EXPLORING THE TREND FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONGST

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS STUDYING WITHIN MALAYSIAN

UNIVERSITIES

Khaled Khalifa Dougman1, Kirsten Jean Orr2, Kim Geok Soh3 4, Aminuddin Yusof3,
Kim Lam Soh55

1AbuDhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

2Camali Clinic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra

Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.

4Sports Academy, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
5Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health

Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.

Correspond email: kdoukman@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore and review the physical activity habits of male
and female international students (from Africa, Europe, Asia and America) who are
studying in Malaysia and the impact of conditions such as climate, personal safety,
social environment and access to facilities may have for them. Eight international
postgraduate students, aged between 30-35 years old (2 African, 3 European, 2 Asian
and 1 American) participated in this qualitative research, a personal interview and
audiotape were used and the sessions were professionally transcribed. The findings
indicated that the physical environment affects the choices made by participants, with
regard to exercising. Personal safety is also a barrier in participating in physical activity
especially for female students. In conclusion, this study found that weather (heavy
rain) has a direct impact on the student choices of engaging in outdoor activity, as
there is more risk of injury. A public health strategy to promote PA should strongly
emphasize the role of environmental influences, and create more opportunities for
the public to become physically active in their daily lives.

Introduction
Being physically active is related to psychological wellbeing, including positive mood
and decreased depressive and anxiety symptoms (Center for Disease Control &
Prevention, 2010a). Physical activity (PA) can also enhance good health and reduce
the risks of obesity and associated chronic disease (Power, Pinto Pereira, Law, & Ki,
2014). Regular PA can increase cardiovascular fitness, muscle mass, and decrease
body fat mass. Another advantage of engaging in PA during weight loss is preparing
the person to be able to keep weight off (Hill & Wyatt, 2005).

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Physical Activity is usually defined as any body movement produced by skeletal
muscles that result in a significant increase over the resting energy expenditure
(World Health Organization (WHO), 2011). Good health can also be enhanced by
regular physical activity, which can reduce the risks of obesity and associated chronic
disease (Doukman & Soh, 2014). However, there are many issues connected with
adhering to a physically active lifestyle and these may include socioeconomic status,
cultural influences, weather, and health status (Doukman et al, 2014). A greater
understanding is required as to how an individual’s behavior is influenced by such
changes, and consequently what interventions can be made in order for individuals,
irrespective of backgrounds, to engage in and maintain a physically active lifestyle
needs to be developed and tested (Humpel et al, 2002).
Environmental factors also need to be considered in encouraging participation in PA
after school, thus ensuring efficient, safe, and acceptable exercise regimens, which is
of substantial public-health importance (Tu et al., 2004). The weather cannot be
changed, but knowledge of how weather conditions affect physical activity can help
policy makers and providers of health care to adapt recommendations to moderate
its effects. (Chan & Ryan, 2009). Identifying and reducing specific barriers (e.g., lack of
knowledge of the health benefits of PA, limited access to facilities, low self-efficacy,
and environmental issues) is important for efforts designed to increase PA (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), 2004b). In addition, the nature of a
neighborhood’s environment, such as weather, hills, trees for shade, and exhaust
fumes, may also play an important role in an individual's decision to be physically
active (CDCP, 2010b).

The character of a neighborhood's natural environment, such as weather, hills, trees

for shade and exhaust fumes, may also play an important role in an individual's
decision to be physically active (Tu et al., 2004; Panter & Jones 2010). Weather too
has been identified as a apparent barrier to engaging in physical activity, but exactly
which unfavorable weather conditions are most important, and the degree to which
they are a factor to decreasing PA, have rarely been quantified amongst populations
(Chan & Ryan, 2009). According to Aman et al (2007), pollution, humidity, high
temperature, heavy rain during the monsoon seasons, and early darkness, in Kuala
Lumpur significantly reduces participation in physical activity.

