabetes has been largely accelerated by
modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity overweight, and obesity (WHO, 2014).
Furthermore, the physical inactivity in the sub Saharan Africa is attributed to better technological
solutions, economic development and an increasingly rapid urbanization. (BeLue, R., Okoror, T.
A., Iwelunmor, J., Taylor, K. D., Degboe, A. N., Agyemang, C., & Ogedegbe, G. 2009).

In Uganda, until recently there had been no study aimed at determining levels of PA, their
adequacy, and distribution within its population. In 2014, Uganda’s Ministry of Health
commissioned the first countrywide non communicable diseases (NCD) risk factor survey to
provide baseline estimates of the prevalence of the common risk factors for NCDs in the country.
(Guwatudde D, Kirunda B, Wesonga R, Mutungi G, Kajjura R, Kasule H, Muwonge J, and
Bahendeka S, 2016). According to this NCD risk factor survey of 2014, The Ministry found out
that Ugandans are increasingly becoming physically inactive. Only about 8% of the urban
population were found out to be highly physically inactive compared to 3.5% of rural population.
Following this survey, The Ministry of Health on Sunday 8th July, 2018 launched the National
Day of physical activity at Kololo Independence, this was done to engage Ugandans to fight
NCDs through exercises(Guwatudde et al., 2016).

According to the WHO report on physical activity (2018), the countries with the lowest levels of
insufficient physical activity in 2016 were Uganda and Mozambique with 6% each. This
indicated that Uganda is one of the most physically active countries this is because most of the
work is still very physical, and the means of transportation by vehicle is beyond the reach of
most of the population (British Broadcasting Cooperation, 2018).

However, In a most recent study by Munyagwa Haruna (2019), the results indicated that the
overall physical activity levels of the female students at Gulu University was insufficient. The
results showed that this portion of the population does not meet the minimum global physical
activity recommendations per day (Munyagwa H, 2019). Therefore additional studies need to be
conducted so as to ascertain whether the same findings also hold for the male students at Gulu
university as well. Also there were very few studies regarding physical activity amongst
university students in Uganda and this also calls for additional studies to be conducted in the this
specific area in order to fill the knowledge gap that exists.
1.3 Statement of the problem.
The transition from High school to university marks are great period of change for the young
adults. It comes with new independence that requires the students to take decisions and choices
which previously were not made by him or her among these decisions is how the student
incorporate physical activity in their lifestyle.(Fountaine, C. J., Liguori, G. A., Mozumdar, A., &
Schuna Jr, J. M. 2011; Said & Azuhairi, 2014).Studies have shown that the rate of physical
activity decreases from high school years to college years. A cohort study by Sinclair, K. M.,
Hamlin, M. J., & Steel, Gd. (2005) investigating vigorous physical activity during transition
from high school to university indicated that there was 22.2% in decline in the physical activity
intensity of the students in their first two months in the university. This may decline in physical
activity eventually leads to physical inactivity (sedentary behavior). The lack of physical
exercise among the young adults might increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and
osteoporosis in later life, and increase the obesity of people who are less active in physical
exercises. (Sandu, D., Toth, G., & Tudor, E. 2018). Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk
factors for non-communicable diseases mortality (WHO 2013).

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a leading global health challenge. Taken
together, NCDs represent the single largest cause of mortality in adults worldwide. Of an
estimated 57 million deaths that occurred globally in 2008, 36 million (63%) were due to NCDs
(WHO 2011). Although the NCD burden is highest in the higher income countries (HICs) (WHO
2011), emerging evidence shows that future rise in NCDs will be disproportionately higher in
low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared to the HICs. Already, nearly 80% of
deaths due to cardio-vascular diseases occur in low- and middle-income countries (Cooper et al.
1998, Seedat YK 2007). Estimates from 23 high burden low- and middle-income countries show
that NCDs were responsible for 64% of all deaths (Alleyne G, Stuckler D and Alwan A 2010).

The Prevention of NCDs is a growing issue and the burden of NCDs falls mainly on developing
countries, where 82% of premature deaths from these diseases occur. Reducing the major risk
factors for NCDs such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and the harmful use of
alcohol is the focus of WHO’s work to prevent deaths from NCDs. Tackling the risk factors will
therefore not only save lives; it will also provide a huge boost for the economic development of
countries (WHO 2006).
However, In Uganda there are limited studies that have been done regarding the physical activity
levels of students in the various universities in the nation. The few available studies on PA in
Ugandan universities focus mainly on female students and do not provide sufficient information
on the male students. Therefore, there is insufficient data on physical activity levels of the
students in universities that would be used by the MOH to effectively tackle physical inactivity
amongst Ugandan students.

1.4 Purpose of the study

The study examined the prevalence of physical activity among the students of the faculty of law
at Gulu University.

1.5 Specific objectives

 To determine the prevalence of physical activity among the students of the faculty of law
at Gulu University.
 To establish the environmental factors that affect physical activity amongst students of
the faculty of law at Gulu University.
 To determine the personal and social factors that affect physical activity among the
students of the faculty of law at Gulu University.

1.6 Research Questions

 What is the prevalence of physical activity among the students of the faculty of law at
Gulu University?
 What are the environmental factors that affect physical activity amongst students of the
faculty of law at Gulu University?
 What are the personal and social factors that affect physical activity among the students
of the faculty of law at Gulu University?

1.7 Significance of the study

The findings of this study will empower the Ministry of Health (MOH) with more knowledge
concerning the prevalence of physical activity of students in Ugandan universities specifically at
Gulu University so as to be able to make informed decisions with regard to the implementation
of health promotion programs such as NCDs prevention programs in institutions. Without
adequate physical activity level data, it would be difficult to plan for NCD prevention, therefore
ascertaining the prevalence of physical activity of such a population is crucial.
Furthermore the findings of the study of this study will also help to highlight the students who
are at a high risk of acquiring NCDs during their time at higher institutions and this will clarify
to the MOH whether urgent action is required or not.

