An exploration of university students' attitudes towards physical activity and the importance of physical activity

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore university students who participate and do not participate in physical activity classes and their attitudes towards physical activity, and the importance of physical activity and their opinion toward physical education curriculum. Two research questions were addressed: (I) What are the attitudes toward physical activity of University students who do and do not currently participate in physical activity classes; and (2) What do University students think about the Physical Education Curriculum? A survey research design was used in which 251 participants [ages 18-46] from Elementary Survey of Chemistry, General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II courses at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. were surveyed. Results indicated a significant difference in physical activity between participants [F(I, 250} 19.13, p<.000] for which those who participate regularly in physical activity appeared to be more favorable in their attitude toward physical activity. Significant differences were noted for those respondents who favored KLS Act [F(l, 250}, 4.22,p<.04] and Reg Act [F(I,250}, 3.92,p<04] participation, since they felt that physical education was an important part of the school's curriculum. Recommendations are also presented for future research.