Several qualitative studies identified that weather and environment as important

factors influencing upon PA or inactivity. However, these studies have failed to
address the specific effects of differing weather conditions, difference of culture and
personal safety, which may further affect individuals who have moved to a different
part of the world. Cultural norms and values strongly influence individuals’ behavior
in terms of dietary habits and active lifestyles, as well as their perceptions of health
and personal weight. Chaput et al (2006) found that the likelihood of being overweight
or obese increases with time from the very start that a person emigrates, indicating
that PA levels may reduce as immigrants become acculturated. Factors such as
personal safety could be a very important reason for people cutting down, or omitting
completely, exercising outdoors. This is of particular concern for foreign students and
is discussed openly in student meetings. Although swimming pools are commonly
available in Malaysia, the lack of any lifeguard provision may have a detrimental effect,
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Malaysian Universities contain a high percentage of foreign students. Identifying and
reducing specific barriers (e.g., lack of knowledge of the health benefits of physical
activity, limited access to facilities, low self-efficacy, and environmental issues are
important for efforts designed to increase physical activity (CDCB, 2004). By being
aware of, and addressing the difficulties in maintaining an appropriate level of physical
activity for these students will be of benefit to all.

This study will focus on and aim to answer the following three questions:
1. Do cultural differences have an impact on the participation of physical activity?
2. Do environment i.e. temperature, humidity levels, rain affect the choices made
with regard to exercising?
3. To what level do concerns about personal safety and the built environment
impact on the choices made with regard to exercising?

Research Design
A qualitative research method was used for this study. It would be possible through
qualitative methodology; to examine the way people perceive, create and interpret
their world (Chan & Ryan 2009; Chandler, 2005). Eight international postgraduate
students, aged between 30-35 years old (2 African, 3 European, 2 Asian and 1
American) who are currently studying in Malaysia participated in the study. The actual
sample size in the qualitative studies is relatively unimportant, as it is the reader, not
the author, generalizing (Taylor & Bogdan, 1998). Data was gathered through in depth
interviews. Category and themes were developed to identify daily PA patterns from
workday activities and participating in physical exercise. Interviews were audio taped
because it is an efficient form of data collection and can accumulate information about
several people in one session (Thomas & Nelson, 2015).

In order to ensure validity and reliability, the entire study was described to the
participants before the interview. General interview guide approach was used to
ensure that the same general areas of information are collected from each
interviewee. Playing back the recording to the interviewee allowed them to clarify
any doubts about the interview and make sure, they are confirming their responses
and those they have the opportunity to edit anything that they are not content with.

Findings and Discussion

Findings were categorized as: built environment, weather, safety, and social and
cultural. Such factors have been classified within seven domains: demographic and
behavioral attributes and skills, social and cultural, physical environmental and PA
characteristics.