The findings of the study will also help other researchers with literature concerning the physical
activity in higher institutions particularly at Gulu University in Uganda.

Additionally the study findings will enable the University administrators identify those
institutional factors that hinder the students’ participation in physical activities. This knowledge
will help the University to find ways to promote physical activities among the students.

1.8 Theoretical framework

The theoretical framework for this study is based on the Ecological model of active living. This
model was developed by Sallis JF, Cervero RB, Ascher W, Henderson KA, Kraft MK, Kerr J.
(2006) and it incorporates a wide range of influences at multiple levels (McLeroy KR, Bibeau D,
Steckler A, Glanz K 1988, Sallis JF, Owen N. 2002). Levels of variables often included in
ecological models of physical activity include intrapersonal/individual (biological,
psychological), interpersonal/cultural, organizational, physical environment (built, natural), and
policy (laws, rules, regulations, codes) (Sallis et al, 2006). All these factors can positively or
negatively impact a person’s engagement in physical activity.

The intrapersonal level consists of personal characteristics such as attitude, knowledge, beliefs,
skills, self-concept, and developmental history (McLeroy et al., 1988). Additionally, genetics,
age, education, and income also factor into health behaviors (Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR), CDC, & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),
2011). The interpersonal level consists of interactions between the individual and their social
networks, whether it is professional work relationships, family, or friends. Institutional
influences are social organizations with policies and rules of regulation. Prime examples of this
include the workplace, schools, neighborhoods, and faith based institutions. The community
level takes a broader view by examining the relationships among organizations and institutions,
as well as larger informal networks within a community (McLeroy et al., 1988). The policy level
considers the local, state, and national laws and policies which affect public health (McLeroy et
al., 1988). This includes social and cultural norms, economic policies, and social policies which
aim at decreasing socioeconomic disparities between groups (ATSDR, 2011).

Source: Increasing Physical Activity Using An Ecological Model ACSM's Health & Fitness
Journal22 (4):29-32, July/August 2018.
The ecological model of active living is a good tool to use while trying to capture factors
influencing physical activity in different settings. Ecological models have been used in research
and in practice to create comprehensive population wide approaches to change behaviors that
reduce serious and prevalent health problems, ecological models have been used to influence
physical activity and purposely developed to apprehend other behavior characteristics such as
tobacco control and diabetes management (Glanz, Rimer, & Viswanath, 2008). And because of
all this credible information about this model, the ecological model is the best fit for this study
and that is why it will be employed.

1.9 Scope of the Study

The study focused on the prevalence of physical activity among the students of the faculty of law
at Gulu University.

1.10 Geographical scope

Gulu University - main campus is approximately 5 kilometers (3.1mi), by road, north – east of
the central business district of Gulu, the largest city in the Uganda’s Northern region. It is located
in Laroo division, Gulu district and is approximately 339 kilometers (211 mi), by road, North of
Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city.

1.11 Content scope

The study determined the prevalence of physical activity amongst the students of the faculty of
law at Gulu University. And also determined the Environmental, Personal and Social barriers
and facilitators to physical activity amongst the students of faculty of law at Gulu University.

1.12 Time scope

The study took a period of six months.

2 CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction
This chapter reviews the data done by other scholars and researchers on physical activity. It
particularly focuses on the concepts of physical activities, benefits of engaging in physical
activity, Physical activity and NCDs, factors that facilitate or hinder participation in physical
activity among university students.

2.2 Overview of Physical activity

World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced
by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity level is defined for a non-
pregnant, non-lactating adult as that person's total energy expenditure (TEE) in a 24-hour period,
divided by his or her basal metabolic rate (BMR). (Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations 2004). A person’s Total energy expenditure (TEE) is composed of the energy
costs of the processes essential for life (BMR) and the energy expended during physical activities
(Ravussin E, Bogardus C 1989). And Basal metabolic rate according to McNab BK (1997) is
defined as the rate of energy expenditure per unit time by endothermic animals at rest.

The term “Physical activity” is not equal to “exercise”. Exercise is a subcategory of physical
activity which is structured, repetitive, and purposeful (Elmagd M, 2016). Exercise does not
mean to go to gym or some club for daily activity; it only means to do some physical activity no
matter how and where.

2.3 Types of Physical Activities

Exercise and physical activity fall into four basic categories endurance, strength, balance, and
flexibility (Elmagd M, 2016). Endurance, or aerobic, activities increase your breathing and heart
rate. They keep your heart, lungs, and circulatory system healthy and improve your overall
fitness. Building your endurance makes it easier to carry out many of your everyday activities.
Walking or jogging, mowing, raking, digging and Dancing are kinds of this type (Elmagd M,
2016). Strength exercises make your muscles stronger. Even small increases in strength can
make a big difference in your ability. We can find this type of exercise in Lifting weights, using
a resistance band with your own body weight (Elmagd M, 2016). Balance exercises help prevent
falls, a public problem in older adults. Many lower-body strength exercises also will improve
your balance. This type can be noticeable in Standing on one foot, Heel-to-toe walk and Tai Chi
(Elmagd M, 2016). Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay
limber. Being flexible gives you more freedom of movement for other exercises as well as for
your everyday activities. Some examples for that in Shoulder and upper arm stretch, Calf stretch
and Yoga (Elmagd M, 2016).

2.4 Recommended levels of Physical activity.

Children and youth aged 5–17 should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous-
intensity physical activity daily. This can include play, games, sports, transportation, chores,
recreation, physical education, or planned exercise, in the context of family, school, and
community activities (WHO 2010). Adults aged 18–64 should do at least 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or do at least 75 minutes of
vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week or an equivalent combination of
moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. This can include leisure time physical activity (for
example: walking, dancing, gardening, hiking, swimming), transportation (e.g. walking or
cycling), occupational (i.e. work), household chores, play, games, sports or planned exercise, in
the context of daily, family, and community activities (WHO 2010). Older adults aged 65 and
above should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout
the week or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the
week or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity (WHO 2010).

