Reasons for Sports-Based Physical Activity Dropouts in University Students

Abstract

Despite extensive evidence reporting the numerous health benefits of physical activity, recent studies show that many people (60%) do not follow the recommendations to meet the accepted minimums of physical activity. Some of the main problems in today’s society are the high dropout rates (35%) and low adherence to the conditions for achieving the physical activity recommendations. The aim of the study is to analyze the reasons for dropout from sports that the participants particularly liked, to design a new scale of reasons as to why they dropped out based on several previously existing scales, and to study the dropout differences based on different variables. The sample consisted of 813 Vizcaya university students (61.6% women and 38.4% men), aged between 18 and 29 (M = 20.5; SD = 1.8). Frequency distributions, univariate descriptive analyses, and bivariate statistical analyses, such as t-test, analysis of variance, and correlations, were analyzed. The construct validity of the dropout reasons questionnaire was analyzed by combining an Exploratory Factor Analysis (n = 406) and a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (n = 407). The five-factor measurement model was appropriate and allowed to identify the factor rankings and its relation to some key variables. Lack of time (or dedication to other activities unrelated to physical activity) and fatigue seem to be the main factors for dropping out. The life changes produced at the time of entry and during university life seem to guide students to value other activities.

Unhealthy lifestyles and clusters status among 3637 adolescents aged 11–23 years: a school-based cross-sectional study in China

“…It was noteworthy that university students with more discretionary time had the worst PA. Surveys indicated that their lack of PA may be due to lack of time (commitment to other activities not related to physical activity) and fatigue [ 76 ]. High parental literacy was negatively associated with PA of adolescents, and the explanation may be similar to its effect on diet.…”

Why Do New Parents Stop Practising Sport? A Retrospective Study towards the Determinants of Dropping Out after Becoming a Parent

“…Empirical evidence suggests that life transitions can have a negative impact on sport participation, particularly the transition to adulthood [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. During this transition—marked by major life events such as going from primary to secondary school, starting a study, getting married, and becoming a parent—the likelihood of stopping practising sport increases, posing a threat to sustainable sport participation during the life course [ 11 , 13 , 14 ].…”

The Impact of Temperature on 24-Hour Movement Behaviors among Chinese Freshmen Students

“…Regular PA is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, many cancers, as well as better mental health and quality of life [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Public health guidelines recommend that university students have at least 150 min of moderate physical activity (MPA) or 75 min of vigorous physical activity (VPA) per week [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Sedentary behavior (SB) is a conscious activity characterized by low energy expenditure and performed in a sitting or reclining position, such as watching TV, reading, or driving [ 15 ].…”