Built environment matters

Aspects of the physical environment, such as having facilities or reduction of facilities,
are items frequently used in investigating the relationship between physical
activity/inactivity (Chan & Ryan, 2009). Generally, there showed little difficulty with
available facilities for those that sought indoor activities, for swimmers and horse-
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rider, or for the student who has the opportunity to access a running machine in the
home. Difficulties arise mainly for those seeking outdoor activities especially people
interested in running or walking any distance. There is no running track out side the
university campus and the road is unsuitable as there are no pedestrian lanes to allow
for running or power walking.
The African participant said that he would have run from where he lives to the
University, but felt this was dangerous to do so, as there is no cycle or running pathway
on this route.
Interviewer: Do you partake in any regular PA? What impact does the environment
have on your choices to exercise?
African student: I would usually like to play basketball or run. Since moving to Malaysia
ten months ago, I have found this more difficult. Running outside is not safe here. There
are no facilities for pedestrians and the traffic is very bad.
Interviewer: What about basketball?
African student: I have found a local area with a basketball net that I can “shoot some
hoops” and run around a bit, but have been unable to find any clubs or teams to enroll
in.
This view was also expressed by the man from Zanzibar and as well as the 2 Asian
students.
Interviewer: Do you partake in any regular PA? What impact does the environment
have on your choices to exercise?
Zanzibar student: I used to run a lot. This is difficult to do in KL because it is dangerous
to run outside. It is too hot during the day and only possible therefore in the evening
or when it is dark, and then it is unsafe. There are no parks or running tracks and the
traffic is so busy all the time making it unsafe to run near the road.
Asian student: I would “power walk” at home. But here there is nowhere to go, unless
you have a treadmill at home. It is too built up in KL and too much traffic with
motorcycles and “crazy driving”. It is also much more polluted here. I do not think that
makes exercising very well, to breathe in all those fumes!
People with different activity backgrounds may walk or run, as these are sports, which
are inexpensive and easy for anybody to partake in. Booth et al (2000) reported that
accessibility of footpaths perceived as being safe for walking and jogging, is related to
a physically active population. The limitation of running and walking paths could
therefore reduce daily PA and might have a reflection on general public health. Booth
et al (2000) found accessibility of local facilities is positively associated with sufficient
PA levels and leisure time providing a range of health benefits. Some years later, Giles-
Corti and Donovan (2002) also found that accessibility to facilities is associated with
different facilities use. They concluded that a supportive environment would seem to
be necessary, but may be insufficient on its own, to increase activity levels of
populations.
In view of this, there is a contradictory view, as the necessity of increasing the amount
of people participating in PA should be made whenever it’s possible and conceding
different countries individually in terms of design and architecture. Certain factors of
the built up urban environment such as the presence of sidewalks, streetlights,
interconnectivity of streets and population safety appear to encourage PA and thus
reduce the risk of obesity and related health problems (Lopez & Hynes, 2006; Panter
& Jones, 2010).
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Personal safety and PA
Few studies on PA have reported significant associations regarding safety. In this
study, safety was one of the key issues associated with PA and inactivity. Both the
Asian and European female participants reported they had heard of many unfavorable
incidents occurring to females who were exercising on their own.
Interviewer: What are the differences with exercising here rather than your home
country?
Female students: I would be apprehensive about exercising outdoors in KL. I have heard
that some girls have been attacked or having things stolen from them. You do not see
anyone running here which makes me feel more vulnerable.
Interviewer: Would you run on your own at home? How is it different here?
Female students: At home, I would run with a running club. I have not been able to find
that here. If I were running on my own, it would be during the day, in a public place
with many other people, like in a park maybe.
Interviewer: What indoor sports/activities are of interest to you?
Female students: I like swimming. Many of the pools here do not have lifeguards
though.

In view of this, they disclosed they would not consider outdoor activity alone, which
understandably limits opportunity for activity as finding a companion, is not always
accessible or convenient.

In contrast, some found safety concerns to have few associations with PA. Humpel et
al (2002) explained the possibility for the lack of association with safety is that those
who are physically active may do so in places other than their own neighborhood.
Consequently, neighborhood safety may not then be an issue. Perhaps safety would
seem to be related only to outdoor activity and therefore studies need to focus on
measuring specific outdoor activities rather than activity as a whole.
Despite the fact that a significant association was found between perceived safety
from crime and PA behavior by the CDCP (2010a), safety may also need to be
separated into further categories. These could include perceived safety from crime or
safety from injury (e.g., lack of footpaths or wet basketball courts and no pool
lifeguards). The female student who took part in this study reported that swimming
without the attendance of lifeguards’ made them feel less safe and makes the
swimming less enjoyable. Future research should explore possible gender differences
in perceived safety for exercising (Humpel et al, 2002).

Weather / climate does not matter

Present data does not indicate weather conditions as a barrier to limiting participation
in PA. Parks et al, (2003) and King et al (2004) are agreed that environmental factors
such as weather and the lack of suitable places to exercise are not related in activity
lifestyles and considering weather as a barrier to PA was not independently associated
with meeting the recommendations for adult PA.
Although, many studies reported that weather conditions are not strongly related to
PA level, it is difficult to assess fully as the climate contributions incorporated in most
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studies are done so jointly with items related to other factors. Studies need to
incorporate the reported weather variable as a separate item. Furthermore, Humpel
et al, (2002) noticed that seasonal variation is not a fixed attribute of the environment,
but a number of features including daylight hours; temperature, humidity, rain, and
wind may influence PA. This statement is significant for a country like Malaysian,
which experiences significant quantities of rain.
This study highlighted an interesting point from the Gambian participant, who stated
that although he had little difficulty with the heat and humidity of Malaysia’s climate
he did find that excessive rain affected on his ability to partake in his usual physical
activities. He identified heavy rain as a significant barrier to playing basketball, as wet
ground provides a serious risk of injury and therefore he does not play at times of
heavy rainfall which is every often to have in Malaysia.