2.5 How physical activity is measured

Physical activity can be measured in many ways and the most common method of physical
activity assessment are self-report questionnaires. The questionnaires measure different aspects,
some measure the mode of physical activity, other measure the duration of the physical activity
while others measure the frequency of physical activities. The advantages of using questionnaire
s to measure Physical activity include cost-effectiveness, ease of administration, and accuracy in
measuring intense activity.

Another way of measuring Physical activity is by use of Self-Report Activity Diaries/Logs. These
require participants to record physical activity in real time, which provides the most detailed data
and can overcome some limitations of questionnaires such as less susceptible to recall errors,
social desirability bias, and measurement bias. The most widely use Self-Report activity diary is
the Bouchard’s Physical Activity Record y in which participants report physical activity for each
15-minute interval over 3 days. Activities are rated on a scale of 1 to 9 (1=sedentary activity and
9=intense manual work or high intensity sports) to yield a total energy expenditure score.

Direct observation is another way through which physical activity can be measure. Here an
independent observer monitors and records physical activity. This is a popular method for young
children because they have difficulty recalling their physical activity. This flexible method is
valuable in gathering contextual information.

Additionally, Physical activity can be measured by use of specialized devices such as

Accelerometers, Pedometers and Armbands and heartrate monitors. All theses are computerized
that can be used to collect more accurate data regarding physical activity of an individual (Slyvia
L, et al).

2.6 Benefits of engaging in physical activities

From time immemorial, research studies have shown that the benefits of engaging in physical
activity are many and with the rapid advancement of technology more and more benefits are yet
to be discovered. Many studies have indicated that regular and moderate physical acitivity
reduces the risk of coronary heart diseases (Allen J 1996; Bouchard C, Shephard RJ, Stephens
Tuchard C, 1994). Physical Exercises lower blood pressure, slightly decreases the levels of total
and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), and increases the level of
high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol). These helpful effects decrease
the risk of heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease (Elmagd M, 2016). Other evidences
also shows that the benefits of engaging in physical activities may extend beyond coronary heart
disease for example among individuals with type 2 diabetes, decreases in systolic pressure
associated with physical activity reduce risk for diabetes-related complication, diabetes-related
death and myocardial infarction.( Adler A, Stratton I, Neil H, 2000). Furthermore according to
(Uusitupa M, Louheranta A, Lindstrom J 2000), Physical activity lowers the risk factors
associated with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Series of researches have shown that physical activity helps depression in one or more of the
following ways; it can shelve away or stop unwholesome thoughts from permeating the mind, it
provides one a chance for more social contact, it improves sleep patterns and lifts one’s mood.
Physical activity might also have effect on the levels of chemicals such as endorphins and
serotonin and other stress hormones in the brain (DHA, 2019). Individuals diagnosed with major
depression undergoing an aerobic-exercise intervention showed significant improvements in
depression comparable to participants receiving psychotropic treatment (Babyak M, Blumenthal
J, Herman S, 2000).

Physical activity raises metabolism for many hours even after the physical activity session has
ended, as a result, there is a reduction in the possibility of getting many diseases we suffer from.
Body fat levels are also reduced during this period of increased metabolism. Ultimately, physical
activity improves the quality of life, due to increased mental and physical functionalities and this
in turn increases the longevity of those involved in it (Steakley, 2011).

Regular physical activity also aids a healthier state of mind. It improves memory and brain
function of persons in all age groups, reduces feelings of anxiety and depression (Public Health
Agency, 2011). Various studies on mice and men have shown that cardiovascular exercise can
create new brain cells (aka neurogenesis) and improve overall brain performance (Mustroph ML,
Chen S, Desai SC, Cay EB, DeYoung EK, Rhodes JS 2012). Studies suggest that a vigorous
workout increases levels of a brain-derived protein (known as BDNF) in the body, believed to
help with decision making, higher thinking, and learning (Griffin EW, Mullally S, Foley C,
Warmington SA, O’Mara SM, Kelly AM).

Multiple studies indicate that physical activity improves mood and reduces symptoms of
depression and anxiety (Ross C, Hayes D. 1988, Stephens, T 1988). PA releases endorphins,
which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can even
improve symptoms among the clinically depressed (Craft LL, Perna FM. 2004). For this reason,
doctors recommend that people suffering from depression or anxiety should maintain an active
lifestyle through participation in physical exercises.

Engaging in regular physical activities can boost self-esteem and improve positive self-image.
Regardless of weight, size, gender, or age, exercise can quickly elevate a person's perception of
his or her attractiveness, that is, self-worth (Elavsky S. 2010).It has been proved that in less time
of aerobic exercise and resistance training method definitely will help to improve self-image
(Esfahani N 2002). One of the latest research was in consistency with most of the previous
studies which found significant relationship between physical activity and self-esteem by using
different study designs and self-esteem scales. This finding can be considered to recommend
increased physical activity participation for college student who face self-esteem problems
(Elmagd M. 2015).Even if you will take your workout outside and start Exercising in the great
outdoors can also increase self-esteem even more (Pretty J, Peacock J, Sellens M, Griffin M,
2005) .

Research shows that doing aerobics bone strengthening physical activity of at least a moderately-
intense can slow the loss of bone density that comes with age, along with that hip fracture is a
serious health condition that can have life-changing negative effects, especially if you're an older
adult. But research shows that people who do 120 to 300 minutes of at least moderate-intensity
aerobic activity each week have a lower risk of hip fracture (Burroughs Paul, Laurence E,
Dahners. 1990).

