Are international university students less physically active than their peers?

Background
Many students transitioning to university face challenges, in particular international students where language barriers and acculturation may cause additional stress. Physical activity (PA) and exercise can be neglected in the face of competing priorities with international students potentially more adversely affected than their domestic peers.

Purpose
The objective of this study was to determine the PA levels and the barriers to PA in international university students.

Methods
An anonymous, Qualtrics survey was distributed via social media and email to international students registered at Trinity College Dublin during 2022/2023. Demographics, course details and country of origin were collected. PA was assessed using a validated single-item question and additional questions addressed sports engagement, barriers and facilitators to PA, and changes to PA since starting university.

Results
One hundred and forty-one responses were included (141/204, 69% completion rate). Over half of all participants (54%, n=76) were failing to meet the PA guidelines, with no difference between genders or course of study. Asian students were significantly less active than their European and North American peers (p=0.022), with 68% (n=23) of Asian, 53% (n=26) of North American and 48% (n=22) of European students failing to meet the PA guidelines. The most common barrier cited was “lack of time due to study or work commitments”. Thirty five percent of students (n=48) were doing less PA and 41% (n=57) had given up a sport since starting university.

Conclusions
When compared with the Irish national student population (inactivity rate 36%, Murphy et al. 2015), international students, and Asian students in particular were less likely to meet the PA guidelines.

Practical Implications
A targeted approach towards overcoming barriers and promoting PA specifically in international students is warranted, to ensure equitable access to PA and sport, as a key component of a Health Promoting University.

Funding
Nil