Interviewer: How does the Malaysian weather/climate impact on your activity levels?
Student: I am used to a hot climate. I can cope with that! There is heavy rain here.
When the basketball court is very wet it can be dangerous. I am scared to fall, injure
myself, and then not be able to exercise at all.
Weather conditions could reduce the outdoor PA level for those living in countries
where rain falls heavily throughout the year. High or low temperatures, rain, snow or
wind may all serve to decrease the pleasure derived from outdoor activities (Chan &
Ryan, 2009).

In the past decade, Sallis et al (1998) found that a neighborhood environment scale,
which presented neighborhood features, perceived safety, and neighborhood
character are not related to any measure of PA. In the following year Sallis et al, (1998)
and Hovell et al (1998) reported that neighborhood environment safety and ease of
exercising in the neighborhood and frequently seeing others exercise did not appear
as a barrier to vigorous exercise. However, their finding should take into account the
nature of the society, from different aspects such as the socioeconomic and the
monograph of the society.

However, in a more recent year, Chan & Ryan, (2009) and Humpel et al (2002) found
that neighborhood characteristics of hills, scenery, and unattended dogs were
significantly associated with enjoyment and participation of PA and they agreed that
additional studies conducted covering differing climate zones, will be helpful in
developing materials to promote physical activity and interventions that take the
weather into account. Developing PA interventions that utilize outdoor spaces and
facilities need to consider how to address these factors for example, by suggesting
alternative indoor activities and emphasizing the need for protective clothing and
proper footwear.

Cultural differences matter

Interviewer: Are there activities you participate in with your Malaysian colleagues
Student: There is little emphasis on exercise here. Most people drive or use public
transport to and from school/work.
Interviewer: What clubs or teams have you explored?

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Student: I have felt a bit excluded from any clubs run by locals or outdoor events and
have therefore tried to form a team formed of fellow international/African students.
Student: I find that those Malaysians that do exercise or play sport do not have much
“fight” in them. I mean I like a competitive game if I am going to play at all!
Surprisingly, and of some concern two students in this study reported feeling
uncomfortable or unwelcomed by some locals in physical activity events or playing
outdoors. They believed that playing sport with their natives was the only option.
The built up urban environment can also affect social connectivity, motivation and
stimulating interaction with others, and increasing people's trust in society.
Alternatively, it can discourage connections with neighbors, reduce social capital, and
foster a distrust of neighbors (Freeman, 2001). Furthermore, social studies in PA
should focus on individuals who have moved or relocated to another part of the world.
A central focus of ecologic models is the role of the physical environment, recognizing
that environments themselves and people’s behavior within them are formed by
social and organizational influences (Humpel et al, 2002).

Conclusion
It appears that all students interviewed are aware of the importance of PA as part of
their life. It’s important to identify the barriers related to engaging in physical activity
and consider any opportunity to increase the habitual PA i.e. by providing more
walking and cycling paths when building new roads and more access to indoors sports
halls specially in country that have a long heavy rain seasons, like Malaysia. It is
necessary to recognize the factors that can be changed to induce PA behavior. These
results indicate that researchers should consider perceptions of the natural
environment when developing physical activity intervention. A public health strategy
to promote PA should strongly emphasize the role of environmental influences, and
create more opportunities for the public to become physically active in their
daily lives. In doing so it is necessary to provide indoor sporting facilities that can
especially be used during wet weather or hot days, with the intention to remove
physical barriers that impact on peoples PA regimen finally, it would be interesting to
view the local student opinions regarding the same study component. Additional
studies, conducted across a range of climactic zones, will be helpful in developing PA
promotional materials and interventions that take the weather into account.

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