2.7 Physical activity and Non communicable diseases

According to WHO (2018) Non-communicable disease is a long duration illness that emanates
from genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral characteristics put together. These
include diseases such as Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, cancer, and chronic
respiratory diseases. NCDs have been recognized as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality
worldwide, for almost three decades (Habib SH, Saha S 2010). These NCDs are caused by four
common, modifiable risk factors which include tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets
and harmful use of alcohol, which could lead to overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, and
high cholesterol (Baldwin W, Kaneda T, Amato L, Nolan L 2013. WHO 2013).

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and one of the most
significant causes of disability and reduced quality of life (WHO 2013). In the year 2012,
physical inactivity accounted for 3.2 million deaths worldwide (WHO 2014). Physical inactivity
typically includes sedentary behavior such as sitting for too long, especially during television
viewing (Miles L. 2007). Physical inactivity contributes to almost 21-25% of breast and colon
cancer, 27% diabetes, and 30% ischaemic heart disease burden(WHO 2013).The rising levels of
physical inactivity in many countries contribute to major implications for the occurrence of
NCDs and the general health of the population(WHO 2010).
Other hand, Physical activities are essential to the fight against NCDs worldwide. According to
the WHO, regular physical activity has various benefits for psycho-physical health. At all stages
of life, physical activity plays an essential role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

2.8 Constraints to PA participation

Constraint to PA refer to anything that restricts an individual from engaging into any form of
desired physical activity. Identifying and understating barriers to PA, in different populations,
are crucial for the development of tailored strategies and interventions focusing on PA promotion
(Rech CR, Camargo EM, Araujo PAB, Loch MR, Reis RS, 2018). These barriers to physical
activity are several and they reduce PA levels of an individual(Sigal, R. J., Armstrong, M. J.,
Bacon, S. L., Boulé, N. G., Dasgupta, K., Kenny, G. P, & Riddell, M. C. 2018). These
constraints can be catergorised into two namely; internal and external constraints ; (Duclos, M.,
Oppert, J. M., Verges, B., Coliche, V., Gautier, J. F., Guezennec, Y. Strauch, G. Qiu, Sun, Cai,
Liu, & Yang, 2012). Internal constraints are those influcenced by and individuals’s own decision
making with regards but not limited to health concerns, fatigue, fear of injury, general dislike of
PA, lack of confidence, low self-efficacy among others whereas external constraints are
independent of an individual’s own decision making and the include; lack of social support, lack
of free time, low awareness of opportunities, financial costs among others (Muyinda, MR 2019).

More than one-half of college students today are not participating in the recommended amount of
physical activity (American College Health Association (ACHA), 2015).

A study conducted in Uganda at Makerere university business school (MUBS) indicated that
time was one of the obstacles that hindered students’ participation in PA. This was because the
students found it hard to find time for PA in between their study time (Nalusiba, A 2017). One
respondent from a focus group discussion (FGD) of this study described how time restricts her
from PA as follows;

“I know that physical activity is very good for someone’s health, but sometimes it’s very hard to
engage in search activities, especially for us who study in the morning and come from very far.
Sincerely, the only physical exercise I can do is to walk from home to here (university) because I
cannot wake up at 6 and exercise. But still, I must be in the lecture by 8:00 o’clock, and I cannot
 be late for lectures. What I do sometime is to walk to the taxi stop which is a bit far away from
home”.

Lack of time was indicated as most important barriers among less active female respondents due
to their social and family responsibilities. This result is consistent with Anjali & Sabharwal
(2018) result that lack of time has emerged as a key barrier to involvement in physical activity,
along with technology related behaviors, such as peers, parents, and teachers.

Nalusiba, A (2017) reported that most of the students had concerns over their own safety in times
of engaging in PA. In different scenarios here in Uganda people became victims of street robbery
and road accidents while exercising on the road sides. And this is why most people fear to
engage in physical activities such as jogging or running outside. Another respondent of the focus
group discussion (FGD) of the study regarding this issue said;

“At some point security is a problem most people cannot go jogging because they’re scared for
their lives especially in the evening when darkness gets you”

In 2015, Saadan, R., Jano, Z., Sidek, S., Bokhari, M., & Rosli, N conducted a study that found
that adolescent girls noted that lack of self-efficacy and lack of self-confidence was the main
reason and barrier to PA. As a result, they are concerned about how they look when they exercise
because they lack self-confidence about their ability to perform the PA.

Kuwait, a country with many hours of heat and sun, the most common perceived barriers were
hot weather (75.9%), work duties (71.21%), laziness (44.3%), lack of time (38.6%), family
responsibilities (36.1%) and chronic diseases (33.33%) (Al-Baho, A.K.; Al-Naar, A.; Al-Shuaib,
H.; Panicker, J.K.; Gaber, S 2016). In these countries, the hot weather makes it impossible to
conduct outdoor physical activities like Jogging on the streets.

2.9 Facilitators to Physical Activity

Results from a study by Fleury & Lee (2006) relating to the ecological model and physical
activity in African American women revealed that access to convenient facilities and resources,
such as local gyms and neighborhood sidewalks, were found to be consistent with increased
levels of physical activity. This study recognized that although the condition of the physical
environment played a significant role in health behaviors, it was not the sole determinants of
physical activity (Fleury & Lee, 2006)

According to Taylor A. Rodenbaugh(2016) finding another facilitator of pariticipation in

physical activities at campus was safety. Some students expressed that they felt the lighting and
emergency blue poles on campus promoted physical activity and allowed for students to exercise
safely on campus at night. The sixth thematic facilitator of physical activity portrayed by the
study was supporting infrastructure on campus such as the availability of stairs in campus
buildings.

The findings from Zhang, Solman, Gao, & Kosman (2012) reported that also individual and
social environmental factors affect the physical activity participation. The analysis showed that
the strongest predictor of physical activity participation in children was self-efficacy. Self-
efficacy is an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce
specific performance attainments (Bandura, 1977).

In a survey conducted by Kilpatrick, Herbert, & Bartholomew (2005), a sample of college

students in health-related majors reported motivating factors to physical activity participation as
general health benefits, maintenance of fitness, stress reduction, enjoyment, and appearance or
attractiveness(Rodenbaugh & Rodenbaugh, 2016). In the earlier findings by Sallis and Hovell
(1990) showed that adults were more motivated by fear of physical inactivity. Brockman, Jago,
& Fox (2011) found that children were motivated to exercise due to enjoyment, freedom from
adult control, prevention of boredom, and access to outdoor play spaces(Rodenbaugh &
Rodenbaugh, 2016)

According to Taylor A. Rodenbaugh(2016) physical activity participation at campus also

facilitated by social support from friends in intramural sports and exercise classes. Students felt
that exercising with others increased adherence to exercise and kept physical activity interesting
and fun during exercise classes and intramural sports.
3 CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter presents a detailed description of the selected research design. It describes in detail
what will be done during the study. It comprises of several sections including the research
design, area of study, target population, sample size and sampling techniques, data collection
instruments, data collection procedure.

3.2 Research design

A cross sectional research design was used for the study. This design has been used by different
research time and again for physical activity studies in a population; Muyangwa H (2019),
Howitt et al., (2016), Salmon et al., (2003). It involves collection of data at a specific period
time. The quantitative method was used to investigate the prevalence of Physical Activity among
the participants to get better understanding about factors affecting physical activity among
students of the faculty of law at Gulu University.

3.3 Area of study

The study was conducted at Gulu University - main campus. It is located in Laroo division, Gulu
city and is approximately 339 kilometers (211 mi), by road, North of Kampala, Uganda’s capital
and largest city.

3.4 Study population

All students of the faculty of law pursuing Bachelor of Law both male and female from year one,
year two, year three and year four were eligible to participate in this study. Only Uganda citizens
took part because one of the intention of this study was to get more data about Ugandans not just
any one living in Uganda.

3.5 Sample size

Yamane (1967) developed an equation that can be used to yield a representative sample for
proportions and this was used to generate the sample size to be used for the study.

𝑁
n = 1+𝑁(𝑒)2

Where; n is the sample size

N is the total population (100 participants)

e is the level of precision (0.05)

Therefore; n = 100/ (1+100(0.05)2 )

n = 80 participants.

3.6 Data collection instrument

Data was collected using the Adapted International Physical Activity Questionnaires (AIPAQ).
The instrument was developed by WHO in Geneva 1998 and has been used in several countries
to conduct national studies on PA. It is a highly reliable and valid data collection instrument.
IPAQ is used as a standardized measure to estimate habitual practice of physical activities of
populations from different countries and socio-cultural contexts (Booth M 2000; Craig CL,
Marshall AJ, Sjöström M, Bauman AE, Booth ML, Ainsworth BE, Pratt M, Ekelund U, Yngve
A, Sallis JF, Pekka OJA 2003). This is why IPAQ was ideal instrument of data collection for this
study. And also much of the existing literature on individual health behaviors is a result of self-
report questionnaires (Rodenbaugh & Rodenbaugh, 2016)

The first section (section A) of the questionnaire collected demographic data which included age,
religion, and marital status, year of study and place of residence. The second section (section B)
collected data on the environmental, personal and social factors that affect physical activity
among the students of the faculty of law at Gulu University. Then lastly section C collected data
that was used to determine the prevalence of physical activity among the students of the faculty
of law.

3.7 Data collection procedure

The researcher obtained an introductory letter from the Department of sports science at Gulu
University, which acted as a proof that the study was strictly an academic research. This letter
was given to the dean of students of the faculty of law in order to get permission to collect data
from the students of the faculty of law. After that the students were briefed on what the study
was all about and 80 volunteers were selected from the population. These volunteer were given
AIPAQ and also given time to fill the questionnaire.

3.8 Data analysis and presentation

After the process of data collection, the data was coded, organized with the help of a Statistical
Software Package for Social Science version 28(SPSS) and Microsoft Excel 2016 and the results
were be used for further studies. After the data was analyzed with the help of SPSS 28.
Quantitative data from the IPAQ questionnaire was analyzed using guidelines for data processing
and analysis of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Levente, B. S., Károly, O.,
Jesús, V. R., Teresa, M., León, M., & Cătălin, S. I 2010). The data was tabulated and presented
in the form of frequency distribution tables, bar graphs, clustered bar, graphs, pie charts. All this
was done using Microsoft Excel 2016 and Statistical Package for social scientists (SPSS 28).

3.9 Ethical considerations

According to Hermerén & Vetenskapsrådet, (2011) it’s important to protect the participants
dignity all throughout the study. Therefore for this study took into account a couple of ethical
considerations such ; the participants were informed and also provided with written information
about the study and its purpose, and they signed the consent forms which was attached to the
questionnaires. The participants were assured of confidentiality and anonymity in the consent
letter. Participation in the study was voluntary therefore no one will participate against their will.
4 CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Introduction
This chapter comprises of presentation of the data collected and its analysis by use of distribution
tables, graphs, pie charts and percentages following the objectives of the study which are; to
determine the prevalence of physical activity, establish the individual, environmental and social
factors that affect physical activity among the students of the faculty of law at Gulu University.

4.2 Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents

4.2.1 The age of the respondents
4.2.1.1 Table 1: Distribution of the respondents by age (n=80)
Frequency Percentage%
n=80
18-21 28 35.0
22-28 49 61.3
29-35 3 3.8
Total 80 100.0
Source: Primary Data 2022

Majority of the respondents were in with in the age group of 22-28 (61%), followed by those in
the age bracket of 18-21 years (35%), finally the lowest being those in 29-35 age group with 3%.
 4.2.2 Gender of the respondents
4.2.2.1 Figure 1: A pie chart showing the respondents gender (n=80)

The figure 1 shows that the majority of the respondents were female students 43(53.75%) and the
rest were male students 37(46.25%).

4.2.3 Religion of the respondents

4.2.3.1 Figure 2: A bar graph showing the distribution of the respondents by
denomination (n-=80)
The figure 2 shows that the most percentage of the respondents were Catholics (43.8%) followed
by protestants (30%) followed by Born again (17.5%) and the least percentage of the respondents
being Muslims (8.8%).

4.2.4 Means of transport

4.2.4.1 Figure 3: A bar graph showing the means of transport frequently used by the
respondents (n=80)

The figure 3 indicates that most of the respondents (47.5%) use walking as a means of transport
to the university. 37.5% of the respondents us bicycles and only 15% use Automobiles such as
Boda-Boda as a means of transport to the university.

4.2.5 Proximity to the university

4.2.5.1 Table 2: Distribution of the respondents by proximity to the University
Distance Frequency Percent
Within 4km of the University 57 71.3

Between 4 – 8 Kilometers away 18 22.5

from the university
above 8kilometers 5 6.3
Total 80 100.0
Source: Primary Data 2022

Table 2 indicates that out of the 80 respondents who agreed to take part in the study, 57% live
within a distance of 4kilometers to the university, 18% live between 4-8 kilometers away from
the university and only 5% live above 8kilometers from the university.

4.3 The prevalence of physical activity among the respondents

4.3.1 Table 3: Distribution of different physical activities among the respondent
according to gender
Physical Activity Intensity Frequency n=80 Percentage %
Moderate Female 37 46.3
Male 43 53.8
Vigorous Female 14 45.2
Male 17 54.8
Walking Female 37 46.3
Male 43 53.8

From the table 3, out of the 80 respondents, 100% (46.3% Male & 53.8% Female) of them
engaged in moderate intensity physical activities and only 38.75% (21.25% Male & 17.5%
Female) engaged in vigorous intensity physical activities. Also 100% (46.3% Male & 53.8%
Female) of the respondents engaged in walking for at least 10 minutes on some days of the week.
These values indicated that the Male students were more physically active than female students,
this is consistent with WHO (2018) findings that indicated that across most countries, women are
less active than men (global average of 31·7% for inactive women vs 23·4% for inactive men).
This was also in concordance with studies done Bergman P, Grjibovski AM, Hagströmer M,
Bauman A, Sjöström M (2008) that also showed that males are more physically active than
females.
 4.3.2 Figure 4: A clustered bar graph showing the mean time spent on physical activities by
each gender.

The figure 4 shows the average time spent by the respondents while engaging into activities of
different intensities. It indicates that the males students spend more time (mean 73minutes/week)
engaging in moderate intensity physical activities than female students who only spend a mean
of 64 minutes/week. It also indicates that the Male students spend more time walking with a
mean time of 42 minutes per week than the female students who spend a mean time of 37
minutes per week. And finally the time spent doing vigorous intensity activities is the same (6
minutes/week) for both Male and female students. These results still show that male students are
more active than female students. This consistent with WHO (2018) findings that indicated that
across most countries, women are less active than men (global average of 31·7% for inactive
women vs 23·4% for inactive men. However, the mean time spent by both the two groups is
below the recommended average time for participation in each of these activities; The World
Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of
vigorous activity per week. Therefore this data already shows that study population might be
physically inactive. This was in concordance with studies done Bergman P, Grjibovski AM,
Hagströmer M, Bauman A, Sjöström M (2008) that also showed that males are more physically
active than females.
 4.3.3 Figure 5: Level of physical activity among the respondents by MET-minutes/week

The Figure 5 shows that the majority (78.75%) of the respondents are categorized under
sedentary (physically inactive) because their MET-minutes/week are less than the recommended
600 MET-minutes/week. And only a 21.25% of the respondents are categorized under
moderately active indicating that their MET-minutes/week is between 600-2999 MET-
minutes/week. 0% of the respondents were able to meet the vigorously active category because
none of them reach a total MET of 3000 MET-minutes/week.
4.4 Individual factors affecting physical activity among law students
4.4.1 Table 4: Individual factors that affect physical activity among the
respondents
Frequency Percentage %
n=80

Individual factors Lack of free time 58 72.5%

Fatigue 49 61.3%

Lack of Motivation 55 68.8%

Fear of injuries 27 33.8%

Lack of skills 35 43.8%
Poor Self image 25 31.3%
Cost of Participation 53 66.3%

The table 4 shows that the most significant factors affecting physical activity among the
respondents included; Lack of free time(75.5%), Fatigue(61.3%), Lack of motivation(68.8%)
and Cost of participation(66.3%).

Out of the 80 respondents, 72.5%(58) of them attributed physical inactivity to lack of free time
thus similar to the findings of Nalusiba, A (2017) who study conducted in Uganda at Makerere
university business school (MUBS) and found out that students found it hard to find time for PA
in between their study time. Also this result is consistent with Anjali & Sabharwal (2018) result
that lack of time has emerged as a key barrier to involvement in physical activity, along with
technology related behaviors, such as peers, parents, and teachers.

From the table 4 above, 61.3%(49) of the respondents had fatigue at the end of their academic
commitments every single day. This finding was in line with Allison K.R., Dwyer J.M., Makin
S. (1999) and Tape M.K., Duda J.L., Ehrnwald P.M.(1989) whose findings showed that the one
of the internal barriers to physical activity among teenagers and young adults was fatigue and
this contributed to sedentary lifestyles.
From the table 4 above, 68.8%(55) of the respondents lacked motivation to developing and
activity lifestyle. This is consistent with Allison et al. (1999) and Tape et al. (1989) whose
findings showed that showed that the one of the internal barriers to physical activity among
teenagers and young adults was fatigue and this contributed to sedentary lifestyles. This result is
also in line with most recent findings of (Othman M, Ludin A, Chen L, Hossain H, Halim I,
Sameeha M, Tahir, A. 2022) whose findings indicated that one of the barriers to execrcising
among female undergraduates is lack of motivation.

From table 4 above, the results indicated that the cost of participation in exercise related
activities affected the majority of the respondents 63.3%(55). This is consistent with the barriers
to voluntary participation in sport by Sarah Somerset & Derek J. Hoare (2018). Their findings
indicated that the cost of participation can in some sports be fairly high and act as a barrier to
participation in some sports.

From the table 4 above, Other individual factors that affected the a smaller percentage of the
population included; Poor self-image 31.3%(25), Lack of skills 43.8%(35), and fear of injuries
33.8%(27). The poor self-image 31.3% result is also consistent with Laura B & William P.
(2010) where some percentage (25% of the study population) reported that body image affected
their location of exercise, frequently identifying a preference for private or semi-private locations

4.5 Environmental factors affecting physical activities among the respondents

4.5.1 Table 5: Environmental factors that affect physical activities among the
respondents
Frequency Percentage %
n=80
Environmental factors Inadequate sport facilities 63 78.8%
Inaccessibility to sport 41 51.2%
facilities
Inadequate equipment 47 58.8%

Poor conditions of the 42 52.5%

facilities
 Weather Conditions 31 38.8%
University culture 46 57.5%
Medical assistance policy 36 45.0%
Scholarship policy 45 56.3%

The table 5 shows that 78.8%(63) of the respondents were barred to physical activity by the
inadequate sport facilities at the University. This is in line with (Samara A, Nistrup A, Al-
Rammah T, Aro A 2015) findings that the lack of facilities and lack of encouragement from the
university to be the major barriers to greater physical activity in female students at the university.

The results also indicated that Out of the 80 respondents, 51.2%(41) showed that did not have an
easy access to the few existing facilities at Gulu University. This result is in line with (Brown, H,
& Bergman (2006) findings that one of the most common perceptual barrier to physical activity
among the students was Inaccessibility to the facilities due to their distances away from the
University.

The results in the table 5 also show that 58.8%(47) of the respondents highlighted that the Gulu
University had Inadequate physical activity equipment and that was one of the reason as to way
they never engaged sporting activities. This result was consistent with Samara et al. (2015)
whose findings included lack of equipment as a barrier to achieving greater physical activity
among the female students at the university.

From the table 5 above, 52.5%(42) of the respondents highlighted that the conditions of the
existing facilities at Gulu university is poor and this hindered there participation in sports. This in
corcondace with Nafisa Samir, Sadia Mahmud & Ali Khan Khuwaja (2011) findings which
highlighted that lack of safe practice environment was also a barrier to physical activity among
the attendants at community health-care center in Karachi, Pakistan.

4.6 Social factors affecting physical activities among the respondents

4.6.1 Table 6: Social factors affecting physical activities among the respondents
Frequency Percentage %
N=80
social factors Friends and family not 42 66.7%
interested

From the table, out of the 80 respondents, 66.7%(42) had friends and family members that were
not interested in participating in physical activities thus lacked adequate social support. This
result is related to the findings of Motl RW, Dishman RK, Saunders RP, Dowda M, Pate RR.
(2007) which stated that the lack of support from friends and family as a barrier to physical
activity.
 5 CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 Introduction
This last chapter of the study contains the conclusions drawn from the results and the
recommendations for promoting physical activity among the students in educational institutions.

5.2 Conclusion
The study results have shown that only a small percentage of the students of the faculty of law
met the World Health Organization physical activity recommendations for moderately active
category (600-3000MET-minutes/week) through participation in both vigorous and moderate
intensity physical activities. The biggest percentage of the students of the faculty of law does not
meet the weekly World Health Organization physical activity recommendations (≥600 MET-
minutes/week) therefore categorized as physically inactive (sedentary). Such a high trend of
physical inactivity among young adults calls for an immediate action by the Ministry of Health
and the institution administration. Otherwise the students are at a high risk of acquiring
conditions that result in long-term health consequences and often create a need for long-term
treatment and care (Non Communicable Diseases).

Some of the factors that may have contributed to this physical activity trend among the students
of the faculty of law at Gulu university have been determined from the analysis of the collected
data and have been categorized as follows; Individual, Environmental and social factors.
Significant Individual factors were; Lack of free time for exercising, Lack of motivation and
Fatigue. The significant environmental factors were; Inadequate sport facilities, Inaccessibility
to sport facilities, Inadequate equipment and Poor conditions of the facilities. And the
highlighted social factor was lack of support from friends and family. All played a role in the
promoting sedentary lifestyles among the students of faculty of law at Gulu University.
Some of the students are unaware of some of the policies that exist at Gulu University for
example; medical assistance policy and scholarship policy as indicated by the results of the
study.
5.3 Recommendations
The findings of the study show that immediate action needs to be taken by different stake
holders so as to curb the physical activity levels of the students in higher institutions of learning
within the recommended levels for a healthier lifestyle of the students.
At Nation Level
The ministry of Health should conduction health education programs about physical activity and
its benefits among the general population. This can be done by the use of mass media such as
Television, radio, newspapers and social media platforms as well such Facebook and twitter.
The Ministry of Education and sports should develop and implement appropriate health
promotion programs in all institutions of learning throughout the nation. This will promote
participation in different physical activities among the students in institutions.
The Ministry of Education and sports should ensure provision of adequate PA facilities and
equipment to the educational institutions in order to cater for all the students in learning
institutions across the nation.
At institutional level
The Gulu university administration should lobby funds from the government and other non-
government organizations to construct more facilities that would suffice for the number of the
students at the institution.
The Gulu university administration should also create awareness of the policies that are already
in place such as medical assistance and scholarship policies to all the students that are admitted
to the institution. This can be done by use of bulletin boards, social media and other mass media
platforms such radios.
The Gulu university administration should also provide more incentives to the students that
participate in sports so as to motivate other students who do not participate in sports.
The Gulu university administrations should create awareness of the dangers of living sedentary
lifestyles in order to motivate the students who are physically inactive to become physically
active.
 6 APPENDICES

7 APPENDIX I: CONSENT FORM

I MUKISA GEOFRREY, a student of Gulu University carrying out research on the topic:
Physical activity prevalence among the students of law at Gulu University.

You are requested to participate in the study by responding to the questions of this questionnaire
and providing information regarding physical activity. The results of this study will ensure
anonymity and confidentiality of the information you will provide.

Your participation in this study will not have any financial reward however it will help to
improvement of the health of students of the faculty of law at and Uganda as a whole.

You may choose not to participate or withdraw from the study without any penalty.

If you wish to participate in this study you may consent in the form below.

I have been told about the study and I understand its main aim that it is voluntary and
confidential and the results will be used to improve the burden of drug non-adherence.

Therefore, I willingly accept to participate in this study.

Respondent’s signature____________________Number_______________________________

8
9 APPENDIX I: QUESTIONNARE

PREVALENCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG THE STUDENTS OF THE

FACULTY OF LAW AT GULU UNIVERSITY

Dear Respondents,

I am Mukisa Geofrey a student from Gulu University carrying out a research aimed at
assessing the physical activity prevalence among the students of the faculty of law at Gulu
University. This research is basically for academic purpose and the views you’re going to give
will be maintained at high degree of confidentiality. So feel free answer the questions that I will
ask you.

Section A

Demographic data
Firstly I would like to ask you about yourself. Remember that all the information that you
provide will be strictly confidential. Do not write your name or student number on the
questionnaire. Where options are given, please circle your response.

1. How old are you?

A. 18-21 years
B. 22-28 years
C. 29-35 years
2. What is your religion?
A) Protestant [ ]
B) Catholic [ ]
C) Muslim [ ]
D) Other _________________________________________________

3. What is your year of study?

A) First year [ ]
B) Second year [ ]
C) Third year [ ]
D) Fourth year [ ]
4. How far do you live from Gulu University?
A. Within 4km of the University
B. Between 4 – 8 Kilometers away from the universtiy
C. above 8kilometers
5. Which means of transport do you frequently use on your way to and fro?
A. Walking
B. Bicycle
C. Automobiles for example Boda-Boda, Car among others
Section B
We are interested in finding out about the kinds of physical activities that you do as part of your
everyday life. The questions will ask you about the time you spent being physically active in the
last 7 days.
Please answer each question even if you do not consider yourself to be an active person.
Please think about the activities you do at campus, as part of your house and yard work, to get
from place to place, and in your spare time for recreation, exercise or sport.

Think about all the vigorous and moderate activities that you did in the last 7 days.
1. During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do vigorous physical activities like heavy
lifting, digging, aerobics, or fast bicycling?

_____ days per week

No No vigorous physical activities Skip to question 3

2. How much time did you usually spend doing vigorous physical activities on one of those
days?

_____ hours per day

_____ minutes per day

Don’t know/Not sure

3. How much time did you usually spend on one of those days doing vigorous physical activities
as part of your work?
_____ hours per day
_____ minutes per day

4. Again, think about only those physical activities that you did for at least 10 minutes at a
time. During the last 7 days, on how many days did you do moderate physical activities
like carrying light loads as part of your work? Please do not include walking.
_____ days per week
No moderate job-related physical activity Skip to question 6

5. How much time did you usually spend on one of those days doing moderate physical
activities as part of your work?
_____ hours per day
_____ minutes per day

6. During the last 7 days, on how many days did you walk for at least 10 minutes at a time
as part of your work? Please do not count any walking you did to travel to or from
work.
_____ days per week

7. How much time did you usually spend walking on one of those days?

_____ hours per day

_____ minutes per day

Section C: Factors affecting physical activity among the students of the faculty of law at
Gulu university

Yes No

Individual

1. My day is so busy now, I just don’t think I can make the time
to include physical activity in my regular schedule.

2. I’m just too tired after school or work to get any exercise.

3. I’ve been thinking about getting more exercise, but I just can’t
seem to get started.

4. Exercise can be risky. I know of too many people who have

hurt themselves by overdoing it with exercise.

5. I don’t get enough exercise because I have never learned the

skills for any sport.

6. I’m embarrassed about how I will look when I exercise with

others.
 7. It’s just too expensive. You have to take a class or join a club
or buy the right equipment.

Yes No

Social factors

1. None of my family members or friends likes to do anything

active, so I don’t have a chance to exercise.

2. My usual social activities with family or friends do not include

physical activity.

Yes No

Environmental factors

1. The university does not have the facilities such as a football

pitch(playground),gym among others

2. I don’t have an access to these facilities

3. If the university provided me with the equipment had exercise,

then I would be more likely to exercise.

4. The facilities that the university has are not in good condition

5. The weather conditions of Laroo division are unfavorable for

me to participate in sports

6. The university does not always organizes sporting competitions

7. There is no policy of offering full medical assistance to a

student who sustains an injury during participation in games
and sports at the university

8. Are there scholarships for students who excel in any given

sport?
This is the end of the questionnaire, thank you for participating.

9.1 APPENDIX: Work Plan

2021 2022

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April May

Research proposal writing

Proposal Submission and

ethical approval

Data collection

Data analysis and report

writing

Submission

APPENDIX: Proposed Budget

Item Quantity Unit cost Total cost (shs)

Stationery 80 copies 500 40,000/=

Transport 50,000/=

Data analysis 150,000/=

Research Assistant 1 4000/= 50,000/=

Miscellaneous 100,000/=

Total 390,000